ESD call wait times driving me insane - why can't they hire remote workers?

I feel your pain! After getting laid off from Boeing, I spent DAYS trying to reach someone at ESD. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent in less than 30 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - seriously saved my sanity during adjudication.

@Boeing person - Really? Never heard of this before...does it actually work or just take your $$ and leave you hanging?

Regarding your original question about remote workers - ESD actually DID hire hundreds of temporary workers during the pandemic, but most were let go as claim volumes decreased. The problem is that unemployment systems are incredibly complex and training takes 6-8 weeks minimum. Many of those temp workers made costly mistakes because they weren't fully trained. About your denied standby status - that's something specific that needs addressing. Standby is only approved in very specific circumstances now that we're post-pandemic. You need to show: 1. You have a definite return-to-work date within 4 weeks (used to be 8) 2. You've been with the employer for at least 6 months 3. Your employer submitted the request through their portal If you're missing any of these elements, standby will be denied and you'll need to complete job searches. Worth checking which requirement wasn't met.

@helpful poster - That's actually really good info about standby requirements. My employer said I'd be back to work "sometime in April" but doesn't have an exact date. And it was through a temp agency I've only been with for 3 months. Do you think that's why I got denied? If so I should stop wasting time trying to appeal and just start doing my job searches...

I actually work for Washington State (not ESD) and can shed some light on the hiring challenges. State agencies have strict budget constraints for FTEs (full-time employees). When unemployment claims surge, they can't just instantly hire - it requires legislative approval for budget increases. Also, accessing claimant data requires secure systems and extensive background checks that take 4-6 weeks to complete. Working from home requires secure equipment that meets state cybersecurity standards - not just any laptop. That said, ESD *should* be better prepared with scalable staffing plans given how predictable these surge cycles are. Many of us in other agencies have been frustrated by how ESD has handled these situations too.

your post made me laugh cuz i was just saying this EXACT same thing to my roomate!!! waited 4 hours yesterday and then my phone died lolol. the whole thing is a complete joke tbh. also fyi if ur doing job searches make SURE u save all the info they want - i got audited and almost got disqualified bc i didnt have the specific person i talked to at one place. now i take screenshots of literally everything

At my last job, I actually processed unemployment claims for the state of Nevada (similar system to WA). The training is incredibly intensive because one small mistake can cause massive overpayments or wrongful denials. I had three months of training and still made mistakes my first year. Accessing sensitive data also requires background checks and security clearances that take time. That said, ESD should absolutely implement a callback system rather than making people wait on hold. That technology exists and many other states use it. No excuse for not having that in 2025.

You can submit feedback about the callback suggestion through the Contact Us form on the ESD website, but honestly reaching out to your state representatives might be more effective. They have direct channels to ESD leadership and constituent complaints get prioritized. Worth a shot!