ESD phone system stuck in loop between menu options #4 and #7 - can't reach an agent

YES! This is happening to me too! I've called like 15 times this week. Option #4 takes me to some generic information recording, and #7 just brings me back to the same menu. It's absolutely maddening! I think something broke in their system after they did that update last month. My friend said she just kept hitting 0 repeatedly until it eventually transferred her, but that didn't work for me at all.

I ran into this exact problem last week. The ESD phone system is completely broken right now. After struggling for days, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 15 minutes. They have this system that navigates the phone tree for you and puts you in line for a callback from an actual ESD agent. Worked really well for me - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Definitely worth it when you're desperate to resolve claim issues.

@casual_commenter - Not an ad, just sharing what worked for me after being stuck in that same phone loop for days. And yes, I did get through to ESD - they called me back about 15 minutes after I used the service. I was skeptical too at first, but I was desperate after trying for almost a week to get through on my own.

This phone menu loop is a known issue that started about 3 weeks ago after ESD updated their phone system. Here's what's actually happening: The system is failing to recognize your claim status correctly, which is why it's only offering limited menu options. Try this workaround: 1. Call the main number (800-318-6022) 2. DO NOT enter your SSN when prompted 3. Press # instead 4. When it asks why you're calling, press 4 for "other questions" 5. Then press 2 for "claim questions" This should bypass the broken personalized menu and get you to the general queue. You'll still have a wait, but at least you'll be in line for an agent. I've helped several people get through this way in the past week.

the esd phone system is GARBAGE!!1! they do this on purpose to keep us from getting our benefits. i had to call 37 TIMES last month before i got through. when i finally reached someone they said my claim was fine the whole time and there was no reason it wasnt processing. the whole system is designed to make us give up!!!!

I had this problem too last week! What worked for me was calling right when they open at 8:00 AM. I still got the weird loop menu thing but I just kept pressing different numbers randomly and somehow ended up in a queue. Waited about an hour but finally got through to a person who fixed my claim issue. Maybe try early morning?

Just an FYI for everyone dealing with this issue - I spoke with an ESD supervisor yesterday about an unrelated matter, and they mentioned they're aware of the phone system problems. Apparently, the recent update created a glitch in how the system routes calls based on claim status. They're working on a fix, but no ETA yet. In the meantime, the workaround @helpful_guidance suggested is the official recommendation from ESD staff. They also said you can use the eServices message center for many issues, though response times are currently around 7-10 business days.

UPDATE: I finally got through using the bypass method! Waited about 50 minutes, but spoke to a very helpful agent who fixed my issue. For anyone else struggling with this problem, definitely try the method @helpful_guidance suggested - it works! Thank you everyone for your suggestions and commiseration. This community is so helpful when dealing with ESD frustrations.

I'm dealing with this exact same issue! Been trying to call for three days now and keep getting trapped in that menu loop between options 4 and 7. It's such a relief to know I'm not the only one experiencing this - I was starting to think I was doing something wrong. Definitely going to try the workaround that @helpful_guidance shared about not entering my SSN and pressing # instead. Has anyone had success with this method today, or are the wait times still really long? I have a time-sensitive issue with my claim that I really need to resolve this week.