Got through to an ESD adjudicator using the overpayment prompt - actual success!

omg thank u for sharing this!!! ive been trying for THREE WEEKS to talk to someone about my standby status!!

This is actually a pretty common workaround for ESD's overwhelmed phone system. The overpayment department is always staffed because it deals with money coming in rather than going out. A few additional tips that might help others: 1. Have your claim ID and all documentation ready before calling 2. Be prepared to clearly explain your specific issue 3. Be polite but persistent about being transferred to the right department 4. Morning calls (right when they open) typically have shorter hold times than afternoon 5. If the first agent seems reluctant to transfer you, thank them, hang up, and try again with a different agent The system is definitely frustrating but most ESD staff genuinely want to help claimants resolve their issues.

I can confirm this works! Had a similar experience last month with my adjudication issue. Called the overpayment line, politely explained I needed help with adjudication, and the rep transferred me. Only waited about 45 minutes on hold (compared to never getting through before). The adjudicator was able to approve my claim while I was on the phone! One thing I'd add - if you're desperate to get through but can't wait on hold for hours, try Claimyr.com. It's a service that basically waits on hold for you then calls you when an ESD agent picks up. Saved me a TON of time. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

THE ENTIRE ESD SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT YOU FROM GETTING BENEFITS!!!!! I've been trying for MONTHS to get someone to fix my claim. Every time I call its 'we're too busy, call back later' then CLICK - they hang up! They KNOW exactly what they're doing. The fewer people who can get through, the fewer benefits they have to pay out. It's all about saving the state money at the expense of REAL PEOPLE who need help. I'm down to my last $200 and about to be evicted because of their ridiculous "system".

Tried this just now and it actually worked! Got transferred to the adjudication department after briefly explaining my situation to the overpayment person. Still waiting for them to resolve my issue (apparently my former employer is disputing my claim 🙄) but at least I finally know what's happening instead of staring at the pending status for weeks.

Just be careful with this approach. I work in customer service (not for ESD) and when people use these kinds of "hacks" to bypass phone queues, it can really mess up department metrics and staffing. The overpayment department might start getting stricter if too many people do this. That said, ESD's phone system is definitely broken if this is what people have to resort to. Have you all tried using the eServices message center instead of calling? Sometimes you can get a response within 3-5 business days without the phone hassle.

Wait I'm confused - if you select overpayment does that mean they think you owe them money or they owe you money? And what's the difference between an adjudicator and a regular ESD person? My claim says "adjudication in progress" but I don't know what that actually means or who I need to talk to.

so i tried this trick today and the lady got really mad at me lol!! she said they've been getting too many people doing this and now they're keeping track. she still transferred me but said next time i might get in trouble or something

Instead of these phone tricks, I've had good luck reaching ESD through my WorkSource office. Many people don't realize WorkSource staff can sometimes help with unemployment issues or at least get you connected to the right person at ESD. My local office has an ESD representative on site two days a week specifically to help with claim issues. Might be worth checking if your local WorkSource offers this!