


Ask the community...
Try calling the technical support line instead of the main claims line. When you get someone from tech support, explain that you've been unable to reach claims for weeks. Sometimes they'll transfer you directly to a claims specialist, bypassing the main queue. Worked for me twice in the past month!
UPDATE: I finally got through!!! Used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and was connected to an agent in about 30 mins. They fixed my claim issue right away - turns out there was a simple verification problem they could have solved in 5 minutes if I could have just reached them weeks ago! So frustrating but at least it's resolved now. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
My brother got his no problem! 2 weeks and money started coming. Meanwhile im on week 6 of waiting lol. I think its just random luck honestly
@OP - Just FYI, I used that Claimyr service I mentioned after trying to call the regular way for THREE WEEKS. The difference is they have some system that holds your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. When I finally got through, the ESD agent told me my claim was just sitting there waiting for someone to review a document I had uploaded. She processed it while I was on the phone. Sometimes the claims just need a human touch to move them along in the system. The most frustrating part is not knowing WHY it's stuck or what you need to do. That's why getting through on the phone can make all the difference.
I'll second this approach. I didn't use that specific service, but I did finally get through after weeks of trying. The issue with my claim was so minor (they couldn't read my employer's name on a document) but it had stopped everything. Once I talked to someone, it was resolved in minutes. The system isn't designed for success without human intervention.
Has anyone mentioned the Unemployment Law Project yet? They specifically help with ESD appeals and often take cases pro bono. Worth checking out!
I contacted the Unemployment Law Project and have a phone consultation tomorrow! Also managed to reach an ESD agent who explained exactly what evidence they reviewed. Feeling a bit more prepared now. My hearing is still a week away so trying to get all my documentation organized. Thanks everyone for the support - will update after the hearing.
Update on my earlier comment - I finally got through to a supervisor at ESD today and was told they actually do have a "trusted claimant" program they're rolling out for people with consistent seasonal claim history. It's not fully implemented yet, but you might want to specifically ask about it when you call. Apparently if you've had 3+ years of clean claims with the same seasonal pattern, you can request to be added to this expedited review process for future claims.
just got my first payment today!!! only took 5 weeks this time which is better than the 9 weeks last year i guess lol. progress?
Zoe Papanikolaou
i just called esd and the recording said 188 minute wait time!!! that's like 3 hours!! who has time for that??
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Andre Dupont
•This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Instead of waiting on hold for hours, they get you a callback from an ESD agent, typically within 1-2 hours. I've seen the wait time estimates go up to 4+ hours recently, which is ridiculous when people are trying to resolve important financial issues. The video on their site shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3
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Mei Lin
Anyone else think it's INCREDIBLY SUSPICIOUS that ESD is suddenly offering these waivers right before the 5-year statute of limitations kicks in for pandemic unemployment claims??? It's like they're trying to get people to acknowledge the debts before they legally expire! Be careful what you sign!!!
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Jamal Wilson
•This is incorrect information. The waiver program was mandated by federal guidelines, not created by ESD independently. Additionally, acknowledging an overpayment doesn't reset the statute of limitations in Washington for unemployment debt. The waivers are a legitimate way to have valid overpayments forgiven based on financial hardship or absence of fault. Please be careful about spreading misinformation that might prevent people from seeking legitimate relief.
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