Can you file unemployment a different way besides online - Washington ESD alternatives?

Thanks! I'll try calling tomorrow morning. Do you know if there are specific hours when it's less busy?

I had luck calling right when they opened at 8 AM, but you might have to wait on hold for a while.

It's so frustrating! Did you eventually get it filed online or did you have to use another method?

finally got it online but had to use a different browser and clear all my cookies first

Never heard of that before - is it legit? I'm desperate at this point but want to make sure it's safe.

Yeah it's legitimate, they just help you get connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. Much better than the endless hold music!

I was skeptical too but it actually worked for me when I needed to resolve an adjudication issue.

That's what I'm afraid of. I can't afford to waste entire days trying to get through.

Exactly! And they act like it's YOUR fault when their system doesn't work properly.

I'll try that! I was using Chrome so maybe Firefox will work better.

Edge actually worked for me when other browsers didn't. Worth trying multiple options.

Good point! What documents do I need to have ready? I have my last pay stub and separation notice.

You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank account info for direct deposit. Having it all ready makes the process much smoother.

That's encouraging! I might try the phone option first thing tomorrow.

Same experience here - the phone agents are usually more helpful than trying to figure out the website errors.

That's a relief! Should I keep screenshots of the error messages I'm getting?

Yes, definitely keep screenshots and note the dates/times you tried. That helps if there are any questions later.

I didn't know there was a technical help option! That might be exactly what I need.

The tech support people are usually pretty patient and helpful with website issues.

Six times?! That's crazy. Were you eventually able to get it filed?

yeah finally got someone who could take my application over the phone. took about an hour but got it done

How quickly did they get you connected? I'm willing to try anything at this point.

It was pretty fast - within about 20 minutes I was talking to an actual person instead of listening to hold music.

Oh I do have an ad blocker running! I'll try disabling it and see if that helps.

Yeah government sites are notorious for not working with ad blockers. Try disabling all extensions first.

That makes sense! I was trying during lunch breaks when everyone else probably is too.

I had success filing around 6 AM when most people aren't awake yet. System was much more responsive.

Thanks for the encouragement! I'll keep trying different methods until something works.

That's the right attitude! Persistence pays off with these government systems.

I didn't think about that! I'll look up my local WorkSource location and see if they can help.

The WorkSource staff are usually really knowledgeable about the filing process and common technical problems.

I've been using Chrome on my laptop. Maybe I should try my phone instead?

Worth a shot! The mobile version of the site sometimes has fewer glitches.

Several people have mentioned Claimyr now. I think I'll check out that demo video and see if it's something I want to try.

It's definitely worth watching the demo first to see if it's right for your situation.

That's reassuring! I was worried I might lose my benefits if I couldn't get filed right away.

As long as you're making good faith efforts and can document the technical problems, you should be fine.

I'll try that tonight and then attempt filing again tomorrow morning. Thanks for all the helpful suggestions everyone!

Good luck! Let us know how it goes - your experience might help other people having similar issues.

Good point! I'll make sure I'm using ethernet instead of wifi for better stability.