Pay nothing until a live ESD agent is on the phone with you.
Can't reach Washington Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
$0 upfront. We only hold your card.
No live agent, no charge.
$19.99 is charged only once a live ESD agent is on the phone with you.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the ESD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the ESD drops your call
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
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One thing that helped me was doing a practice run through the application without submitting it first. Just to see what info they ask for.
Can you do that without it affecting anything?
Yeah you can look at the application questions without starting an official claim. Just don't hit submit until you're ready.
Just remember that once you submit the application, the clock starts ticking on filing your weekly claims. Don't apply until you're ready to commit to the weekly filing schedule.
Good luck with your application! Take your time and be thorough. It's worth doing it right the first time.
yeah good luck! it's not as bad as it seems once you get started
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Just remember that every situation is different. What worked for one person might not apply to your specific case. When in doubt, talk to an actual Washington ESD representative.
Absolutely. I feel much more prepared now though. This thread has been incredibly helpful.
Good luck with everything. The unemployment system can be overwhelming but you'll get through it.
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The defense industry boom from 1939-1945 is exactly what you're thinking of. Massive government spending on military equipment created millions of jobs almost overnight. But modern unemployment systems like Washington ESD are dealing with much more complex economic transitions.
That's a good point about complexity. The job market is much more fragmented now.
And Washington ESD has to handle way more claim types - regular UI, standby, partial claims, etc. Much more complicated than it used to be.
UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service and actually got through to a Washington ESD agent today! Turns out my employer had disputed my claim and that's what was causing the adjudication delay. The agent explained the next steps and said it should resolve within 2 weeks. Thanks to whoever mentioned that service - it really worked!
Great outcome! At least now you know what the holdup was instead of just waiting in the dark.
This is exactly why these calling services exist - Washington ESD's phone system is basically unusable without help.
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UPDATE: I finally got through to Washington ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Turns out my employer disputed my claim and that's why it was stuck. The agent helped me understand what I need to do for the appeal process. Would have saved me weeks of stress if I'd known about this earlier.
Oh wow, glad you got answers finally! I'll keep that in mind if I run into problems.
See? Told you it works. So much better than the regular phone system.
Thanks everyone for all the help! I successfully filed my initial claim tonight. The system was actually pretty user-friendly once I had all my info ready. Now I just wait and do my weekly claims. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly!
Good job getting it done! The hardest part is over.
Remember to file your first weekly claim this Sunday even if you haven't heard back about approval yet. Good luck!
Chad Winthrope
I tried calling Washington ESD about this same question last month and got nowhere. Spent 3 hours on hold just to get disconnected. Might have to try that claimyr service people mentioned.
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Sophia Carson
•Yeah definitely try it. I was in the same boat with the endless hold times. Claimyr got me through to someone in like 20 minutes.
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Chad Winthrope
•Alright I'll check out that video demo and see if it's worth it. Thanks for the rec.
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Paige Cantoni
Just to add - if you do get approved for both programs, you'll probably have to choose one or the other eventually. But in the short term while applications are processing, you might be able to collect UI benefits while waiting for disability decision.
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Keith Davidson
•Thanks everyone for all the advice. Sounds like unemployment first is the way to go, with the option to pursue disability later if needed.
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Paige Cantoni
•Exactly. Take it one step at a time and keep good records of everything. Good luck with your claim!
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