Can I apply for unemployment over the phone with Washington ESD?

Unfortunately Washington ESD doesn't do initial unemployment applications over the phone anymore. Everything has to be filed online through their eServices portal. I know it's frustrating when the site keeps crashing but that's pretty much your only option for the initial claim.

I had the same problem last month! The Washington ESD website was constantly timing out. What worked for me was clearing my browser cache completely and trying again early in the morning around 6 AM. Also make sure you have all your documents ready before you start - employer info, dates, wages, etc.

Actually, there might be a workaround for the phone issue. I discovered this service called Claimyr that helps people get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. They handle the calling for you and connect you to an actual person. Might be worth checking out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

omg the washington esd website is THE WORST. i spent like 3 hours trying to file my claim last week and it kept kicking me out right at the end. so frustrating!!!

You absolutely cannot file an initial unemployment claim over the phone in Washington state. This changed several years ago and everything must be done through the online portal. However, once your claim is established, you can sometimes get help from agents over the phone for specific issues. The key is actually getting through to someone.

Try using a different browser or device. Sometimes the Washington ESD site works better on mobile than desktop or vice versa. I've also heard that using incognito/private browsing mode can help avoid some of the session timeout issues.

Washington ESD is just broken in general. Been dealing with them for months on an adjudication issue and can't get anyone on the phone. The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch.

Just to be completely clear - initial unemployment benefit applications in Washington must be filed online through eServices. There's no way around this. Phone support is only available after your claim is established, and even then it's mainly for specific issues like adjudication problems or payment questions.

I remember when you could call and talk to someone to file your claim. Those were the days. Now everything is automated and impersonal.

Pro tip: if the Washington ESD website is giving you trouble, try filing your claim on a weekday morning before 8 AM or after 8 PM. The system is less congested during off-peak hours. Also make sure your browser allows cookies and JavaScript - the site won't work properly without them.

Once you do get your claim filed, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to get paid. That part you might be able to do over the phone using their automated system, but honestly the online method is usually faster even with the technical issues.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I was having trouble reaching Washington ESD about my claim status. It actually worked - they got me connected to an agent within like 20 minutes when I had been trying for weeks on my own. Might not help with initial filing but could be useful later if you run into problems.

Make sure you have your bank account information ready for direct deposit when you file. It's much faster than waiting for a check in the mail, and honestly with Washington ESD's track record, I wouldn't trust them to mail anything reliably.

just wanted to say good luck with the website. it took me like 5 tries over 3 days but i finally got my claim filed. dont give up!

One more thing - when you do get the website working, save your progress frequently if the application allows it. Nothing worse than getting 90% through and having it crash, forcing you to start over completely.

Look, the bottom line is Washington ESD forces everyone to use their terrible website for initial claims. It sucks but that's the reality. Your best bet is to try during off-peak hours with all your documents ready and hope for the best. Once you get past that first hurdle, there are more options for getting help if you need it.

This whole thread is making me grateful I filed my claim a few months ago. The system was buggy then too but sounds like it's gotten worse. Really hope they fix these technical issues soon.

Final advice: be patient with the website, have everything ready before you start, and don't wait too long to file. The sooner you get your claim in, the sooner you can start the waiting process for approval and payments.