ESD keeps hanging up! Does anyone have a working phone number to actually reach a human?

the regular number is 800-318-6022 but it probably wont help. i got disconnected 28 times last month when i was trying to fix my weekly claim. they basically dont want anyone to reach them lol

Calling multiple times won't help if you're using the same number during peak hours. What worked for me was calling exactly at 7:59am, right before they officially open at 8:00am. This puts you in the queue before the rush. Also, make sure you've got all your information ready: claim ID, SSN, and the exact dates of your disqualification notice. This speeds things up if you do get through. Another option is to contact your local WorkSource office. While they can't directly fix your claim, they sometimes have direct lines to ESD representatives who can help you.

I had the exact same problem when my benefits got held up in adjudication for over a month. The trick is to select the option for "new claims" even if you're calling about an existing claim. Those queues are usually less busy. Also, try calling on Wednesday or Thursday - Mondays and Fridays are absolutely the worst days to get through based on my experience with ESD. If you're dealing with a disqualification, you'll need to appeal it within 30 days or you lose your right to contest it. You can file an appeal online through your eServices account without needing to speak to anyone.

I've been dealing with ESD for years and it's always been impossible to get through. The whole system is designed to frustrate people until they give up. THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT US!!! I missed out on 7 weeks of benefits because I couldn't get someone to fix a simple issue with my claim. By the time I got through, they told me I should have just sent a message through eServices instead of calling - even though their own website told me to call!!!!

After getting hung up on for two weeks straight trying to deal with my identity verification issues, I finally discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to ESD. It basically holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. I was skeptical at first, but I was desperate and it actually worked! You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. It saved me from losing my mind after getting disconnected for the 50th time.

My sister works for DSHS (not ESD but still state agency) and she said all state agencies are severely understaffed right now. They lost a bunch of people during covid and never replaced them all. Plus they're using outdated systems that crash constantly. Not an excuse but explains why it's so hard to get through.

One more thing to try - if you're dealing with a disqualification specifically, you might want to contact the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) directly. Once you've filed an appeal, they handle the hearings process, not ESD. Their number is 800-366-0955 and they tend to be much easier to reach than the main ESD line. If you've already submitted your appeal online, you should receive information about your hearing date within 2-3 weeks. The OAH can tell you exactly what evidence you need to prepare for your specific type of disqualification.

Just a quick update on current ESD procedures - as of January 2025, they've implemented a new queue system where calls are prioritized based on the issue type and how long your claim has been pending. Make sure when you do get through that you clearly explain your disqualification is affecting your ability to pay essential bills (like rent). This can sometimes get your case flagged for expedited review. Also, if you're within 7 days of a deadline for responding to a disqualification, mention that immediately to the agent. Time-sensitive issues are supposed to be prioritized.