Weekly phone claim suddenly unavailable - missed 2 weeks, claim status in danger?

Same thing happened to me last month! The phone system stops letting you file if you miss too many weeks. You need to call and talk to an actual ESD agent asap.

When you miss filing for 2+ consecutive weeks, the automated phone system won't let you file retroactively. This is by design, not because your claim was denied or closed. Your claim is still active for 52 weeks from when you opened it, but you need to speak with an ESD agent to file for those missed weeks. You have two options: 1. Keep calling the regular ESD number until you get through. Best times are right when they open at 8am or after 3:30pm. 2. Contact your WorkSource office and ask if they can help you connect with an ESD agent. Make sure to explain that you simply missed filing and want to backdate your claims. They can usually help if it's just been a couple of weeks. If it's been more than 4 weeks, you might need to provide additional documentation about why you missed filing.

I'm going through the EXACT same thing! Been trying to call for 3 days straight and can't get through to ANYONE! Their phone system is a JOKE. It's like they WANT us to give up and not get the benefits we DESERVE. I'm about to drive down to the WorkSource office and refuse to leave until someone helps me!!

The automated system limits how far back you can file weekly claims for security and verification purposes. When you miss weeks, the system requires an agent to verify your information and reasons for the missed filings. Here's what you need to know: 1. Your claim is still valid if it's within the benefit year 2. You have up to 30 days to file for missed weeks (ESD policy) 3. An agent needs to manually process these claims 4. They'll ask why you missed filing those weeks 5. As long as you had a reasonable explanation, they should allow the retroactive filing One tip for reaching ESD faster: call right at 8:00 AM when their phone lines open. Have your SSN and claim information ready. You'll need to explain that you missed filing for a few weeks and need to submit those claims retroactively.

I had this problem last year and found out if you miss 2+ weeks the automated phone system won't let you file those weeks. But your claim isn't closed! I was able to file the missed weeks after talking to an agent. It's annoying but fixable.

I went through this exact nightmare last month. Spent 3 days trying to get through to ESD with no luck - constant busy signals or disconnects after waiting on hold. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The ESD agent was able to let me file my missed weeks right over the phone. Apparently, the system automatically blocks the automated filing option after you miss two consecutive weeks as a security measure. But your claim is still active for the full benefit year (52 weeks from when you opened it).

btw make sure when u do talk to somebody that u have good reasons for why u missed filing. they can deny backpayments if they think u didnt have a good reason. i told them i was sick and couldnt call in and they were ok with that

Just to follow up on some of the information shared here: 1. Missing weeks doesn't automatically close your claim 2. The automated phone system restricts retroactive filing by design 3. You need to speak with an agent to file missed weeks 4. You generally have 30 days from the end of the week to file a claim for that week 5. After 30 days, you need special approval with good cause for the delay When you speak with an agent, be prepared to explain why you missed filing. Valid reasons include illness, family emergencies, technical issues, or misunderstanding the filing requirements. The agent has some discretion in these cases.

My neighbor works at ESD (not in claims but in IT) and he told me they recently updated the phone system in April 2025. Apparently there's been lots of glitches with the new system. Maybe that's part of your problem too? Something to mention when you finally get through to them.

Update: I finally got through to ESD this morning! For anyone with the same issue - YES, you have to speak to a real person to file missed weeks. The agent was actually really nice and helped me file for the two weeks I missed. She said this is super common and as long as it hasn't been more than 30 days since the week ended, they can usually help. Thanks everyone for your advice and support!