Impossible to reach ESD agents by phone - system hangs up automatically!
I've been trying for DAYS to talk to an actual person at ESD about my claim issues. Every time I call, I go through their ridiculous automated phone tree only to get disconnected! I've tried pressing 0, tried different options in their menu, called at different times (early morning, mid-day, afternoon), but NOTHING works. The system always says something about 'high call volume' then just hangs up on me. I have questions about my claim that the automated system and website can't answer. My benefits have been pending for 3 weeks now and I'm getting desperate. Has anyone figured out how to break through this system and talk to a human being? I'm about to lose my mind (and possibly my apartment) over this!
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Mateo Rodriguez
I had the exact same problem last month. The trick is to call right when they open at 8:00 AM, but even then it's a lottery. I finally got through after 9 days of trying. Make sure you have your claim ID and social security number ready so you don't waste time once you get a person. Also, have you tried sending a message through your eServices account? Sometimes they respond to those within a few days.
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Nia Thompson
•Thanks for the advice about calling right at 8am. I'll try that tomorrow. I did send THREE messages through eServices over the past two weeks and haven't gotten a single response. It's like they're actively trying not to help people!
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GalaxyGuardian
omg the phone system is literally THE WORST!! ive been hung up on 12 times this week alone!!! i found out that messaging them on eservices is better than calling but even that takes like 5-7 days for them to answer. whats even the point of having customer service if nobody can ever reach them???
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Aisha Abdullah
•Same! I thought it was just me being unlucky. Got hung up on 3 times today alone.
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Ethan Wilson
The ESD phone system is notorious for being almost impossible to get through. After my claim got stuck in adjudication for almost 5 weeks, I finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes. I was skeptical at first, but it actually worked when nothing else did. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I actually talked to someone, they fixed my issue within minutes - turned out there was just a small verification problem that was holding everything up. Their website is claimyr.com if you're desperate enough to try it.
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Nia Thompson
•I've never heard of this service before. Does it actually work? I'm pretty desperate at this point and willing to try anything. Did they need a bunch of personal info or something?
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Ethan Wilson
•They just need your phone number to connect the call. I was able to get through to ESD when I'd been trying for weeks with no luck. It was worth it for me since I needed to get my adjudication resolved before my landlord started the eviction process.
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Yuki Tanaka
I found that if you select the option for "employer services" instead of claimant services, the wait times are much shorter. Then when you get someone, just explain your situation and they'll usually transfer you to the right department instead of hanging up. Worked for me twice now!
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GalaxyGuardian
•OMG THIS IS GENIUS!!!! im gonna try this tomorrow!!!!
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Carmen Diaz
•I don't recommend this approach. ESD has been cracking down on people using this workaround. If you get transferred from employer services now, they'll often put you at the back of the queue, or sometimes even flag your account for "system manipulation" which can lead to additional verification steps. Better to call during less busy times (Wednesday and Thursday tend to be better than Monday) or use the eServices messaging system for simple questions.
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Andre Laurent
i know this sounds silly but i got through after trying for 2 weeks by calling at exactly 8:17am on a thursday. my neighbor who used to work for esd told me that's when they have a shift change and more people are available to answer. could be complete coincidence but it worked for me! worth a try maybe?
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Nia Thompson
•At this point I'll try anything, even if it sounds superstitious! Setting an alarm for 8:17am Thursday. Thanks for the tip!
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Carmen Diaz
ESD has been severely understaffed since the post-pandemic budget cuts in 2024. Their phone system is designed to manage call volume by disconnecting callers when all available agents are busy and queue times exceed 45 minutes. This is frustrating but actually more efficient than keeping people on hold for hours. Your best options are: 1. Call on Wednesday or Thursday between 8:00-8:30am or 3:30-4:00pm (avoid Mondays and Fridays completely) 2. Use the eServices message center for all issues that don't require immediate attention 3. Visit a WorkSource office in person if you have one nearby - they can sometimes help with basic claim issues or at least use their direct lines to connect you 4. Contact your state representative's office if your situation is dire (about to lose housing, utilities being cut off, etc.) - they have caseworkers who can escalate ESD issues ESD's current average response time for adjudication is 4-6 weeks, so unfortunately your 3-week wait is still within normal processing times.
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Nia Thompson
•Thank you for such detailed information. I didn't realize WorkSource offices could help with claims - there's one about 30 minutes from me that I could visit. I'll try calling during those specific times too. Really appreciate the help!
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Mateo Rodriguez
Did you ever get through to someone? I'm curious which method ended up working for you.
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Nia Thompson
•Yes! I eventually got through using a combination of approaches. I tried calling at 8:17am like someone suggested, but that didn't work. Then I visited the WorkSource office like another person recommended, and while they couldn't fix my specific issue, they gave me a direct number to call and a good time to try. I finally got through to someone yesterday and they resolved my adjudication issue in about 10 minutes. Turns out there was just a missing document they needed. Benefits should be coming this week - such a relief!
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