How to navigate ESD phone menu to speak with an actual agent?
I've been trying to call ESD for THREE DAYS now about my denied unemployment claim. Each time I get stuck in this ridiculous phone menu loop and can't figure out which options to press to reach a human being! I've tried pressing 0, saying 'agent', and waiting silently but nothing works. I've got bills due next week and need to get this resolved ASAP. The last denial letter says I need to speak with a claims specialist specifically about my work separation issue. Does anyone know the exact sequence of numbers to press when calling the main ESD number to bypass the automated system? I'm losing my mind here!
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Thais Soares
Unfortunately there's no magic button combination that works consistently. The ESD phone system changes occasionally and they're severely understaffed. What worked for me last month was calling exactly at 8:00am when they open, then pressing 1, then 3, then 2 when prompted. Wait through the recording without pressing anything else. If you get the 'high call volume' message, hang up and try again.
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Fiona Gallagher
•Thanks for the tip! I'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow with that sequence. Did you have to wait long once you got in the queue?
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Nalani Liu
IVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS NIGHTMARE FOR 6 WEEKS!!! The system is DESIGNED to keep you from talking to anyone. I called 23 times in one day before getting through. When you do reach a person half the time they say they cant help and transfer you to another department where you sit on hold for another hour before getting disconnected. Its a complete joke.
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Axel Bourke
•omg same here! got disconnected 3 times yesterday after waiting like 45+ mins each time. this system is broken af
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Aidan Percy
Here's the most reliable method I've found for reaching an ESD agent: 1. Call the main number (800-318-6022) 2. Press 1 for English 3. Press 4 for questions about your claim 4. Press 2 for claim status 5. Enter your SSN and PIN when prompted 6. When it asks about your specific issue, press 5 for "other" 7. This should route you to the queue for a claims specialist Be prepared for a long wait, though. I've had the best luck calling Tuesday-Thursday around 10:30am when call volume seems slightly lower than other times.
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Fiona Gallagher
•This is exactly what I needed! Thank you for the detailed steps. I'll try this approach tomorrow morning and hope for the best. Did you have to wait on hold long using this method?
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Aidan Percy
•Usually 30-45 minutes, but it varies widely. Just don't call on Mondays - that's when everyone who had issues over the weekend is calling in and wait times can be 2+ hours.
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Fernanda Marquez
After fighting with the ESD phone system for weeks, I finally tried Claimyr.com and got through to an agent in 25 minutes. They basically call ESD for you and when they get an agent on the line, they connect you. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Honestly saved me days of frustration after my account got locked due to identity verification issues.
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Norman Fraser
•Is that service legit? Seems sketchy that you'd have to pay to talk to a government agency you should be able to reach for free.
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Fernanda Marquez
•I was skeptical too, but it worked for me when I was desperate. The alternative was taking time off work to keep calling ESD over and over. I needed to get my adjudication issue resolved before I missed another rent payment.
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Fiona Gallagher
•I might try this if my morning calls don't work out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get this claim situation resolved.
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Kendrick Webb
try calling from a different phone number sometimes that helps or try the claims center for your specific region not just the main number. also make sure your calling during business hours some ppl dont realize they close at 4pm not 5
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Aidan Percy
One more tip - if you need to speak with someone about a denial specifically, you might want to consider starting the appeals process online through your eServices account. Once you file an appeal, you'll often get a call from an ESD representative to discuss your case before it goes to the formal hearing stage. This can be faster than trying to reach someone through the general phone line.
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Fiona Gallagher
•That's really smart! I'll start the appeal today while I keep trying the phone. Thank you so much for all your help.
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