ESD phone system won't let me file weekly claim - only gives insurance benefit options

the phone system is trash tbh. it got me in circles last month too. they changed something in their menu options recently and now its confusing. try pressing 1, then 3, then 2, then 2 again. that worked for me after like 5 tries

The weekly claim phone system has a specific number that's different from the general inquiries line. You need to call 800-318-6022 and then press 1 for English (or 2 for Spanish), then 1 again to file your weekly claim. Make sure you're calling between Sunday-Friday from 8am to 4pm. The weekly claim phone system is shut down on Saturdays for maintenance. Also, when the automated system asks for your SSN, enter it using the keypad, then it will ask for your PIN. After those steps, you should get to the weekly claim questions.

I had exact same problem!!! Was so frustrating. The menu options don't match what they say on the ESD website. When I finally got through after 10 tries they told me system was glitching and there was nothing they could do except open a ticket. Then my claim was delayed TWO WEEKS! 😡

If you're having trouble with both the automated phone system and the website, you might need to speak with an actual ESD agent to file your claim. I had this issue when there was a flag on my account that was preventing the automated system from accepting my weekly claim. I was able to get through to an agent using Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they connect you directly to ESD without waiting on hold for hours. I used their service after spending days trying to get through. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I got through, the agent was able to file my weekly claim over the phone and also fix whatever was causing the system to route me incorrectly.

Your account might be flagged for adjudication or have an issue that's preventing automated filing. This happened to me and I had to go through the adjudication process before I could file weekly claims normally again. Check your online account (when the website is back up) to see if there are any alerts or messages about your claim status.

The weekly claim phone system menu changed on March 15, 2025. The new sequence is: 1. Call 800-318-6022 2. Press 1 for English 3. Enter SSN and PIN when prompted 4. Press 1 for "Claim Benefits" 5. Press 3 for "File a weekly claim" If you're getting insurance options, you might be in the wrong menu. Are you sure you're calling the right number? The unemployment weekly claims and the insurance benefits use different systems entirely.

have you tried using the esd app? sometimes works when website down

This exact thing happened to me last week! Website down for maintenance and phone system kept directing me to insurance benefits. I finally got through by calling at EXACTLY 8:01am on Monday morning. Literally the minute they opened. After that I could file my weekly claim with no problem. Try calling right when they open!

Just wanted to follow up: did you manage to file your weekly claim? If you're still having issues, make sure you're calling during the correct timeframe (Sunday-Friday, 8am-4pm) and that you haven't missed your filing deadline. Each week has a specific window when you can file.