Can I apply for unemployment in Washington ESD a different way besides online?

You can try calling Washington ESD directly at their customer service line. The number is on their website under contact info. Fair warning though - the wait times are usually pretty long, especially on Mondays and right after holidays.

The online system is really the primary way Washington ESD wants people to file now. There used to be paper applications but they've mostly phased those out except for special circumstances. Have you tried filing during off-peak hours? Like really early morning or late evening when fewer people are using the system?

If you absolutely can't get the online system to work, you might be able to get help at a WorkSource office. They have computers there and staff who can help you navigate the Washington ESD website. Not all locations offer this service though so call ahead first.

I had similar issues getting through to Washington ESD by phone until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get connected to an actual agent without all the waiting and getting hung up on. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth trying if you need to talk to someone about filing your claim.

The Washington ESD system is such garbage. I swear they make it crash on purpose to discourage people from filing. It's like they don't want to pay out benefits.

Make sure you're clearing your browser cache and cookies before trying again. Sometimes the Washington ESD site gets stuck with old session data and that causes problems. Also try using Chrome in incognito mode.

whatever you do dont wait too long to file. theres a time limit on when you can backdate your claim and if you miss it you could lose weeks of benefits

Try filing from a different location with different internet. Sometimes it's an ISP issue or your local connection having problems with their servers. I had to go to the library to finally get mine to work.

Another option is to start the application but save your progress frequently. The Washington ESD site has a 'save and continue later' feature. That way if it crashes you don't lose everything.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when I needed to get my adjudication issue resolved last month. Couldn't get through on the phone for weeks but they got me connected to an agent the same day. Super helpful for these kinds of Washington ESD problems.

Have you tried using a VPN? Sometimes changing your apparent location can help with website issues. Also make sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser settings.

just keep trying the website honestly. i know its annoying but eventually it will work. took me like 10 tries over 3 days but i finally got through

Make sure you have all your documents ready before you start - W2s, pay stubs, employer contact info, etc. The site will time out if you take too long looking for information while you're in the middle of the application.

You could also try contacting your local state representative's office. They sometimes have staff who can help with Washington ESD issues or at least point you in the right direction for getting help.

Whatever you do, don't give up. I know it's frustrating but you need to get that claim filed. Your benefits are backdated to when you first became eligible so you won't lose money, but you still need to get the initial application in.

Update on the Claimyr thing - I just used them again yesterday to check on my claim status since the website wasn't showing updated info. Got connected to a Washington ESD agent in about 10 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. Really worth it when you just need to talk to someone quickly.

The system usually works better on weekends when fewer people are using it. Try Saturday or Sunday if you can wait that long.

UPDATE: I finally got it to work! Took everyone's advice - cleared my cache, tried at 11 PM, had all my documents ready, and saved frequently. The application went through without any crashes. Thanks everyone for all the helpful suggestions!

Great to hear you got it working! For anyone else having similar issues, all these tips are solid. The Washington ESD system definitely has its quirks but it's usually just a matter of trying at the right time with the right setup.

This whole thread is a perfect example of why Washington ESD needs to invest in better technology. Shouldn't be this hard to file for benefits you're entitled to.