Need ESD direct phone number that actually works - tired of automated system

I was in the same boat last month! So frustrating trying to get through their phone system. After wasting days calling and getting nowhere, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it actually worked! They have this system that waits on hold for you and calls you back when an ESD agent is on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. There's a demo video here if you want to see how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

theres no secret number that i know of... theyre just understaffed and overworked. i call exactly at 8am when they open and keep hitting redial until i get in the queue. sometimes takes 20-30 tries but eventually works

Unfortunately, there isn't a direct line that bypasses the main queue. ESD routes all calls through their central system to manage volume. However, there are a few strategies that can help increase your chances of reaching an agent: 1. Call first thing in the morning at 8:00 AM when the queue opens 2. Select the option for "claim questions" rather than "filing a new claim" 3. Try on Wednesdays which typically have lower call volumes 4. Make sure your phone number is correctly listed in your eServices account 5. If you're experiencing severe financial hardship, mention this immediately when you connect with an agent Also, check if there's a specific adjudication issue listed on your eServices dashboard. The specific issue can help you determine which department you need to speak with when you do connect.

The "Able and Available" adjudication is about whether you're able to work and available for work. This often gets triggered if you answered "no" to any of the weekly claim questions about being able/available for full-time work, or if you reported being out of town, too sick to work, etc. You definitely need to speak with an adjudicator to clear this up. One effective strategy I've found: call the main number, but when prompted, select the option for the employer services line instead of claimant services. Those queues are typically much shorter, and once you get a live person, explain your situation politely and ask to be transferred to claims. They often will help you bypass the main queue.

I had a terrible time getting through last month when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Called for THREE WEEKS straight with no luck. Finally broke down and used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. It cost money but honestly saved my sanity. Got through to ESD in about 45 mins when I had been trying for weeks on my own. Just another option if you're desperate like I was.

For anyone dealing with "Able and Available" adjudication specifically: make sure to upload any documentation you have to your eServices account under "Upload a Document." If your issue was related to illness, upload a doctor's note. If it was about travel, upload itinerary showing you've returned. This won't replace talking to a rep, but it can speed things up once you do connect with someone. I was in adjudication for "Able and Available" for 4 weeks in February. When I finally got through, the agent told me she could see my uploaded documents and that helped expedite my claim resolution. My payments started coming through about 3 days after that call.

Update on my experience: After using Claimyr to get through to ESD, they resolved my adjudication issue in one call. The agent told me they're currently experiencing a 25-day backlog for adjudication cases that don't get escalated by phone. So definitely worth trying to reach them directly rather than waiting for them to process your case in order.