ESD phone numbers that actually work? Need to reach a human without getting hung up on!
Has anyone found working ESD phone numbers that don't disconnect you? The system keeps hanging up on me whenever I select menu options! I've been trying to resolve an issue with my daughter's claim for over a week now. During the pandemic I could at least get through after 3-4 hours on hold (with my phone plugged in so it wouldn't die, lol), but now it's literally impossible to reach anyone. I'm helping my daughter while she's out physically job hunting, and I'm at my wit's end with these automated disconnects. It's like they've programmed the system to avoid human contact at all costs! 🤬 Any direct numbers, specific menu options that work, best times to call, or ANY tricks to actually connect with a real person would be incredibly appreciated. Even if it means being on hold forever - at least that's better than constant hang-ups!
19 comments
Yara Khoury
Try calling 833-572-8400 exactly at 8:00am. Don't pick any menu options, just wait until it transfers you to a person. I got through last week after about 2.5 hours on hold, but at least they didn't hang up! The trick is calling right when they open.
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Connor O'Reilly
•Thank you! I'll set my alarm and try this tomorrow morning. Did you just stay silent when the automated system asked questions, or did you have to press certain buttons?
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Yara Khoury
•I pressed 1 for English, then just waited through all the other prompts without pressing anything else. Eventually it said "please hold while we connect you with a representative" - that's when you know you're in the queue instead of getting disconnected.
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Keisha Taylor
the 833 number never works for me i spent 5 days trying and always got hung up on. someone need to fix this garbage system its like they dont want to help anyone
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StardustSeeker
•Try calling the ESD intake line at 800-318-6022 and immediately press * when the automated system starts. This sometimes bypasses the normal menu and puts you directly in line for an agent. It worked for me when I was dealing with adjudication last month.
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Paolo Marino
I spent WEEKS trying to get through to ESD using all the official numbers and never got anywhere!! Then I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 30 minutes. They basically keep dialing for you and secure your spot in line, then call you when they have an agent. Saved me so much frustration! Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The best part was that I finally got my adjudication issue resolved after being stuck for over a month. Definitely worth checking out if you're desperate like I was.
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Amina Bah
•Is this legit? Sounds too good to be true considering I've been trying for days to get through. How does it actually work?
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Oliver Becker
For technical issues or claims requiring special attention, you can try the Technical Support line at 855-682-0785. This line is specifically for accounts that are locked or have identity verification issues. If your daughter's claim involves ID verification or account access problems, this might be your best bet. General tips for any ESD number: - Call Tuesday-Thursday (Monday and Friday are typically the busiest) - Call between 1-3pm (often slightly less busy than mornings) - Have all claim information ready (SSN, claim ID, and exact dates of issues) - Be extremely clear and concise about the specific problem when you get through Hope this helps!
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Connor O'Reilly
•Thank you so much for these detailed tips! Her issue involves weekly claims that suddenly stopped processing correctly, not an ID verification problem, but I'll try your suggestion about calling mid-week during the 1-3pm window. Having a strategy makes me feel less helpless. I really appreciate it!
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Natasha Petrova
My friend works at WorkSource (connected to ESD) and she told me they're super understaffed right now. Apparently tons of agents quit over the last few months because of burnout. That's why it's gotten even harder to reach anyone compared to during the pandemic when they at least had extra staff. Really sucks for everyone trying to get help. 😑
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Javier Hernandez
•this is so frustratingggg!! my landlord doesnt care that ESD wont answer their phones, he just wants his rent paid on time. im bout to be homeless because some government agency cant pick up a phone 😡
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StardustSeeker
Here's a workaround that's been working for some people recently: call the main ESD number, select Spanish option (even if you don't speak Spanish), then when an agent answers, politely explain you need assistance in English. Many of the Spanish-speaking agents are fully bilingual, and that queue is often much shorter than the English one. The Spanish option is typically 2 or 9 depending on which number you call. Another option: if your daughter qualifies for veterans services, the veterans unemployment line at 800-562-2308 typically has much shorter wait times and can often help with regular claims too.
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Connor O'Reilly
•The Spanish line tip is genius! I feel a little bad about using it that way, but desperate times... She's not a veteran, so that second option won't work for us. I'll definitely try the Spanish line trick tomorrow if the early morning attempt doesn't work. Thank you!
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Keisha Taylor
i just want to know why they even bother having phone numbers if they just hang up on everyone?? such a broken system
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Amina Bah
•Agree 100%. It's practically criminal how they treat people who are already struggling. Makes you wonder if they disconnect on purpose to reduce their workload.
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Yara Khoury
I actually had good luck emailing them through the eServices message center. It took about 4-5 days to get a response, but they did eventually get back to me and resolved my issue without needing to speak to anyone. Might be worth trying while you continue attempting to reach someone by phone.
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Connor O'Reilly
•We've tried sending three messages through eServices over the past two weeks with no response. It feels like they're ignoring both phone and online communications. But maybe we'll try one more detailed message with all the claim information. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Amina Bah
Has your daughter tried visiting a WorkSource office in person? Sometimes they can help with ESD issues or at least provide direct contacts. Not all WorkSource staff can access ESD systems, but some can and it might save a lot of phone frustration.
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Connor O'Reilly
•That's a great idea! I didn't realize WorkSource might be able to help with this. There's an office about 20 minutes from us - I'll suggest she stop by there tomorrow. Much appreciated!
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