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Lucy Lam

ESD claim phone issues - how to speak with actual supervisor vs voicemail?

I've been trying for WEEKS to talk to an actual supervisor at ESD about my adjudication issue. Every time I call the main line (855-682-0785), I either get disconnected after waiting 2+ hours or I'm told all I can do is leave a voicemail. I've left FOUR voicemails with no callback! My benefits have been pending for 9 weeks now over a simple job separation issue that could be resolved in 5 minutes if someone would just TALK to me. Does anyone know a direct number or trick to actually reach a live person with decision-making power? I'm about to be evicted and my car's being repossessed next week if I can't get this fixed. The regular agents just tell me they can't help and I have to wait. There has to be a better way!

Aidan Hudson

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Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? That's what worked for me. I set an alarm for 7:55am and had my phone ready to dial exactly at 8. Still waited about 45 min but at least got through.

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Lucy Lam

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Yeah I've tried that 3 times now. Got through to an agent once that way but they just told me they couldn't help with adjudication issues and transferred me to another department...where I sat on hold for an hour before getting disconnected. Ugh.

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Zoe Wang

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Same thing hapend to me!! The voicemail system is a JOKE they never call back EVER!! I waited 11 weeks for my claim to get fixed last year and almost lost everything. The regular agents are useless they just read from scripts and say "we'll note your account" which does NOTHING. Try calling your state representative - that finally worked for me after everything else failed.

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Lucy Lam

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That's a good idea, I didn't think of contacting my rep! Did you email or call them? I'm in King County if that helps.

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You might want to check out Claimyr. It's a service that helps you skip the phone queue and connects you with an ESD agent. I was skeptical at first, but after waiting on hold for hours multiple times, I decided to try it. They got me connected to an actual person at ESD in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Even if you get connected to a regular agent, ask them specifically to transfer you to an adjudicator or someone who can review your case. Be polite but firm that you need someone with authority to review your claim. The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out.

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Grace Durand

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is that service even legit? sounds sketchy to pay money just to talk to esd

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Steven Adams

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There's actually a specific adjudication phone line that's different from the main ESD number. Try calling 833-572-8400 Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. That line connects directly to the adjudication department. Also, make sure your contact information is up to date in your eServices account - I've heard some people miss callbacks because their phone number was outdated in the system. If your claim has been pending for 9 weeks, you also qualify for an expedited hardship review. When you call, specifically mention that you're facing eviction and vehicle repossession - those are qualifying hardships that can get your claim prioritized. Don't just leave this information on a voicemail; you need to speak with someone who can flag your account.

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Lucy Lam

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Thank you SO MUCH for this number! I didn't know there was a separate adjudication line. Will try first thing tomorrow morning. And yes, I'll definitely mention the hardship situation - I didn't realize that could help prioritize the claim. Really appreciate the detailed advice!

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Alice Fleming

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my freind had this problm too waiting forever with no help then she went to the worksource center in person and talked to somebody there who could help her. they cant fix everything but they have direct contacts with esd people. might be worth trying if the phone stuff doesnt work

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Hassan Khoury

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Just a heads-up that the adjudication team has been severely understaffed since January 2025 when they lost funding for 30% of their staff. That's why so many claims are stuck for weeks or months. It's not just you - the entire system is a mess right now. The best approach is multi-pronged: 1. Call the adjudication line the other poster mentioned 2. Contact your state representative AND senator (both, not just one) 3. Visit a WorkSource office in person 4. If you have a legitimate hardship (eviction, utility shutoff, vehicle repossession), get documentation of that to submit Document every call and contact - dates, times, who you spoke with. This creates a paper trail showing you've been trying to resolve the issue. If you end up having to appeal because your benefits are denied due to these delays, this documentation will help your case.

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Lucy Lam

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This is super helpful context, thank you. I didn't realize there were budget cuts - explains a lot about why the system seems even worse than when my friend dealt with it last year. I've started a log of all my contact attempts now and will definitely reach out to both my rep and senator.

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Just checking back - were you able to get through using any of these suggestions? The adjudication department is definitely the toughest to reach, especially with the staffing issues the other poster mentioned.

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Lucy Lam

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Update: I tried the adjudication number but still couldn't get through after multiple attempts. I ended up using Claimyr yesterday morning out of desperation and actually got connected to someone who could help! They transferred me to an adjudicator who reviewed my case on the spot. They're releasing my payments later this week. SUCH a relief. Also contacted my state rep who said they'd look into it, but the phone connection ended up working faster. Thanks everyone for all the suggestions!

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Aidan Hudson

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Glad you got it resolved! The whole system is so ridiculous. It shouldn't be this hard to talk to someone when your financial survival is at stake. Hope your payments come through quickly!

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