Weekly claim filing system down - can't file by phone or eServices
Just tried to file my weekly claim and I'm totally stuck. The automated phone system only gives me an option to update my address (nothing about filing a claim) and when I tried eServices it keeps timing out after login. Is anyone else having this problem today? This is my 5th week claiming and I've never had this issue before. I really need this week's benefits to make rent - any idea when the system might be fixed or if there's a workaround? Will ESD automatically backdate the claim once the system is working again?
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Ryder Ross
Same thing here!! been trying since 8am and the system keeps glitching. called twice and got hung up on after waiting 45 min. super frustrating bc my claim day is TODAY and i'll be late if i cant get thru
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Gianni Serpent
•Don't panic about being late - ESD usually extends the filing deadline when there are system-wide issues like this. They'll probably post an update on their website soon about the technical difficulties. Keep checking their social media for updates too, they sometimes post there first about outages.
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Henry Delgado
This is actually a known issue right now - there's an unplanned system maintenance happening. I spoke with an ESD agent about 30 minutes ago who confirmed they're experiencing technical difficulties with both the phone system and eServices. They estimated it would be resolved by tomorrow morning. The agent assured me that if you can't file today because of their system issues, you won't be penalized for late filing. Just make sure to file as soon as the system is back up.
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Kyle Wallace
•Thanks for the info! That's a huge relief. Did they say if we need to do anything special when we file to explain the delay? Or will they automatically know it was because of their system issue?
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Henry Delgado
•They said it should be automatic since it's a system-wide issue they're tracking. When the system comes back online, just file normally. If for some reason you get any kind of late filing notice later, you can appeal it by referencing today's outage.
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Olivia Kay
OMG the timing is TERRIBLE!!! i have like $12 in my account and was counting on claiming today so the payment would hit by friday... what am i supposed to do now?? this is seriously so stressful
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Joshua Hellan
•I'm really sorry you're in such a tight spot. If you need immediate assistance while waiting for your unemployment, you might want to contact your local community action agency. Many have emergency assistance programs for situations exactly like this. Also, if you explain the situation to your landlord/utility companies, some will give you a grace period without penalties if you show them proof you're receiving unemployment.
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Jibriel Kohn
This is actually the third time this year the system has gone down during high-volume filing periods. My theory is they don't invest enough in their IT infrastructure because they WANT to make it harder for people to claim benefits. Classic government tactic - make the process so frustrating people just give up. I've been dealing with ESD for 6 months and it's always something...
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Edison Estevez
•While I understand your frustration, I don't think it's an intentional tactic. ESD's systems are outdated and weren't designed to handle the current volume of claims. After the pandemic overload, they started a modernization project, but government tech upgrades take time. Remember they're dealing with sensitive financial data, so they can't just quickly implement new systems without proper security testing.
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
i had this happen last month two and what i did was just kept trying different times of day. sometimes late at night like 11pm the system works better when less people r using it. worth a try
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Kyle Wallace
•That's a good tip, thanks! I'll try again tonight and see if it works then. Fingers crossed!
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Joshua Hellan
If you absolutely need to speak with an ESD agent about this or any other claim issues, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation last month with a system error preventing my claim, and I couldn't get through on the regular phone lines. Claimyr got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent I spoke with was able to file my weekly claim manually on their end.
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Jibriel Kohn
•Is that service legit? Seems sketchy that you'd have to pay a third party just to access a government service our taxes already fund. Has anyone else used this?
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Olivia Kay
•i used it once when my identity verification was stuck in limbo for 6 weeks. it actually worked but i still think its crazy we have to use something like this just to get basic help!!
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Edison Estevez
Just to provide an update for everyone - I just checked ESD's Twitter account and they've officially acknowledged the system outage. Their post says: "We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with our claims filing systems. Our IT team is working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. Claimants who are unable to file today due to this issue will not be penalized. We anticipate systems will be restored by 8AM tomorrow. We apologize for the inconvenience."
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Kyle Wallace
•Thank you so much for sharing this! I don't use Twitter so I wouldn't have seen it. That's a huge relief knowing they're aware and working on it.
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Henry Delgado
Just a quick heads-up - the system appears to be working again. I just successfully filed my weekly claim about 10 minutes ago through eServices. Might want to try again now!
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Kyle Wallace
•THANK YOU! Just tried and it worked for me too! Such a relief. Thanks everyone for your help and support.
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Ryder Ross
•worked for me too finally!! thx for letting us know
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