Washington Unemployment

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Can't reach Washington Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.

Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.

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
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Is visiting ESD office worth it for 2-week adjudication case? Need advice

I've been stuck in adjudication for almost 2 weeks now (nothing compared to some horror stories I've read here). Someone mentioned visiting an actual ESD office might help speed things up? Has anyone done this recently? My claim is for reduced hours after my company cut me from 40 to 15 hours per week, and I'm getting anxious since rent is due soon. I'm still filing my weekly claims and reporting my part-time income, but nothing is being paid while in adjudication. Is it worth taking time off my reduced schedule to physically go to an office, or should I just wait it out since it's only been 2 weeks? Any experiences would be helpful!

anyone know if esd offices are open saturdays? cant take more time off work or ill get fired

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No, ESD offices are only open Monday-Friday, typically 8am-5pm with some closing for lunch. WorkSource centers have similar hours. If you can't take time off, calling is your best option, but be prepared for long wait times.

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Thanks everyone for the advice! I think I'll wait one more week to hit the 3-week mark, and then try both calling (maybe with that Claimyr service) and visiting an office if the phone doesn't work out. I'll keep filing my weekly claims in the meantime and hope my employer responded accurately about my hours reduction. Really appreciate all the insights!

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That sounds like a good plan. Also, don't forget to check your ESD account notifications and email daily, as they sometimes request additional information through those channels during adjudication. Missing those requests can further delay your claim processing.

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ESD approved my UI claim but weekly claims still showing disqualified after 3 weeks

So frustrated right now! My initial unemployment claim was approved (got the monetary determination letter and everything), but for the last 3 weeks when I file my weekly claims, each one shows up as 'disqualified' in my account. No explanation why! The weirdest part is that the system tells me I can file an appeal, but when I click through to the appeals page, there's literally no option to appeal these disqualifications. I've tried calling ESD at least 15 times a day but can never get through - just disconnected after the automated messages. I also sent a message through eServices but got that automated response saying it could take 20+ days for someone to respond. My rent is due next week and I'm seriously panicking. Has anyone dealt with this weird disqualification loop before? Any advice on how to actually get through to a real person?

UPDATE: I got through the line! Turns out I had an old claim from 2022 that was marked Ineligible because they never verified my ID back then. I've now submitted my ID verification and once that gets cleared, they said they'll re-evaluate the disqualified weekly claims. The agent was actually super helpful once I finally reached someone. Fingers crossed this doesn't take too long to resolve. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

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Great news! This is exactly the kind of hidden issue I suspected. Once the ID verification is processed, they should be able to clear those disqualifications quickly. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims in the meantime so you don't miss any potential benefits.

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thats awesome!! how did u finally get through? i might have another issue coming up soon and wanna know the secret lol

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To answer those asking how I got through: I tried that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above. Honestly, after weeks of frustration, it was worth it to finally talk to someone who could help. The ESD agent told me it could take 5-7 business days for the ID verification to process, then another few days for them to review my disqualified weeks. At least now I know what's going on!

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Thanks for updating us! It's always helpful to hear how these situations get resolved. Hope the rest of the process goes smoothly for you.

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ESD overpayment waiver stuck in 'pending review' for 10 months - call or wait?

I submitted my overpayment waiver back in July 2024 (almost 10 months ago!) and when I log into my ESD account it STILL shows as 'pending review'. The overpayment amount they're claiming I owe is $5,890 which I absolutely cannot afford. I've been unemployed again for the past 3 months and this is causing me serious stress. I know the regular pandemic benefits ended years ago, but I'm still dealing with this overpayment issue from that period. Has anyone else experienced such a long wait time for waiver decisions? I'm wondering if I should keep waiting or if calling ESD might actually help move things along. The last time I tried calling (about 4 months ago) I couldn't get through after waiting on hold for 2+ hours and eventually gave up. Anyone have advice on whether I should try calling again or just continue waiting? Is there some other way to check on the status besides the online portal?

The overpayment waiver process has specific timelines that ESD is supposed to follow. According to WAC 192-220-030, they should make a determination within a reasonable time. Ten months is definitely excessive and indicates your claim may have fallen through the cracks. I'd recommend three things: 1. Call ESD directly and request a status update. Ask for your case to be escalated due to the extended wait time. 2. If calling doesn't work, submit a formal written inquiry through your eServices message center. This creates a paper trail. 3. If all else fails, contact your state representative's office. They often have constituent services that can help with ESD issues. Also, make sure to continue filing your current unemployment claims properly while this older issue is being resolved. The two matters are technically separate in ESD's systems.

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Thank you for the detailed advice! I didn't know I could contact my state representative about this. I'll try calling first, but if that doesn't work, I'll definitely try the other options you suggested.

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UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning after trying since 8am! The agent found my file and said there's actually a SYSTEM GLITCH that's been affecting some waiver requests where they get stuck in the system without being assigned to a claims specialist for review. She's escalated my case and said I should hear something within 5-7 business days. She also added a note that it's been pending an excessive amount of time. For anyone else dealing with this - CALL THEM! Don't just wait like I was doing!

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Great update! That system glitch has been an ongoing issue with their case management software. Glad you got through and had your case escalated. Make sure to follow up if you don't hear anything in 7 business days.

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That's fantastic news! Thank you so much for coming back to update. I'm going to call tomorrow morning and specifically mention the system glitch. Fingers crossed I get a helpful agent like you did!

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ESD direct deposit timing after adjudication approval - how long to wait?

FINALLY some good news to share! After 9 excruciatingly long weeks in adjudication hell, my claim was approved yesterday. The status changed to "paid" right after I contacted my state representative's office (seriously, ONE DAY after reaching out to them - wish I'd done that 8 weeks ago!). \n\nNow I'm constantly refreshing my bank account like a crazy person waiting for the money to actually hit my account. Does anyone know how long it typically takes for direct deposit payments to show up once your ESD account shows "paid"? Is it 24 hours? 48 hours? Longer? I've got bills piling up that I need to take care of ASAP and I'm anxious about exactly when I can start paying them.\n\nAlso, will all 9 weeks come at once or in separate deposits? Just trying to plan accordingly. Thanks!

Just wanted to follow up - did your payment arrive? I'm in a similar situation and trying to gauge timing.

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Yes! It came through exactly 42 hours after the status changed to paid. It was one lump sum for all 9 weeks minus taxes. Such a relief! If yours shows paid, it should be very soon!

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Weekly claim phone confirmation but ESD online system still asking me to file - which is correct?

I'm totally confused about my weekly claim status. I called the automated phone system this morning to file my weekly claim (I prefer the phone since the website was glitchy for me before). The system confirmed my claim was accepted and gave me a confirmation number. But when I logged into my eServices account just now to check when I might get paid, it's telling me I still need to file my weekly claim! Has anyone experienced this disconnect between the phone system and the website? Should I trust the phone confirmation, or do I need to file again online? I really don't want to accidentally file twice and get flagged for fraud or something. It's been 6 weeks since I got laid off from my healthcare admin job and I can't afford any payment delays.

Just to follow up - did your online account update to show the claim was filed? Usually it should reflect the correct status by the next business day. If not, you might want to call ESD to verify everything is in order.

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Yes! The website updated overnight just like you all said it would. The claim now shows as processed and the payment is pending. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for the help and keeping me from making a huge mistake by filing twice.

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