ESD phone system stuck in loop - can't report job searches for weekly claim

yep its broken. tried 5 times yesterday and gave up. gonna try the website instead but dang the site is confusing

The website is what sent me to the phone system in the first place! When I tried to enter my job searches online, it gave me an error saying I needed to call. Now I'm stuck in this ridiculous loop. So frustrated!

This happens at the end of every month when everyone is trying to report their job searches at once. The system gets overloaded and can't handle the call volume. I had the same issue last month and almost lost my benefits because of it. Have you tried accessing the eServices portal from a different browser? Sometimes the error telling you to call is just a browser compatibility issue. Also, take screenshots of your attempts just in case you need to appeal if they try to disqualify you for late reporting.

Thanks for the tip about screenshots! I'll definitely do that. I just tried Edge instead of Chrome and still getting the same error. So stressful - I can't afford to miss a payment right now.

I found a workaround that might help. Instead of selecting the job search reporting option first, go through the weekly claim filing option. Then when it asks if you want to report job searches, say yes. For some reason, this route doesn't get stuck in the same loop. I think there are different phone queues for different services, and the direct job search one is completely overwhelmed right now. If that doesn't work, try calling exactly at 7:59am tomorrow - right before they officially open. The queue is usually shorter then.\n\nAlso, if you're really stuck, remember that technically you have until Sunday to complete your weekly claim with job searches, even though it's best to do it on your scheduled day.

I'll definitely try your suggestion about going through the weekly claim filing path first. And I didn't realize I had until Sunday - that's a relief! Thank you!

DONT EVEN BOTHER WITH THE ESD PHONE LINES!!! They're ALWAYS like this!!! I spent 14 HOURS last month trying to get through and when I finally did the rep hung up on me after putting me on hold for 40 minutes!!! The entire system is designed to make us give up so they don't have to pay us!!!! 😡😡😡

I understand your frustration, but I don't think it's intentionally designed to make people give up. The systems are just outdated and weren't built to handle the current volume. Still agree it's incredibly frustrating though.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It helped me get through to an ESD agent when I was stuck in a similar situation last month. Their service basically holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Honestly, it was worth it to not spend my entire day hitting redial.

I've never heard of that service before! I'll check out the video. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get this sorted before my claim deadline.

sounds sketchy. do they actually work? dont want to waste more time on something that doesnt help

@profile8 It worked for me! I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for 3 days to get through. They connected me with an actual ESD agent who fixed my issue. The video demo shows exactly how it works.

For anyone still struggling with this issue: I'm an employment counselor and can confirm there are technical difficulties with the job search reporting system today. ESD is aware of the problem and working on it. In these situations, I recommend:\n\n1. Document all your job search activities separately (date, employer, action taken, etc.)\n2. Take screenshots of any error messages\n3. Try reporting through eServices AND by phone\n4. If neither works by your deadline, call the technical support line at 855-682-0785 instead of the regular unemployment line\n\nRemember: if you can document that you attempted to report multiple times but were prevented by technical issues, you have grounds for appeal if they try to disqualify you. Also, if you already have 3+ job searches recorded for this claim week, you should still receive your payment even if you can't add new ones.

This is incredibly helpful information! I'll call that technical support number right now. Thank you so much - I feel much less panicked now.

This reminds me of what happened to me back in January when my car broke down on the way to a job interview and I couldn't report that I missed the interview and the whole system thought I turned down work and they suspended my claim for THREE WEEKS until I could talk to someone and get it fixed and I almost got evicted because my landlord doesn't care about ESD problems he just wants the rent on time and it was the most stressful thing ever so I feel your pain about the phone system!!!

wow that sucks man. system is broken fr

UPDATE: I just managed to get through on the phone! The trick was selecting option 4 for

That's brilliant! I'll try that right now. Thanks so much for coming back to share this solution!

This is an excellent workaround! Thanks for sharing it with everyone. This is exactly the kind of creative problem-solving that helps when dealing with technical glitches.

FINAL UPDATE: I finally got through using the Option 4 trick! The agent confirmed there's a system-wide issue with the job search reporting function that they're still working on fixing. She took my job search details manually and noted in my file that I attempted to report multiple times before the deadline. My weekly claim is now properly filed. Thanks everyone for all your help and suggestions!

Glad you got it sorted out! It's always a relief when these ESD issues get resolved before affecting your benefits. Good thinking to come back and update everyone too.