What's ESD's phone number for filing unemployment claims? Can't find it anywhere!
I've been laid off last week and need to file for unemployment. I've spent over an hour on the ESD website but I'm having trouble with the online application (keeps freezing at the employment history section). I'd rather just call them directly to file my claim. Does anyone know what number I should call? The website has like 5 different phone numbers and none of them seem to be for filing a new claim. Thanks in advance!
14 comments
Join the conversation
Aisha Abdullah
The main ESD claims center number is 800-318-6022. But honestly, good luck getting through! I tried calling for 3 days straight when I needed to file back in January. You're way better off trying to fix whatever issues you're having with the online application. Maybe try using a different browser? Chrome worked best for me.
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
•Thanks for the number! I'll give it a try tomorrow morning. I've tried both Chrome and Edge with the same freezing issue. Did you have any specific time that worked better for calling?
0 coins
Ethan Wilson
they dont want u 2 file by phone anymore tbh... its all online now. u have to call that 800 number the other person posted but they'll just tell u to do it online anyway. i wasted HOURS trying to get thru last month
0 coins
NeonNova
•This is accurate. ESD strongly encourages online filing and the phone option is really only supported for people without internet access or who have disabilities that prevent them from using the online system. If your application is freezing, try clearing your cache and cookies, or use an incognito/private browsing window. The employment history section can be tricky if you've had multiple employers.
0 coins
Yuki Tanaka
LOLOLOL good luck calling ESD!!! I tried for TWO WEEKS after I got laid off from my restaurant job. Always busy signals or they disconnect you after being on hold for 45+ minutes. The whole system is BROKEN!!!
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
The Claims Center number is indeed 800-318-6022, but as others have mentioned, getting through can be extremely difficult. Their hours are Monday-Friday from 8am to 4pm. If you're having technical issues with the online application, you might also try their technical support line at 855-682-0785. Have you tried accessing the site very early in the morning or late at night? Sometimes the application works better during off-peak hours when there's less traffic on their servers. Also, if the employment history section is freezing, try entering just one employer at a time, saving between each entry.
0 coins
Andre Laurent
I was in your exact situation last month! Spent days trying to call that 800 number with no luck. I finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent was able to help me fix the issues with my application and get everything processed. Definitely worth it when you're desperate to get your claim filed!
0 coins
Emily Jackson
•wait does that really work??? i might try that because im going on week 3 of trying to reach someone about my adjudication issues
0 coins
Ethan Wilson
btw if ur browser keeps freezing try using ur phone instead. the mobile version worked when my laptop kept having problems
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
Update: I tried calling the 800-318-6022 number right when they opened at 8am. Was on hold for about 1.5 hours but finally got through! The agent told me they really prefer online applications, but she did help me troubleshoot my issue. Turns out I was entering too much detail in the job separation reason box and that was causing the system to freeze. For anyone having similar issues - keep your explanations brief and you can always provide more details later if they ask for them. Thanks everyone for your help!
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
•That's excellent news! Thanks for sharing the solution about keeping the job separation explanations brief. That's a great tip that could help others experiencing similar issues. Make sure you stay on top of your weekly claims too - those need to be filed each week, even while your initial claim is being processed.
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
Glad you were able to get through and get your issue resolved! That's a really helpful tip about keeping the job separation details brief - I bet that will help a lot of people who are having the same freezing problem. It's frustrating that the system is so finicky about text length, but at least now we know. Hope your claim gets processed quickly from here!
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•Yes, this is such valuable information! I've been helping my neighbor with her unemployment application and she was having the exact same freezing issue. We kept trying to put in all the details about her layoff in that section. Now I know to tell her to keep it short and sweet. Thanks for following up with the solution @e48375666769 - it really helps the whole community when people share what actually worked!
0 coins
Ellie Perry
This is super helpful! I'm actually going through the same thing right now - got laid off two weeks ago and the online system keeps giving me problems. I tried calling that 800 number a few times but could never get through. Going to try the early morning approach and also keep my job separation details short like you mentioned. It's so frustrating that the system is this difficult when people really need help, but at least this community is sharing solutions that actually work. Thanks for taking the time to update us with what fixed your issue!
0 coins