Getting through to a real ESD agent - automated system keeps hanging up!

same problem here... been trying 4 months!!! the system is designed to keep us out i swear. i usually just keep calling over and over until i get lucky. took me 47 calls one day before i got through.

This is unfortunately how ESD operates now. I had a similar issue last month with my standby status getting randomly removed and causing my claim to be disqualified. Few tips that sometimes work: 1. Call exactly at 8:00am (not 8:05, literally 8:00:00) 2. Try calling on Wednesday or Thursday instead of Monday/Tuesday when volume is highest 3. Press 0 immediately after hearing the auto-greeting, sometimes this bypasses part of the menu 4. When you hear "high call volume" DON'T hang up - sometimes they put you through anyway after that message But honestly, these are just tricks that occasionally work. The system is overwhelmed and understaffed.

I was in the same boat two weeks ago with an adjudication issue that wouldn't resolve. After trying all the standard methods, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually worked for me. They have some kind of system that holds your place in line and calls you back when they get an agent on the line. Saved me hours of redial hell. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Made a huge difference for me - was able to get my adjudication issue resolved in one call once I actually spoke to someone.

Current ESD phone operations are definitely challenging to navigate. To directly answer your question - there is no "secret" direct line to an agent. The main claims center (844-829-7367) is the correct number, but the system is designed to manage call volume through the automated screening process. A few clarifications that might help: 1. The "high call volume" message typically means they've reached their queue capacity. This is why timing matters. 2. For adjudication issues specifically, sometimes the Claims Center can't help anyway - those are handled by adjudicators who work separately. 3. If your issue has been in adjudication for 5+ weeks, you might want to contact your state representative. They can sometimes expedite cases that have exceeded normal processing times. 4. Be sure your phone contact information is updated in your ESD account. Adjudicators often try calling claimants directly. The system is frustrating, but persistence is unfortunately necessary right now.

I call at EXACTLY 8:00am and just keep hitting the option for "existing claim questions" until I get through. Last week it took me 17 calls but I finally got a real person!! The lady who helped me said they're short staffed and getting 3x normal call volume right now because of all the layoffs happening. BTW when you do get through make sure you have your claim ID and SSN ready because they will ask for it immediately and if you fumble around looking for it they sometimes have to move on to other calls.

one trick that sometimes works is to select the spanish language option, then when you get a spanish speaking agent just politely ask if they speak english. many are bilingual and the spanish queue is often shorter.

Update: I tried the Claimyr service that someone recommended, and I FINALLY got through to an agent today! The guy I spoke with was actually really helpful. He said my adjudication was delayed because my employer disputed my hours (ugh) but he sent a message to the adjudicator to prioritize my case since it's been pending so long. He also told me that regular agents can't directly resolve adjudication issues, but they CAN add notes to your file that the adjudicators see. So even though the problem isn't fixed yet, at least I know what's happening and was able to get my case flagged. Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. This system is still ridiculous, but I feel better knowing I'm not alone in dealing with it.

Glad you got through! One additional piece of advice - now that you've had contact, document everything: 1. Write down the date and time you spoke with the agent 2. Get their first name and ID number if possible 3. Note the specific promises made ("flagging your case") 4. Set a calendar reminder for 7 business days from now If you don't see movement by then, you can reference this specific interaction in any follow-up communications. This creates a paper trail that can be important if you need to escalate further. Also, continue filing your weekly claims during this adjudication period, even if they show as "pending" or "disqualified" - once adjudication completes in your favor, those weeks will be paid retroactively.

the system is such garbage. glad u got through tho! fingers crossed u get ur $$$ soon!!