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Carmen Sanchez

Can I visit ESD office in Olympia in person when can't reach anyone by phone?

I've been trying to reach ESD for THREE WEEKS about my claim with no luck. I'm completely frustrated with the phone system - I've called at least 30 times, tried different times of day, and either get disconnected or stuck on hold until they close! I have issues with my claim that need to be resolved asap and my messages in eServices haven't been answered. Has anyone tried just going to the physical unemployment office in Olympia to speak with someone in person? Is that even allowed? Do they accept walk-ins or do I need an appointment? I'm desperate at this point and willing to make the drive if it means getting my claim issues fixed.

Andre Dupont

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I tried going to the Olympia office last month without an appointment. They have security at the entrance and they told me ESD doesn't accept walk-ins anymore - everything has to be done through WorkSource centers. You need to go to your local WorkSource office instead, and even then, you might need to schedule an appointment first depending on which one you go to. Check their website to find the closest one to you and call ahead.

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Ugh, that's disappointing but thanks for letting me know before I wasted a trip. Do you know if the WorkSource staff can actually help with claim issues or are they just going to tell me to call the same impossible-to-reach phone line?

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Zoe Papadakis

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i went to worksource in everett 2 weeks ago and they couldnt do much. they have computers u can use and they helped me navigate eservices but for actual claim problems they said only esd phone reps can fix it. total waste of time tbh

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ThunderBolt7

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This is EXACTLY what's wrong with the whole unemployment system!!! They make it practically IMPOSSIBLE to speak to an actual human being who can help, and then wonder why people get so angry. The WorkSource centers are just glorified computer labs - the staff there have ZERO ability to fix claim issues. I've been dealing with ESD for years (unfortunately) and it's only gotten worse.

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Jamal Edwards

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I was in the same situation last month with my adjudication stuck for weeks. After trying everything, I found a service called Claimyr that actually worked for getting through to ESD. It basically keeps dialing for you and calls you back once it gets through the phone tree. I was skeptical but they connected me within about 2 hours when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The ESD rep I finally spoke with was able to resolve my identity verification issue on the spot.

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Mei Chen

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does that really work? seems kinda sketch to me

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Jamal Edwards

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It worked for me after nothing else did. I was desperate after trying for over a month to get someone on the phone. The WorkSource office couldn't help with my specific issue - they just told me to keep calling. I was about to give up when another claimant mentioned Claimyr to me. Got through to an actual ESD claims specialist who fixed my problem in 10 minutes.

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The official process as of June 2025 works like this: 1. ESD's Olympia headquarters does NOT accept walk-ins for claim assistance 2. All in-person services are provided through WorkSource centers 3. WorkSource offers limited ESD services: - Access to computers/phones - Basic navigation help with eServices - General information about unemployment However, WorkSource staff CANNOT: - Access your specific claim details - Override decisions or fix technical issues - Process payments or resolve adjudication For claim-specific issues, you must either: 1. Call the claims center (888-318-6022) 2. Use the secure message feature in eServices 3. Submit documents through your online account If your issue is urgent (no payment for 3+ weeks), you can request an escalation through your local legislator's office. Many claimants have had success with this approach when all else fails.

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Thank you for this detailed explanation! I'm going to try contacting my legislator's office tomorrow. I didn't even think about that option. I've been without payment for 5 weeks now so hopefully they can help escalate my case.

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Amara Okonkwo

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I had luck getting through on Tuesday morning right when they opened at 8:00 AM. Took about 45 minutes on hold but finally got someone. Thursday mornings seem to work better too for some reason. Just keep trying different days/times and eventually you'll get through!

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hahaha good luck. i tried calling every day for TWO MONTHS and gave up. ended up just finding another job cause it was faster than waiting for esd to fix my claim. the whole system is designed to make people give up imo

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ThunderBolt7

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THIS!!! The system is 100% designed to discourage people from getting the benefits they EARNED. It's absolutely criminal how they treat claimants. I've had THREE different claims over the years and EVERY SINGLE TIME it was a nightmare of bureaucracy and unanswered phones. And they wonder why people get so frustrated!

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Andre Dupont

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One more thing to try - email your state representative. My cousin had a claim stuck in adjudication for over a month. She emailed her state rep with her claim details and within 3 days got a call from an ESD supervisor who fixed everything. The legislative offices seem to have direct contacts at ESD that can bypass the regular channels. Worth a shot if you're desperate.

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I'm definitely going to try this approach. How do I find my state representative's contact info? And should I include my claim ID and last 4 of SSN in the email or is that too much personal info?

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Andre Dupont

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Go to leg.wa.gov and enter your address to find your representatives. When you email them, just include your name, contact info, and a brief explanation of your issue. They'll contact you to get the specific claim details through a secure method. Don't include your SSN in the initial email.

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Zoe Walker

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I feel your pain! I went through the exact same nightmare last year - couldn't get through on the phone for WEEKS and my claim was stuck in limbo. What finally worked for me was a combination of things: 1) I called exactly at 7:58 AM on Tuesday mornings (2 minutes before they officially open) and stayed on hold no matter what, 2) I sent a secure message through eServices every single day documenting my attempts to reach them, and 3) I contacted my state senator's office after 4 weeks with no resolution. The legislative contact was what really got things moving - I got a callback from an ESD supervisor within 48 hours. Don't give up! Also, keep detailed records of every call attempt with dates and times - ESD supervisors can see this data and it helps your case when you finally get through to someone with authority.

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