Need ESD customer service number - unemployment benefits cut off

the govs office wont help u lol... they just refer u back to esd. i tried that route back in january and wasted 2 weeks. try calling right when they open at 8am thats how i finally got thru

Thanks, I'll try calling right at 8am tomorrow. Did you have to wait on hold for a long time once you got through?

Your claim is in adjudication, which means there's some issue they're investigating. This could be something in your work history, earnings verification, job search activities, or availability to work. Unfortunately, adjudication can take 8-12 weeks to resolve in 2025 due to their backlog. \n\nThe main ESD number (833-572-8400) is actually the correct one, but it's notoriously difficult to reach a live agent because their call volume is so high. Keep trying daily, especially early mornings as mentioned.\n\nIf your situation is causing severe financial hardship, you can request an expedited review by calling their hardship line at 833-572-8400 (same number) and specifically mentioning hardship when/if you reach an agent.

8-12 WEEKS??? That's insane! I've been waiting for 9 weeks now in adjudication for a simple employer verification issue. The system is completely broken. OP, good luck getting through - I've tried every single day for two months and only reached a human ONCE, who just told me \

Have you tried Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to ESD phone agents without having to keep redialing. I was in the same situation last month - claim stuck in pending for weeks with bills piling up. Used Claimyr and got through to an agent in about 40 minutes who fixed my issue that same day. Check out their website at claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3\n\nMy claim was stuck because I had accidentally entered my work history dates wrong, causing a discrepancy that triggered adjudication. The agent was able to correct it immediately once I actually reached someone.

Is this legit? Sounds too good to be true honestly. How does it even work?

Yes, it's legit. They basically use a system that keeps dialing for you until they get through the automated system, then they connect you directly to ESD. I was skeptical too, but when you're desperate after weeks of trying on your own, it's worth it. The video on their site explains it better than I can.

I had a similar issue back in January. What worked for me was sending a message through my eServices portal under the

Thanks for the tip! I've been filing every week still, but didn't realize I could send a message through the portal. I'll try that right away and mention the hardship situation. Did they tell you what was causing the hold on your claim when they called back?

Yes, turned out my previous employer had challenged my eligibility claiming I quit (I was actually laid off). The ESD agent was able to review the documentation I'd submitted and approve my claim on the spot. The money was in my account 2 days later including all back weeks. Definitely worth trying!

The system is totally rigged against us!!! I spent TWO MONTHS trying to get through to ESD earlier this year. They make it impossible on purpose so people just give up. Meanwhile we're all supposed to magically pay bills with no income???\n\nBTW the governor's office number is 360-902-4111 but they literally DO NOTHING to help. They just take your info and then you never hear back. Total waste of time when I tried.

While I understand your frustration, the governor's office isn't designed to handle individual unemployment claim issues. They primarily direct people back to ESD because that's the agency with the authority and access to claim information. A more effective route would be contacting your state representative or senator, as they often have dedicated staff for constituent services who can help navigate state agencies.

my uncle had this same issue and he went to the WorkSource office in person and they helped him figure out what was wrong with his claim. might be worth trying that if u have one near u? the one he went to is in tacoma

That's a great idea, there's a WorkSource about 20 minutes from me. I didn't realize they could help with ESD claims directly. Did your uncle just walk in or did he need an appointment?

im pretty sure he just walked in but this was like a month ago so maybe call first? they couldn't fix it right there but they told him exactly what the problem was and who to talk to

Hey, I was in your exact situation in February. I actually got through by calling exactly at 7:59am and navigating through the menu so that right when they opened at 8:00, I was already in the queue. Took 3 days of doing this before it worked. When I finally reached someone, it turned out they needed additional documentation from me that they never told me about! The adjudicator resolved it on the spot and I had my benefits (including back pay) within 4 days.\n\nDon't give up, but definitely try different approaches. The WorkSource suggestion is good too - they sometimes have direct lines to ESD that bypass the main queue.

Thank you! I'll definitely try the 7:59am trick tomorrow. It's so frustrating that they need documentation but don't tell us what they need. Did they send you any notices in your eServices inbox about the missing documents?

Nope! That was the most frustrating part. They claimed they sent me a letter in the mail (which I never received) and there was NOTHING in my eServices messages. The whole system needs a complete overhaul. Good luck tomorrow - hope you get through!