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Emma Bianchi

ESD won't let us update employer address during claim filing - stuck in application limbo

Anyone else run into this maddening issue? My husband is trying to file his unemployment claim, but ESD's system has the WRONG address for his former employer. When he tries to update the address in the online application, the system gives him an error and won't let him proceed OR save the correct information. He's called ESD at least 15 times over the last two days, but every single time he gets the automated message saying they're too busy and to call back later (then it hangs up!). His claim is just sitting there unfinished because of this technical glitch. We're getting really anxious because it's already been a week since his last day, and bills are coming up. Has anyone found a workaround for the address update issue? Or figured out how to actually get through to a real person at ESD? Any help would be so appreciated!

same thing happened to us back in November!! the system is SO broken. my bf had to call like 50+ times over 3 days before he finally got thru. just keep calling is all i can say... try early morning like right when they open. good luck!!

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Thanks for the tip! Did they fix the employer address issue right away once he finally got through? Or did it cause more delays?

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This is unfortunately a common issue with the ESD system. The employer address data comes from the state's business registration database, which often has outdated information. Here's what your husband should do: 1. Keep the claim open but incomplete for now (don't cancel it) 2. Document the correct employer information with any verification you have (paystubs, W-2, etc) 3. Try calling at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - the queue fills up within minutes 4. If you can't get through by phone, you can also try submitting a message through your husband's eServices account under the "Contact Us" option 5. As a last resort, some people have had success by going to their local WorkSource office in person and asking for help The most important thing is to keep detailed notes of all attempts to contact ESD, as this will help if there's a delay in benefits due to this system error.

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Thank you so much for this detailed advice! We didn't know about the WorkSource option - there's one about 20 minutes from us, so that might be our best bet if we can't get through by phone tomorrow morning.

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I had the SAME EXACT PROBLEM last month and it was driving me CRAZY!!! The system kept rejecting my employer's address and then would freeze up. I tried for TWO WEEKS to get through to ESD on the phone with no luck - just the stupid "call back later" message over and over. Eventually I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me through to an ESD agent in about 30 minutes. It basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through then calls you when an agent is on the line. Saved me so much frustration! You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. Once I finally talked to someone, they fixed the address issue in like 2 minutes and I could finish my claim. Hope this helps!

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Is that service legit? sounds kinda sketchy tbh

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Yeah, it's totally legit. I was skeptical too but was desperate after wasting hours trying to get through. It worked exactly as advertised - they just do the calling for you and connect you when they get through. The ESD agent I spoke with even mentioned that a lot of people are using it now because of how impossible it is to get through otherwise.

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Try this: Instead of trying to update the address during the initial filing, complete the claim with the incorrect address, then immediately file an address correction through your eServices account. You can upload documentation showing the correct address (W-2, paystubs, etc.). I'm an employment counselor and I've had several clients successfully use this workaround. The key is to get the claim submitted first, then fix the address afterward. This way you at least get in the system and start the process. Your husband should document the issue in the comments section of the claim if possible. One important note - make sure your husband continues to file weekly claims even while waiting for this issue to be resolved! This is critical so he doesn't lose any weeks of benefits once the claim is processed.

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That's really helpful advice, thank you! We were worried about submitting with incorrect info, but it makes sense to get into the system first. If we can't get through by phone tomorrow, we'll try this approach.

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have u tried doing it at night? sometimes the system works better when less ppl r using it. i had to file mine at like 11pm cuz daytime it kept crashing

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We haven't tried that yet! That's a good idea - maybe the system won't be so glitchy late at night. We'll give it a shot tonight.

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ESD is an absolute nightmare to deal with. When I lost my job during the holidays, I went through something similar. The address issue was just one of MANY problems I had with their broken system. I finally got so fed up I contacted my state representative's office and explained the situation. Their constituent services person was able to escalate my case and got ESD to call me directly within 48 hours. Might be worth a try if you keep hitting walls with the regular channels.

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This is actually really good advice. My brother did the same thing and it worked. Politicians hate when state agencies make them look bad lol

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We hadn't thought of this option! That might be our backup plan if we can't resolve it this week. Thanks for sharing.

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i just remembered somthing!!! if the address is actually right but just formatted different that might be why its rejecting it. like if employer has "street" but ur typing "st" or if there missing an apartment # or something. my bf had that exact problem and thats why the stupid system kept rejecting it. maybe try typing the address EXACTLY how it wud appear on official mail?

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Oh wow, that's a great point! The business moved to a different suite in the same building last year, so maybe that's the issue. We'll try with different formatting of the same address. Thanks for the suggestion!

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This is excellent advice. The ESD system is very particular about address formatting. Try using the USPS official address format (you can look it up on usps.com). Also make sure to use the official business name exactly as it appears in state records, not any DBA or shortened versions.

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why cant u just use the address they have? does it really matter if its wrong? as long as ur husband gets his money...

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This could cause serious problems. ESD uses the employer information to verify employment history and earnings. If they can't match records properly, it could lead to benefit delays, denial, or even an overpayment situation later. It's always best to have accurate information on your claim.

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UPDATE: We finally got this resolved! After trying everything suggested here, what actually worked was a combination of approaches. We tried calling right at 8:00 AM as suggested and still couldn't get through. Then we went to the WorkSource office, and while they couldn't directly fix the ESD system issue, the staff there gave us a direct email for an ESD technical support person. We sent a detailed explanation with screenshots of the error message, and they responded within a few hours! They manually updated the employer address on their end, and my husband was able to complete his claim last night. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

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That's great news! Make sure your husband continues to file weekly claims while waiting for the initial claim to process. The first payment typically takes 2-3 weeks from the completion date if there are no other issues.

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So glad you got it figured out! This will be helpful info for anyone else who runs into the same problem.

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Wow, what a journey! Thanks for sharing the update - this is exactly the kind of info that helps other people dealing with the same nightmare. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread in case I ever need to deal with ESD issues. It's crazy that it takes going to a physical office to get an email address that actually works, but at least there IS a solution buried somewhere in the bureaucracy. Congrats on getting it sorted out and hope the payments come through quickly!

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