ESD keeps hanging up - can't reach anyone about pending claim since November
I'm at my wits end trying to contact ESD about my unemployment claim. It's been stuck in pending status since November 4th (almost 3 weeks now) with zero updates. Every single time I call the main number (the one ending in 6022), I get the automated "we're experiencing high call volume" message and then it just disconnects me! Not even putting me on hold - just hangs up! Does anyone know if there's another phone number I should be calling? Maybe a direct line to adjudication or a different department? I've tried calling at different times (early morning, midday, right before closing) but get the same result every time. I'm starting to worry I'm not even calling the correct number. My bills are piling up and I really need to talk to an actual human about why my claim is stuck. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
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Jace Caspullo
omg same!!! been trying for 2 weeks and cant get thru. so frustrating. hope someone has a secret number lol
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Adriana Cohn
•It's ridiculous, right? Have you tried any other methods to contact them? I tried the eServices message center too but no response there either.
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Melody Miles
There isn't another direct number unfortunately. The 6022 number is the main line for claims questions. However, I've found that calling on Thursdays between 1-2pm sometimes works better (slightly lower call volume). Also, make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims even while your initial claim is pending. Your benefits will eventually be paid retroactively once approved, but only if you've continued filing each week.
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Adriana Cohn
•Thank you for the tip about Thursdays! I'll definitely try that time window tomorrow. And yes, I've been filing my weekly claims religiously even though nothing is happening. It's just so stressful not knowing what's going on or when this might be resolved.
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Nathaniel Mikhaylov
After 3 weeks of constant calling and failing just like you, I found a service called Claimyr that got me through to ESD in like 25 minutes. They basically call for you and then connect you when they get through. It was the only way I could talk to someone about my adjudication issue. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Not gonna lie, I was skeptical but I was desperate and it worked. The agent I spoke with was able to tell me exactly why my claim was held up and gave me an estimate for when it would be processed.
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Eva St. Cyr
•Seriously?? Sounds too good to be true. Did you have to give them your personal info? I'm always wary of third-party services dealing with unemployment stuff.
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Kristian Bishop
The whole ESD phone system is GARBAGE and designed to keep us from getting help!!!! I've been hung up on 43 times in the past month - YES I COUNTED! It's their way of avoiding actually helping people. My neighbor said they're deliberately understaffed to save money. The state doesn't care about us at all.
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Kaitlyn Otto
•While it's definitely frustrating, the call volume issue is real. ESD has staffing challenges like many state agencies, but they're not intentionally avoiding claimants. They actually added more staff in the claims centers this year compared to last. For the original poster: If your claim has been pending since November 4th, it's likely in adjudication. This happens when there's something in your application that needs further review. Common reasons include: employment separation issues, availability questions, or income verification. These typically take 3-4 weeks to resolve, so you might be nearing resolution.
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Axel Far
Have you tried the WorkSource offices? Sometimes they can help or at least give you better information about what's happening with your claim. My claim was stuck last year and the lady at WorkSource couldn't fix it directly but she had a contact at ESD who could check the status for me. Worth a shot!
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Adriana Cohn
•That's a great idea I hadn't thought of! There's a WorkSource office about 20 minutes from me. Do I need an appointment or can I just walk in? I'll try anything at this point.
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Axel Far
•Some offices take walk-ins, but it's better to schedule an appointment on their website. Just go to WorkSourceWA.com and find your local office. They can't always help with specific claim issues, but in my experience they really try their best to assist or point you in the right direction.
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Jasmine Hernandez
this happened to me back in september...my claim was pending for almost a month because my employer contested it saying i quit but i was actually laid off. i had NO IDEA this was happening until i finally got through to someone who told me. ended up having to submit documentation proving i was laid off. might be worth checking if your former employer is contesting your claim?
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Adriana Cohn
•Oh wow, I hadn't even considered that. My company did a round of layoffs but it was all very amicable, so I wouldn't expect them to contest anything. But you never know what happens behind the scenes. I'll try to contact HR and see if they've received anything from ESD that needs a response.
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Melody Miles
Just wanted to follow up on this thread - for claims in adjudication, make sure you're checking both your eServices Message Center AND your personal email daily. Sometimes ESD will email you directly or post a message requesting additional information. If you miss these communications, it can significantly delay your claim. Also, check your spam/junk folders. Many people miss important ESD communications because they end up there. If you do manage to get through to an agent using any of the methods suggested here, ask them to make a note in your file about your attempts to contact them. This can be helpful if there are any issues later regarding your availability or participation.
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Adriana Cohn
•Thank you for this advice! I've been checking my eServices messages daily but hadn't thought about my spam folder. Just checked and there's nothing from ESD there either. I'll keep a close eye on both going forward. I'm going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. At this point, paying a little to actually talk to someone seems worth it since I'm owed several weeks of benefits. Will update here if I get through!
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