ESD WorkSource appointment scheduling delays - what's normal in 2025?

chillax man it took like 3 weeks for me to get my 1st appt. they'll email u when theyre ready

The process takes time because WorkSource has to match you with the right specialist based on your employment background. It's typically 2-3 weeks for the initial appointment, but this doesn't affect your benefit payments as long as you continue filing your weekly claims and completing your job search activities (3 per week). Make sure you're checking your ESD online account messages AND your email regularly. Sometimes appointment notifications get filtered to spam.

My sister had the same issue last month and got all stressed out for nothing. They took almost 4 weeks to contact her for the first appointment, but she still got all her benefits on time. Just keep doing your weekly claims!

When I filed in January, it took 18 days to get my WorkSource appointment scheduled. But I almost MISSED it because the notification went to my spam folder!!! Triple check your email settings and maybe call WorkSource directly to check if anything's been scheduled yet. They told me the delay was because they're understaffed after budget cuts. Some offices are worse than others. Which county are you in?

Current wait times for WorkSource appointments vary by county, but Snohomish is running about 14-21 days right now. While waiting, you absolutely must: 1. File your weekly claims on time 2. Complete and document 3 job search activities each week 3. Be able and available for work The appointment is mandatory, but the timing of it doesn't impact your eligibility as long as you attend when scheduled. The WorkSource appointment is primarily to assess your needs and provide job search assistance, not to determine eligibility.

I was in the same situation in February! The wait time was frustrating, and I couldn't get through to anyone at ESD on the phone to confirm if I was doing things right. After days of constant busy signals and disconnections, I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They confirmed my WorkSource appointment was already scheduled but the notification hadn't been sent yet! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent told me WorkSource appointments are currently backlogged statewide due to staffing shortages.

lol dont waste ur money on that service just keep waiting. ESD always takes forever for everything

IMPORTANT: Make sure you're still doing your job search activities while waiting for the WorkSource appointment! I made the mistake of thinking I could wait until after the orientation to start, and almost got disqualified. You need 3 activities EVERY WEEK starting with your first week of claiming benefits!

To add to the excellent advice already given, each WorkSource center operates somewhat independently, so wait times vary. Snohomish County WorkSource centers (Everett and Lynnwood) can be contacted directly at 425-258-6300 to check on appointment status. This won't speed up the process, but might give you peace of mind. Remember that your first UI payment typically takes 2-3 weeks to process anyway, so the WorkSource timeline often aligns with this initial processing period.

Has anyone done the virtual WorkSource appointments? Are those faster to get scheduled than in-person ones?

UPDATE: I used Claimyr this morning and got through to ESD in about 15 minutes! The agent confirmed my WorkSource appointment was actually scheduled for next Wednesday but the notification email had an error. She resent it right away. Such a relief to have this sorted out! Thanks everyone for your help and advice.