Desperately need direct ESD phone number - account completely messed up

omg the same exact thing happened to me in january!!! the system is a JOKE. i literally spent 4 days straight hitting redial on my phone. no advice just solidarity 😩

Thanks for the solidarity but ugh that's so discouraging. Did you ever get through? I'm worried my claim will expire before I even get to talk to anyone!

Unfortunately, there's no direct number that bypasses the queue. Your best options are:\n\n1. Call exactly at 8:00 AM when they open (set an alarm for 7:55)\n2. Keep trying the main line between 1:00-2:00 PM when call volume typically drops\n3. If you have a WorkSource appointment, ask them to help escalate\n4. Make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even with the unresolved issues\n\nThe 'unresolved issues' usually mean they need more information about your employment separation or identity verification. Check your online correspondence folder - there might be letters explaining what they need that didn't get mailed to you.

Thank you so much for the tips! I've been trying at different times but not right at 8am - I'll try that tomorrow. I checked my correspondence folder and there's nothing there at all which is part of why I'm so confused. I've definitely been filing weekly claims but each one just says 'pending' with no payment.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that basically holds your place in line with ESD and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me HOURS of hold time during my adjudication nightmare. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 \n\nBefore I found it, I was in the same boat - calling 20+ times with no luck. The system is completely overwhelmed, especially with the new claim system rollout.

I've never heard of this! Just watched the video and it looks legit. Going to try this tomorrow morning along with calling right at 8am. At this point I'd try anything. Thank you!

ESD IS BROKEN BY DESIGN!!!! They make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone because they don't WANT to pay benefits. I went through this EXACT same thing last year and I finally got through after TWO MONTHS of trying. You know what they told me? That there was a \

this is actually true tho, my friend who works for state govt (not esd) says they literally train them to make things difficult so people abandon their claims

I don't think that's entirely fair. The ESD system is certainly broken, but I worked with some very helpful agents once I finally got through. They're just catastrophically understaffed and working with ancient computer systems that don't talk to each other properly. The new UTAB system they launched in 2024 has made things even worse temporarily.

Have u tried the

Oh that's a smart idea! I'll definitely try the employer option tomorrow. And I haven't noticed a pattern with days of the week but I'm willing to test any theory at this point!

I understand your frustration. Another approach is to reach out to your state representative. They typically have constituent services that can escalate ESD issues. I've seen cases resolved within days after a legislator's office gets involved.\n\nIf your 'unresolved issues' don't show details, it's likely one of three things:\n1. Identity verification problems (very common in 2025 with the new system)\n2. Employment separation issues (they need more details about why you're no longer working)\n3. Availability issues (something in your weekly claim raised flags)\n\nBefore driving to Olympia, understand that the physical office doesn't typically handle individual claim issues - they'll likely just direct you to use the same phone system you're already trying. Keep filing those weekly claims while you sort this out!

Thank you! I actually didn't know contacting my representative was an option. I'll look up who represents my district today. I'm worried it's an identity verification issue because I got a new driver's license right before I filed my claim, so maybe the numbers don't match in their system or something.

i was in a similar situation last month. what worked for me was calling at exactly 8am and then pressing 2-3-4-1 at the prompts. still waited 45mins but at least i got through. good luck!!

Thank you for the specific prompt sequence! I'll try exactly that tomorrow morning.

Quick update: The 8am call approach is definitely your best bet. I just spoke with a claims specialist yesterday (using Claimyr to manage the hold time), and they confirmed they're experiencing system issues with the document upload feature right now. Many uploaded documents aren't attaching properly to claims. The specialist advised to bring this up specifically when you get through to someone so they can check their internal system to see if your documents are in there but not properly linked to your account.

Update: I GOT THROUGH!!! Used a combination of calling right at 8am, using the employer menu option, and having Claimyr as backup. It turns out my ID verification was flagged because my address on my new driver's license didn't match my previous tax return address (I moved). They fixed it on the call and said my backpay should process within 3 business days. THANK YOU all so much for your help!