ESD phone number not working - desperate for direct contact info
I've been trying to call the ESD unemployment office for three days straight and keep getting the 'high call volume' message before getting disconnected. Their website is confusing me and I can't find a direct way to contact an actual human being. My claim has been pending for almost 2 weeks and I'm worried about making rent next month. Does anyone have a link or phone number that actually works to reach someone at ESD? Or maybe an email address where they actually respond? Getting really frustrated with this system!
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Leeann Blackstein
I feel your pain! The main ESD number (800-318-6022) is practically useless these days. What worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they somehow get you connected to an actual ESD agent without waiting for hours. I was skeptical but desperate after 3 weeks of failed attempts. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Worth checking out if you're in a bind with rent coming up.
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Liv Park
•Thanks, I'll check that out. Did you actually get through to someone who could help? My biggest concern is getting someone who can actually look at my specific claim and tell me what's going on.
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Ryder Greene
The most reliable contact method is actually through the eServices portal. Log in, then go to your dashboard and click on "Send a message" under the Communication Center section. Be VERY specific about your issue in the message. They usually respond within 3-5 business days. Make sure to include your claim ID and the exact dates that are pending. Also, try calling right when they open at 8:00 AM - that's when I've had the most success getting through.
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Liv Park
•I tried the message system last week but haven't heard anything back yet. I'll definitely try the 8AM call tomorrow though - thanks for the tip!
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Carmella Fromis
•This is HORRIBLE advice. I sent 6 messages through that system over 2 months and NEVER got a single response!!! The whole system is designed to make us give up. They don't care about actual people struggling to pay bills!!!
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Theodore Nelson
have u tried the worksource office? sometimes they can help u get thru to esd people if u go in person. my cousin did that last month
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Ryder Greene
•This is a good suggestion. WorkSource offices can sometimes help, but they don't have direct access to your claim details. They can help with general questions and sometimes have better contact information. You'll need to make an appointment at your local WorkSource office first.
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AaliyahAli
For anyone facing this issue, here's what I recommend: 1. Call the Technical Support line (855-682-0785) instead of the main line. They're usually less busy and can sometimes transfer you to claims specialists. 2. If your claim is in adjudication, you can try the special adjudication line at 800-380-2001, but it's often just as busy. 3. Check if your state representative's office has a constituent services team - they sometimes have special channels to contact ESD. 4. Make sure your eServices account is fully set up with all documents uploaded correctly - many delays happen because of missing information. Hope this helps someone!
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Ellie Simpson
•I've been on unemployment twice in the past three years and contacting my state rep was actually what finally got my claim moving! I was surprised how quickly they responded. My case was in adjudictation for 6 weeks with zero progress until I did this. Just google "[your county] state representative" and you'll find contact info for their office.
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Arjun Kurti
Did you try refreshing the page? Sometimes the ESD site glitches and doesn't show all the contact options. Also make sure your browser isn't blocking pop-ups because sometimes their contact form opens in a new window.
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Carmella Fromis
•The problem isn't finding the contact info on their site - it's that NONE of their contact methods actually work! They deliberately make it impossible to reach anyone. The system is broken by design.
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Liv Park
UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone with the same problem, I tried calling at exactly 8:00 AM as someone suggested, and while I still had to wait about 25 minutes, I actually got to speak with a real person. They explained that my claim was delayed because of an employer response issue, but they've now moved it forward. Thanks everyone for the suggestions!
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Ryder Greene
•That's great news! Glad you got through. For your future reference, make note of the agent's name and ID number whenever you speak with someone. This creates a record of your conversation that can be helpful if you need to follow up later.
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Theodore Nelson
•nice!! morning calls always work better 👍
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