Can you apply for unemployment in person at Washington ESD office?

Most Washington ESD offices don't do walk-in applications anymore since COVID. Everything is supposed to be done online or over the phone. Have you tried calling the claims center?

I've tried calling but can never get through. The line is always busy or I get disconnected after waiting on hold for hours.

Same experience here. The phone system is completely overwhelmed.

You can't file initial claims in person at Washington ESD offices anymore. They moved everything to digital systems. Try using a different browser or clearing your cache - sometimes that fixes the timeout issues.

I'll try a different browser, thanks. This is so frustrating when you need benefits to pay bills.

Firefox worked better for me than Chrome when I filed last month

I had the same problem with the website timing out! What worked for me was using claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way easier than trying to call yourself.

Never heard of that before. Is it legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got connected to an agent who helped me file over the phone.

How much does it cost though? I can't afford to pay extra just to file for unemployment.

If the website keeps timing out, try filing early in the morning like 6 AM when there's less traffic on the system. That's when I successfully got mine through.

Good tip, I'll set an alarm and try first thing tomorrow morning.

Early morning definitely works better. Less people online then.

I thought some WorkSource offices might still help with unemployment applications? Not sure if that's still a thing or not.

WorkSource can help with job search stuff but they don't handle unemployment claim filing anymore. That's all through Washington ESD directly.

Oh ok, that makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.

Have you tried using the mobile app instead of the website? Sometimes the app works when the website doesn't.

I didn't know there was a mobile app! Is it in the regular app store?

I don't think Washington ESD has an official mobile app actually. I might be thinking of something else.

The website is terrible, I feel your pain. When I filed last year it took me like 5 tries before it went through completely.

At least I know I'm not the only one having issues. This whole system seems broken.

It's been like this for years unfortunately. They never seem to fix the technical problems.

Just wanted to follow up - that Claimyr service I mentioned really does work if you can't get the website to cooperate. The agent I talked to was super helpful and walked me through everything over the phone.

Did they charge you for that service?

They focus on getting you connected rather than charging high fees. Worth it for the time it saves trying to call yourself.

Another thing to try is making sure you have all your documents ready before starting the online application. Having your Social Security card, ID, and employment history organized helps you move through faster.

That's a good point. Maybe I was taking too long gathering info and that's why it timed out.

Definitely have everything ready beforehand. The system doesn't save partial applications well.

I heard some people have luck using their local library computers if their home internet is causing issues. Public wifi might be more stable.

That's actually a really good idea. My home internet has been spotty lately.

Library computers are usually pretty fast too since they have good connections.

Wait, so there's literally no way to apply in person anymore? What if someone doesn't have internet access or isn't tech savvy?

They're supposed to have phone support for people who can't use the website, but as everyone mentioned, getting through by phone is nearly impossible.

That seems really unfair to people who aren't comfortable with technology.

I agree, they should have some kind of in-person option for emergencies or special circumstances.

Try using incognito/private browsing mode when you fill out the application. Sometimes cookies and stored data can mess up government websites.

I'll try that too. Anything to avoid dealing with that phone system.

Good suggestion. Private browsing helps with a lot of government sites.

The whole system is just overwhelmed. They never invested in proper infrastructure and now everyone suffers when they need help the most.

Exactly. It's ridiculous that applying for unemployment is this difficult in 2025.

You'd think they would have figured this out by now.

Update: I tried the early morning approach and it worked! Got my application submitted at 6:15 AM. Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

Awesome! Glad the early morning tip worked for you.

Great news! Now just make sure to file your weekly claims on time once your claim is processed.

Glad you got it sorted out! Keep that Claimyr info handy in case you need to reach an agent later about your claim status.

This thread convinced me to try again with my application that's been stuck for weeks. Going to set my alarm for 6 AM tomorrow!

Good luck! Hope it works for you too.

Let us know how it goes. Early morning seems to be the secret.

For anyone still having trouble, make sure you're using the secure.esd.wa.gov website and not some other lookalike site. There are fake unemployment sites out there.

Very important point. Always make sure you're on the official Washington ESD website.

Good reminder. I always double-check the URL for government sites.

Also remember that once you file, it can take several weeks for your claim to be processed, especially if it goes to adjudication. Don't panic if you don't hear back right away.

How long is 'several weeks' usually? I really need these benefits soon.

Can be anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on your situation. If there are any issues with your employment history it takes longer.

And make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the initial decision. That's really important.

I'm a former Washington ESD employee and can confirm there are no in-person filing options anymore. Everything moved online permanently after 2020. The phone system is your only alternative if the website won't work.

Thanks for the insider info. Any tips for actually getting through on the phone?

Call right when they open at 8 AM or try that Claimyr service someone mentioned - I've heard good things about it from other people who couldn't get through.

Yep, Claimyr definitely works. Saved me hours of phone frustration.

Just want to add that if you're filing because you were laid off, make sure you have your employer's information handy including their Washington ESD account number if possible. It speeds up the process.

Where would I find my employer's Washington ESD account number?

It might be on your pay stubs or final paperwork when you were laid off. If not, don't worry - Washington ESD can look it up.

The system can usually find your employer automatically if you have their full business name and address.