Need help appealing ESD denial - can't get through on phones for WEEKS!
I'm at my wits end trying to file an appeal for my denied unemployment claim! For the past 3 weeks, I've been calling ESD literally every day from 8am until they close, and I NEVER get through - just constant busy signals or that automated message saying they're experiencing high call volume. Meanwhile, I got this denial letter about 25 days ago, and I know there's a deadline to appeal. I'm still doing all my required job search activities and filing my weekly claims even though I'm not getting paid. How do I actually talk to a human being at ESD to file my appeal? The online system isn't helping - there's no clear option for appealing a denial. Is there a special number or email I should be using? I'm seriously worried about missing the appeal deadline!
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Gianni Serpent
You need to file a written appeal ASAP. Don't wait to get someone on the phone - you only have 30 days from the date on your determination letter to appeal. You can file your appeal online through your eServices account under the 'Decisions' section. Look for the denied claim and there should be an 'Appeal' button. If you can't find it, you can also mail or fax a written appeal to the OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings). Make sure to include your name, SSN, the determination ID you're appealing, and WHY you think the decision is wrong.
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Ryder Ross
•Thank you SO MUCH! I didn't realize I could file online - I kept looking for a button but must have missed it. I'll check the Decisions section right now. Do I need to upload any documents with my appeal or just explain why I think the denial is wrong?
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Henry Delgado
Been there!!! The phone system is USELESS. I wasted 2 months trying to call them everday. Finally found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 40 minutes. Cost money but was worth it to finally resolve my issue. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - you can check them out at claimyr.com. Seriously saved my sanity after trying for weeks to get through on my own.
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Olivia Kay
•is that even legit?? how does some random service get you thru when nobody else can get past the busy signals? sounds fishy to me
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Henry Delgado
•100% legit - they basically keep dialing for you using their system until they get through, then they call you and connect you to the ESD agent. I was skeptical too but was desperate after 2 months of trying. They don't talk to ESD for you - they just get you past the phone barrier so you can talk to an agent yourself.
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Joshua Hellan
To file an appeal properly, you need to be very specific about why the denial is incorrect. I went through this last year. What was the reason they gave for the denial? Was it a job separation issue, availability for work, or something else? Each type requires different evidence for the appeal.
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Ryder Ross
•They said I wasn't available for work because I had to pick up my kid from school at 3pm twice a week. But I'm still available for work 35+ hours a week! I put that I was available from 7am-3pm daily and all day the other 3 days. I've been applying for jobs that fit within those hours.
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Joshua Hellan
•That's actually a common issue. Make sure your appeal clearly states that you're available for full-time work (30+ hours) even with those restrictions. ESD requires you to be available for "suitable work" in your customary occupation, not necessarily 24/7. Document that there are plenty of jobs in your field during your available hours. Also mention that childcare obligations are not disqualifying if you remain available for a sufficient number of hours to maintain employment in your field. Good luck with your appeal!
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Jibriel Kohn
just appeal online its faster anyway. i tried calling for 2 wks straight and gave up. did my appeal online and got a hearing date in like 3 wks. make sure u upload any proof u have like emails or texts about ur situation
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Edison Estevez
When I was denied last year, I panicked too! But here's what worked for me: I submitted my appeal through eServices first (to meet the deadline) AND THEN I also sent a detailed letter with supporting documents via certified mail to make sure they received everything. What really made a difference was being super specific about the reason I was appealing. Don't just say "I disagree" - explain exactly which part of their decision was incorrect and why. Also, keep filing your weekly claims while your appeal is pending! If you win your appeal, they'll pay you for all those weeks, but only if you filed claims for them.
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Ryder Ross
•Thank you! I just submitted the online appeal. I'm going to follow your advice and send certified mail too with more details. And yes, I've been religiously filing my weekly claims even though it feels pointless right now. I'm so relieved I didn't miss the deadline!
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
The ESD system is DELIBERATELY designed to be impossible to navigate!! They WANT people to give up so they don't have to pay benefits. I spent 5 MONTHS fighting a denial last year and ended up having to get my state representative involved to get any movement. The whole system is broken and they don't care about helping regular people!!!!
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Gianni Serpent
•While the system can definitely be frustrating, appeals are actually handled by the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), which is separate from ESD. They're generally fair in their rulings if you have a good case. The key is making sure your appeal is filed on time and includes all relevant information. Contacting your state representative is a good last resort, but the standard appeal process does work for many people.
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Olivia Kay
wait so do u have to keep doing the job search stuff even if ur denied? seems like a waste of time if ur not getting paid
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Edison Estevez
•Yes! 100% keep doing your job searches and weekly claims while appealing. If you win your appeal, they'll only pay you for weeks where you filed a claim AND completed your job search activities. If you stop doing them, you'll never get paid for those weeks even if you win your appeal later.
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James Johnson
I had something similar happen to me last year...tried calling for weeks and couldn't get through. My neighbor told me to try calling exactly at 7:59am right before they open, and then keep redialing continuously for the first 10 minutes. I finally got through that way after trying for 3 days. Sometimes their system lets a few calls through right when they open before it gets overwhelmed.
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Olivia Kay
•i tried that too but it didnt work for me. just got the same busy signal
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James Johnson
•Yeah it doesn't always work...took me 3 mornings of trying. Just another option if the appeal doesn't work out.
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Edison Estevez
One more important tip: prepare for your hearing in advance! If your appeal gets accepted, you'll receive a hearing date with an Administrative Law Judge. You should: 1. Gather ALL documents related to your case 2. Write down a clear timeline of events 3. Be prepared to explain exactly why you meet the eligibility requirements 4. If your availability for work is the issue, bring examples of job postings that fit your availability The hearing is your chance to present your case, so be organized and factual. The judge won't know anything except what's in your file, so you need to clearly explain your situation.
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Ryder Ross
•This is super helpful! I've started a folder with all my documentation. I've also started taking screenshots of job postings that match my availability to prove there are plenty of jobs I could work with my schedule limitations. I'll make sure to have everything organized before the hearing.
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