Contacted Senator Murray about ESD adjudication delays - has anyone tried this approach?
After waiting 76 days in adjudication with zero movement on my UI claim, I decided to try a different approach. Someone at the Governor's office actually suggested writing to Senator Patty Murray since she oversees ESD's budget allocation. Yesterday I sent her a detailed letter explaining how these 2-3 month wait times are devastating workers across WA state - causing credit score damage, evictions, and vehicle repossessions. I emphasized how many of us are losing housing while waiting for benefits we're entitled to receive. I suggested she coordinate with the Governor to allocate emergency resources specifically for hiring more adjudicators to process the massive backlog. Has anyone else tried contacting their representatives about ESD issues? I'm wondering if a coordinated effort might finally get some action on fixing this broken system. If enough of us reach out, maybe they'll finally prioritize this crisis affecting thousands of Washington workers who deserve basic dignity and respect during unemployment.
17 comments


Isabella Martin
I did something similar last month! I contacted both Senator Murray and my local state representative after my claim sat in adjudication for 9 WEEKS. Senator Murray's office actually got back to me within 3 days and said they were forwarding my case to their "constituent services team" that handles agency issues. About a week later, my claim suddenly moved from adjudication to paid status! I can't prove it was because of the senator's intervention, but the timing seemed too convenient to be coincidence. Their website makes it pretty easy to submit your story.
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Ava Hernandez
•That's amazing to hear! Did you get any direct response from the senator's office confirming they intervened? I'm desperate at this point and would do anything to get my claim moving.
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Elijah Jackson
this probly wont work senator murray is just another politician who dosnt care about regular ppl. ive been waiting 11 weeks in adjucation and called ESD 50+ times. they just tell me to wait and be pacient every time. the whole system is desined to make u give up!!
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Isabella Martin
•I understand your frustration, but reaching out to elected officials actually can help sometimes. You have nothing to lose by trying. The more people who complain, the more likely something will change.
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Sophia Miller
I work at a legal aid clinic, and we've actually had significant success with the legislative route for particularly stuck claims. Senator Murray's office has a dedicated staff member who handles constituent services related to federal agencies and federal funding issues. Since the ESD receives federal funding, her office can make inquiries that sometimes break through the logjam. My advice is to make your letter very specific: 1. Include your claim ID number 2. Explain exactly how long you've been waiting 3. Detail the specific financial hardships (with dollar amounts if possible) 4. Note all the times you've tried to contact ESD directly The more people who reach out, the more likely this issue gets prioritized. This is actually a great approach!
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Ava Hernandez
•Thank you so much for this insider perspective! I included most of those details but didn't think to add my claim ID number. I'll send a follow-up email with that information today. Really appreciate the guidance.
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Mason Davis
Has anyone tried using Claimyr to reach an actual ESD agent? I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get through on the phone, then my friend told me about this service at claimyr.com that got him through to an agent in under 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. When I finally got through, the agent was able to see there was a simple wage verification issue holding up my claim that could be resolved on the spot. Might be worth trying while you wait for the senator's office to respond.
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Ava Hernandez
•I hadn't heard of this before - thanks for sharing. At this point I'm willing to try anything. The most frustrating part is just not knowing what's causing the delay or if there's something I need to submit to move things along. I'll check out that video demo.
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Mia Rodriguez
Your approach is absolutely worth pursuing, but I'd recommend a multi-pronged strategy. Contact BOTH your state representatives AND federal representatives simultaneously. Each office has different levels of influence over different aspects of ESD. Senator Murray's office can apply pressure regarding federal funding and DOL oversight, while your state representatives can push from within the state budget and oversight committees. Don't forget your state senator too! I've helped several people navigate these waters, and persistence is key. Be polite but firm, and always follow up weekly if you don't hear back. Document every communication with reference numbers and names of who you spoke with. Also, if you're facing imminent housing loss or utility shutoffs due to the delay, make sure to mention that specifically as those situations can sometimes trigger expedited processing.
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Elijah Jackson
•do u have to write a real letter or can u just email them? i dont even own a printer lol
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Mia Rodriguez
@user7 - Email works perfectly fine! Most representatives actually prefer email because it's easier for their staff to process and forward to the appropriate departments. Just make sure to include your full contact information (name, address, phone) so they can verify you're a constituent and follow up with you.
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Jacob Lewis
I TRIED THIS AND GOT NOWHERE!!!! Wrote to Murray, Cantwell, and my district rep THREE MONTHS AGO about my claim being stuck for 14 weeks. Got form letters back saying "we've forwarded your concern" and then NOTHING HAPPENED. Meanwhile I lost my apartment and had to move in with my parents at age 42. ESD is BROKEN BEYOND REPAIR and none of these politicians actually care as long as they keep getting their paychecks on time.
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Sophia Miller
•I'm really sorry that happened to you. Sometimes the effectiveness varies depending on the specific details of your case and which staff member receives it. It might be worth trying again with a very specific subject line that mentions "Imminent Homelessness" or "Urgent Hardship" to get prioritized attention. Also, calling their offices directly sometimes gets better results than writing.
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Amelia Martinez
This is actually a really smart strategy I hadn't considered. The Governor's office was right to suggest this approach. I'm gonna try contacting both Murray and Cantwell today. My claim has been in adjudication for 51 days with zero explanation. Does anyone know how to find out who my local state representatives are? Should I contact them too?
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Mia Rodriguez
•You can find your state representatives by entering your address at leg.wa.gov/findyourlegislator. And yes, definitely contact your state representatives too! They often have more direct connections with state agencies like ESD.
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Ava Hernandez
Update: I just got off the phone with someone from Senator Murray's office! They took all my information and claim details and said they're sending an official inquiry to ESD on my behalf. They mentioned they've been getting a lot of these requests lately, so it seems like more people are trying this approach. They said to expect a response within 2 weeks. Fingers crossed this actually helps!
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Amelia Martinez
•That's promising! Please keep us updated if it works. I'm about to send my letter today. This whole situation is so frustrating - I've paid into the system for years and now that I need help, it feels impossible to get through.
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