Found a backdoor into ESD's phone system through overpayment line - worked for my delayed benefits!

This is actually a legitimate strategy that can work in some cases. I've worked with ESD claims before, and the system does route calls differently based on what menu option you select. The overpayment division typically has shorter hold times. However, I should point out that this can sometimes backfire if: 1. The overpayment specialist refuses to transfer you (which is within their right) 2. You get transferred but then disconnected during transfer (happens frequently) 3. You end up in a different queue with its own wait time But when you're desperate to reach someone, it's worth trying. Just be polite when requesting the transfer, as you were. Glad it worked out for you!

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!! Been trying to reach someone for 2 weeks straight. My claim says I have an adjudication issue but doesn't say what the issue even is??? So frustrating. Going to try this method tomorrow morning first thing!!

I've been stuck in adjudication for almost 3 months now because my former employer is disputing my claim. Every time I call the regular number I get the automated message saying they're too busy. This seems worth trying, but I'm worried they'll just tell me I have to wait for adjudication to complete no matter who I reach. Did they say anything about being able to help with claims in adjudication? Or just pending payments?

As a former ESD employee, I can verify this works, but please use sparingly. When too many people use this workaround, it creates longer wait times for people with actual overpayment issues, and eventually they'll start implementing stricter routing policies. If you do try this method: 1. Be respectful to the overpayment staff - they're doing you a favor by transferring you 2. Have your claim ID, last 4 of SSN, and employment details ready 3. Be clear about what issue you're trying to resolve so they can transfer you to the right department 4. Call early in the day (8-10am) when staffing is highest 5. Expect to still wait 30-45 minutes after transfer Also, if your claim is stuck due to identity verification issues, this won't help - you'll need to go through the ID verification process regardless of who you speak with.

I've been trying to reach ESD for weeks about my adjudication issue and the endless busy signals have been driving me insane. If anyone's still struggling to get through, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to an ESD agent without the endless redial game. I was super skeptical but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3) and decided to give it a shot after three weeks of failing to get through. It worked exactly as advertised - they navigated the phone system and called me back when I was next in line to speak with an agent. Saved me literally days of frustration. The OP's method is definitely worth trying first since it's free, but if that doesn't work, Claimyr was a lifesaver for my sanity.

Just tried the overpayment line trick THIS MORNING and it actually worked!!!! Waited on hold for about an hour total but got my issue resolved!!! My benefits were on hold because they said I didn't complete my job search activities but I DID - turns out the system wasn't recording them properly when I submitted on my phone. The rep fixed everything and released my payments! THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS TIP!!!!!

wait i dont get it... if u have a overpayment why would u not call the overpayment line? isnt that literally what its for? why is this a 'trick'??

UPDATE: I tried this method this morning and got through to someone after about 15 minutes on the overpayment line. They transferred me to a claims specialist but then I waited for another hour before getting disconnected. 😭 Going to try again tomorrow morning. At least I know it's possible to get through this way, just need better luck staying connected during transfer.

I had a totally different experience with ESD last month. Filed my claim, got approved within 3 days, and have been receiving payments on time ever since. No need to call at all. I think it depends on whether your claim has any issues that trigger manual review. Just wanted to share that sometimes the system does work as intended!