< Back to Washington Unemployment

Jamal Brown

Can I attend required WorkSource meeting at different location than ESD specified?

I just checked my mail and got this letter from ESD saying I have to go to a mandatory meeting with a WorkSource Employment Specialist in Bellingham. The problem is I'm temporarily staying with my sister in Vancouver right now (about 5 hours away) because my apartment had a major water leak. I can't really drive all the way back up north just for this meeting. Has anyone been able to switch their required WorkSource location? The letter says failure to attend could result in denial of benefits and I really can't afford to lose my unemployment right now. Do I have to go to the exact WorkSource location they specified or can I attend at one closer to where I'm staying?

Mei Zhang

•

You can usually attend at a different WorkSource location! Call the WorkSource office where your appointment is scheduled and explain your situation. They can typically transfer your appointment to a different location that's more convenient for you. Make sure to do this BEFORE your scheduled appointment date - don't wait until the last minute. When you call, have your ESD ID number ready and the date/time of your original appointment.

0 coins

Jamal Brown

•

Thank you so much! I'll call them first thing tomorrow morning. Do you know if I need to get any kind of confirmation in writing that they've transferred my appointment? I'm worried about miscommunication and then getting penalized.

0 coins

i had this happen last yr. just call the #on the letter they sent u. its no big deal to switch locations they do it all the time. but DO IT ASAP dont wait

0 coins

BE CAREFUL!!!! Make sure you document EVERYTHING when you call them. I had my appointment moved but then they claimed I never showed up and my benefits got cut off for 4 WEEKS!!! I had to file an appeal and it was a nightmare to get resolved. Get the name of whoever you talk to and ask them to email you confirmation that your appointment was transferred. Don't trust the system!

0 coins

Jamal Brown

•

Oh no, that sounds awful! Thanks for the warning - I'll definitely ask for email confirmation and write down who I spoke with.

0 coins

CosmicCaptain

•

Yes, you can attend at a different WorkSource location. This is a common situation, especially for people who travel or have temporary living arrangements. Here's the proper process: 1. Call the WorkSource office listed on your letter (not ESD) 2. Explain your temporary relocation situation 3. Request transfer to the Vancouver WorkSource office 4. Get the name and direct number of who you speak with 5. Ask them to email you confirmation of the transfer 6. After the call, document the date, time, and details of the conversation The most important part is attending *some* WorkSource location at the required time. The requirement is about completing the workshop/meeting, not specifically about which location you visit. Just make sure both offices communicate with each other about the change.

0 coins

Jamal Brown

•

This is super helpful, thank you! I'll follow these steps exactly. Do you know if the Vancouver WorkSource offers all the same workshops as the Bellingham one? My letter mentions something about a "Job Hunter Workshop" specifically.

0 coins

I had to do the exact same thing last month - had an appointment in Spokane but needed to attend in Yakima. Just called the number on the letter and they transferred it no problem. Took like 5 minutes. All WorkSource offices offer the same basic services.

0 coins

Jamal Brown

•

That's a relief to hear! Glad it worked out for you. I'll call them tomorrow.

0 coins

Has anyone used Claimyr to get through to ESD? I was in a similar situation and needed to talk to someone at ESD urgently about my WorkSource appointment, but couldn't get through on the phone for days. A friend recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Totally worth it when you need to reach someone quickly.

0 coins

Just wanted to clarify something important - for WorkSource appointment changes, you need to contact the WorkSource office directly, not the ESD main line. The ESD call center can't actually change WorkSource appointments. If you have other claim issues though, Claimyr might help with those.

0 coins

To add to what others have said - all WorkSource locations offer the same mandatory workshops required for unemployment benefits. The Job Hunter Workshop is standardized across all locations. However, different WorkSource centers may schedule these workshops on different days of the week, so when you call to transfer, ask specifically about when the next Job Hunter Workshop is available at the Vancouver location so you can make sure to attend on time. Also, make sure to bring your ESD letter with you to the new location as proof that you were required to attend. Some workshop facilitators will want to see the original notice.

0 coins

Jamal Brown

•

Thanks for the additional info! I'll definitely bring my letter with me. Good point about asking when they schedule the Job Hunter Workshop specifically - I'll make sure to ask about that when I call.

0 coins

UPDATE: I just called the Bellingham WorkSource office and got everything transferred to Vancouver! The woman I spoke with (Jennifer) was super helpful and said this happens all the time. She emailed me confirmation and everything. The Vancouver office has the same Job Hunter Workshop this Friday at 10am, so I'm all set. Thanks everyone for your help!

0 coins

CosmicCaptain

•

Excellent! Glad it worked out. Make sure to arrive at the Vancouver WorkSource about 15 minutes early to check in and complete any paperwork. And remember to bring some form of ID and your ESD paperwork.

0 coins

Washington Unemployment AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
20,087 users helped today