Are Washington ESD unemployment offices open for walk-ins right now?

Most Washington ESD offices are appointment-only now. You can't just walk in like before. They have limited in-person services and you usually need to schedule through their website or by calling first.

The main Washington ESD offices in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma have limited walk-in hours usually on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am-3pm, but you should call ahead to confirm. However, for claim status issues like yours, they'll probably just tell you to call the claims center anyway.

I had the same problem last month - couldn't get through by phone and the local office couldn't help with my specific issue. I ended up using Claimyr.com which got me connected to an actual Washington ESD agent within a few tries. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was way easier than trying to get through the regular phone lines.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I've been trying for 6 weeks to get someone at Washington ESD to explain why my benefits stopped. The local office told me to call, the phone system hangs up, and my claim just sits there in limbo. How are people supposed to survive like this?

most offices are barely staffed anymore... even if you get in they'll probably just hand you a phone to call the same number you've been trying

For what it's worth, I've found that calling right at 8am when they open gives you the best chance of getting through. The phone lines are usually less busy first thing in the morning before everyone starts calling.

If your claim has been pending for a month, it's probably in adjudication which means they're investigating something about your eligibility. This usually happens when there's a question about why you left your last job, if you're available for work, or if there's an employer protest. You really do need to speak with a claims specialist to get specifics.

I went to the Everett WorkSource office thinking they could help with Washington ESD stuff but they're completely separate. They can help with job search and resume stuff but can't access your claim information at all. Learned that the hard way after driving 45 minutes.

Try calling the Spanish language line even if you speak English. Sometimes it's less busy and they can transfer you to an English speaker once you get through. The number is on their website.

Another option that worked for my friend was using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. She was skeptical at first but said it actually got her through to Washington ESD when she'd been trying for weeks on her own. Might be worth checking out their website to see how it works.

The Tukwila office used to have walk-in hours on Wednesdays but I think they stopped that during COVID and never brought it back. You might want to call that specific office to see if they have any current walk-in availability.

been in the same boat for two months now... my benefits just stopped and no one can tell me why. starting to think they're hoping people just give up and stop trying to call

Have you tried reaching out to your state representative's office? Sometimes they can help cut through the bureaucracy when constituents are having problems with state agencies like Washington ESD. It's a long shot but might be worth a try.

Pro tip: if you do get through to someone at Washington ESD, get their direct phone number and extension if possible. Some agents will give you a direct line that bypasses the main system. Not all of them will do it but it's worth asking.

Update us when you find a solution! I'm in a similar situation and would love to know what ends up working for you.

Just wanted to add that I used Claimyr last week after seeing it mentioned in another forum and it actually worked. Got connected to a Washington ESD agent on the second try and was able to resolve my adjudication issue that had been pending for 6 weeks. The video demo on their site explains exactly how it works.

For what it's worth, I drove to the Seattle office last month and they do have a small lobby area where you can use computers to access your account, but the staff there really can't help with specific claim issues. They basically just supervise you using the same website you can access from home.

Hope you get this resolved soon! The unemployment system in this state is frustrating but don't give up. There are people who can help, you just have to find the right way to reach them.