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

You can't file your initial claim over the phone anymore. Washington ESD stopped doing phone applications a few years back. The online system at secure.esd.wa.gov is the only way to file now. Try using a different browser or clearing your cache - sometimes that helps with the timeout issues.

The online filing requirement has been in place since 2018. However, you might have better luck during off-peak hours - early morning or late evening when server load is lower. Make sure you have all your employment information ready before starting: employer names, addresses, dates of employment, and reason for separation. The system will time out if you take too long between pages.

I had the exact same problem when I filed in November! What ended up working for me was using Claimyr to get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They couldn't file my claim over the phone but they walked me through exactly what was causing the website issues and gave me tips for getting it submitted. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

try filing really early in the morning like 6am or after midnight, the system works way better when less people are on it. also make sure your browsers updated

Washington ESD's website is absolute garbage. I've been dealing with them for months and it's always something. The fact that they force you to use a broken system and don't offer phone filing is just cruel. Meanwhile people are missing rent payments waiting for benefits.

Update: I tried again this morning at 6:30am and it worked! Got all the way through and submitted my claim. Thanks everyone for the early morning suggestion. Still think it's ridiculous that there's no phone option but at least I got it done.

For anyone else having this issue - try disabling browser extensions too. My ad blocker was interfering with the ESD site and causing timeouts. Once I turned it off the application went through fine.

Wait so there's really no way to file over the phone at all? What if someone doesn't have internet access or computer skills? That seems like it would discriminate against older people or low-income folks.

I remember when you could just walk into the unemployment office and file in person. Now everything has to be online and half the time it doesn't work. Progress I guess?

Pro tip: if you're still having issues after trying different times and browsers, try using a different device entirely. Sometimes it's not the browser but something with your computer setup. I had to use my neighbor's laptop because mine just wouldn't work with the ESD site for some reason.

Has anyone tried that Claimyr thing mentioned earlier? I'm curious if it actually works or if it's just a scam. Seems too good to be true that you can actually get through to ESD.

The whole system is set up to discourage people from filing. Make it as difficult as possible so people give up and don't claim benefits they're entitled to. It's all by design.

Another thing to check - make sure JavaScript is enabled in your browser. Some people have it disabled for security reasons but the ESD site won't work without it.

If anyone is still struggling with the website, you can also try filing from a public computer at WorkSource. They have staff there who can help troubleshoot technical issues and the computers are set up specifically for ESD applications.

just wanted to add my experience - i tried for 3 days to file online and it kept crashing. ended up using that claimyr thing someone mentioned and got connected to an ESD person who told me exactly which browser settings to change. got it filed that same day. worth the cost just to save the frustration

For what it's worth, once you get your initial claim filed the weekly claims are much easier to do online. The system seems more stable for those. It's just the initial application that's problematic.

This thread has been super helpful. I was about to give up on filing my claim but now I have a bunch of things to try. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!

One more tip - if you're still having trouble, try using your phone's browser instead of a computer. Sometimes the mobile version of the site works better. I've heard of people successfully filing their claims using their smartphone when their computer wouldn't work.