Can you apply for unemployment over the phone Washington ESD - website keeps crashing

Yes, you can absolutely apply for unemployment over the phone with Washington ESD! The online system has been really glitchy lately, especially for people with multiple employers. You'll want to call the UI customer service line at (800) 318-6022. Best times to get through are usually right when they open at 8am or during lunch hours around 12-1pm.

I tried calling that number for weeks and could never get through. The hold times are absolutely insane and half the time it just disconnects you after waiting forever. The website might be buggy but at least you can keep trying it without wasting hours on hold.

Actually, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to Washington ESD super quickly. I was having the same problem - couldn't get through on the phone and the website kept glitching out on my work history. Claimyr basically calls for you and gets you connected to an actual person. There's even a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Worth checking out if you're stuck like I was.

The phone application process is definitely still available but honestly it's not much faster than fixing the website issues. For multiple employers, try breaking it down into smaller chunks - maybe do 2-3 employers at a time instead of trying to enter everything in one session. The system seems to handle smaller data loads better.

Why is the Washington ESD system so terrible??? Like seriously, in 2025 we still can't have a functioning unemployment website? Other states figured this out years ago but we're still dealing with crashes and hour-long hold times. It's ridiculous that people who just lost their jobs have to fight the system just to apply for benefits they paid into.

If you do go the phone route, make sure you have a backup plan for getting disconnected. Write down exactly where you left off in the application process so if the call drops, you can pick up where you left off with the next agent. Also, don't hang up if you get put on hold - sometimes they come back after what seems like forever.

try calling on wednesdays around 2pm, that's when I got through last month. took like 15 minutes on hold instead of hours

I'm dealing with this exact same thing! Multiple part-time jobs and the website keeps crashing on the employment history section. It's so frustrating because I need to get my claim filed before my separation date gets too old. Has anyone successfully completed the application over the phone recently? Like within the last few weeks?

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr thing I mentioned earlier - it really does work. I was skeptical at first too but desperate times called for desperate measures. Got connected to Washington ESD within like 10 minutes and was able to complete my entire application over the phone. Way better than fighting with their website or spending all day redialing.

The website issues are usually worse during peak hours (Monday mornings, late afternoons). If you're going to keep trying online, maybe attempt it late at night or early morning when fewer people are using the system. But honestly, the phone route might be your best bet with multiple employers.

Whatever you do, don't wait too long to get your claim filed. I think you have to apply within a certain timeframe of your last day of work or you might lose benefits. Not sure of the exact rules but better to get it done ASAP even if it's a pain.

Here's what worked for me with the online system crashes: save your progress frequently and use a different browser. I was using Chrome and it kept timing out, but Safari worked fine. Also clear your cache before starting the application.

I work part-time for Washington ESD (not in claims processing) but I can tell you that phone applications are definitely still processed. The agents are trained to handle complex situations that the online system can't accommodate well. Your multiple employer situation is exactly the type of case where calling makes more sense.

Been there! Filed over the phone last year and it was actually easier than the website. The agent caught a mistake I would have made on the online form regarding my reason for separation. Sometimes talking to a real person is worth the wait.

Has anyone tried using that Claimyr service the person mentioned earlier? I'm curious but want to hear from more people before trying it. Sounds almost too convenient.

just keep trying the website, it eventually works. took me like 8 tries but got through. phone is probably easier but I hate talking on the phone

The Washington ESD phone system is set up to handle initial applications, weekly claims, and pretty much everything you can do online. Don't let anyone tell you that you HAVE to use the website. Some situations are actually better handled over the phone, especially when you have questions about how to answer certain sections.

Whatever method you choose, make sure you keep records of everything. If you file by phone, ask for a confirmation number or reference number for your application. Write down the date, time, and name of the agent you spoke with. This stuff can be important later if there are any issues with your claim.