ESD phone system nightmare - impossible to reach an actual agent?

Unfortunately this is a common problem with ESD. Their call volume is extremely high and they're perpetually understaffed. I've had success getting through by calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they first open. Set an alarm, have the number ready to dial, and keep trying. If you get the "high call volume" message, hang up and immediately redial. Sometimes it takes 15-20 attempts in a row, but that's how I finally got through last month.

ive been in ur same situation last month!!! soooo frustrating!!! i tried calling 4 WEEKS before gettin thru to someone. my claim was stuck in adjudication and nobody was doing anything about it. ESD is the WORST. good luck!!!

I work with unemployment claims regularly, and this is unfortunately an ongoing issue with the ESD phone system. The best approach is multi-pronged: 1. Continue trying the phone lines early in the morning (8:00-8:30am) 2. Send a detailed message through your eServices account 3. Check if you qualify for "standby" status if you're returning to your employer 4. Make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims correctly while waiting 5. Check your Notices/Letters tab in eServices - sometimes they request information there without clearly notifying you For ID verification specifically, double-check that you uploaded all required documents in the correct format. Their system is very particular about document types and image quality.

Not to go off topic but this reminds me of when I was trying to reach ESD last year about an overpayment notice. I ended up having to drive to my local WorkSource office in person and even then they couldn't directly help with my claim but at least gave me better contact info. Maybe try that if you have one nearby?

After struggling with the same issue for weeks, I finally tried using Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it actually worked! Instead of waiting on hold forever, they get you in the callback queue and then call you when an ESD agent is ready to talk. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It's the only thing that helped me resolve my adjudication issue after three weeks of trying to get through on my own.

One other thing to try: call the technical support line instead of the claims line. Sometimes they have shorter wait times, and while they're not supposed to handle claim issues, occasionally they'll transfer you to someone who can help or at least look up basic information about your claim status.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!!! They do this on purpose so people stop trying to collect the benefits they're entitled to. I spent SIX WEEKS trying to resolve an "adjudication" issue that was THEIR mistake to begin with. By the time I got through, I was behind on rent and had to take on credit card debt just to survive. It's absolutely criminal how they treat people who are already struggling.

Have you tried contacting your state representative? When my husband's claim was stuck for over a month, I emailed our state rep's office and they actually helped escalate the issue. Had it resolved within a week after that. Just a thought!

UPDATE: I finally got through this morning! For anyone else struggling, here's what worked: I followed the advice to call right at 8:00am, but I also used a different phone than I had been using previously. Not sure if that made a difference, but I finally got into the queue instead of getting disconnected. Waited on hold for 47 minutes but eventually spoke with an agent who was actually very helpful. Turns out there was an issue with my ID verification that needed to be resolved. They're expediting my claim now and said I should see movement in the next 2-3 business days. Thank you everyone for the advice and support!