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LordCommander

ESD phone claims line keeps dropping calls at final confirmation - anyone else experiencing this?

I'm beyond frustrated with the ESD automated claims line! I've tried twice now to file my weekly claim and both times the call drops at the EXACT same point. I answer all the questions, get to the very end where it says "please hold on" (just before it should confirm my claim was received), and then CLICK - the call drops. This happened TWICE in a row now. Has this happened to anyone else recently? Is this some kind of system glitch? I'm worried my claim isn't actually being submitted and I'll miss my payment. Should I keep trying the phone line or switch to filing online instead? Any advice would be appreciated because I really need this week's benefits to come through on time.

Lucy Lam

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Same thing happened to me last month. The automated system has been glitchy since they did that system update in January. Try filing your weekly claim online through eServices instead - it's much more reliable and you'll get a confirmation number you can screenshot for your records. If you absolutely need to use the phone (like if you have limited internet), try calling very early in the morning around 6:30am when the system first opens. The line seems to handle calls better during off-peak hours.

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LordCommander

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Thanks for the tip! I'll try the online system right now. Do you know if my previous attempts might have actually gone through even though I didn't get the confirmation? I'm worried about filing duplicate claims and getting flagged for fraud or something.

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Aidan Hudson

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omg im dealing with this RIGHT NOW!!! third attempt and keeps dropping at the same spot. this is so frustrating!!

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Zoe Wang

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This is happening because ESD is upgrading their phone systems this week. It was in the notices section on eServices last week. The automated phone claims line will be having intermittent issues until Friday. They recommend using the online system for all weekly claims during this time. If you don't have internet access, you can also visit your local WorkSource office and use their computers to file your claim.

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I had this EXACT problem!!! Called ESD about it and after sitting on hold for 2.5 HOURS, they told me the claims were NOT going through when the calls dropped. The system needs to complete that final confirmation for it to register. So frustrating!!! They said it was because of "high call volume" but that's what they ALWAYS say. 🙄 You should definitely switch to the online system. It works way better and you get immediate confirmation.

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LordCommander

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Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. I tried switching to the online system but I'm getting an error message saying my account needs ID verification first. So frustrating!

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Grace Durand

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If you're having trouble with both the phone system AND the website, you might want to try Claimyr. I was in the same situation last month with the dropped calls and website errors. Claimyr helped me get through to an actual ESD agent who fixed my account issues and processed my claim manually. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The website is claimyr.com - it basically secures your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. Saved me days of frustration.

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LordCommander

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Thanks for the suggestion! I'll check out that video. At this point I'm willing to try anything because my rent is due next week and I need this payment to come through.

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Steven Adams

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this happnd to me 2 but my claim actuly went thru! i got paid even tho the call droppd. check ur bank account maybe its alredy there?

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Alice Fleming

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This is dangerous advice. Don't assume your claim went through if you didn't get confirmation. I made that mistake last year and missed a weekly filing, which caused a gap in my claim that took 6 weeks to resolve. Always verify your claim was received by checking your claim status in eServices or by calling and speaking with an agent.

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Zoe Wang

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Here's what's happening: ESD is currently experiencing technical issues with their IVR (Interactive Voice Response) system. This is affecting approximately 15% of callers trying to file weekly claims by phone. The issue is specifically occurring at the final confirmation stage. Here are your options: 1. Use eServices to file online at secure.esd.wa.gov/home/ 2. Try the phone system during off-peak hours (before 7am or after 6pm) 3. If you get an ID verification error online, you'll need to speak with an agent directly 4. Visit a WorkSource center for in-person assistance I recommend checking your claim status online about 4 hours after attempting to file. If it shows as "weekly claim processed" for the current week, your claim did go through despite the call dropping. If not, you'll need to try again using one of the methods above.

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LordCommander

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Thank you for this detailed explanation! I checked my claim status online and it shows my last successfully processed claim was from last week, so it looks like these attempts didn't go through. I'll try filing online again after clearing my browser cache as someone suggested below.

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Aidan Hudson

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i hate that stupid phone system!! it never works right!! i always use the website now

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Alice Fleming

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If you're getting an ID verification error when trying to use eServices, try clearing your browser cache and cookies first. If that doesn't work, your account might be flagged for identity verification. For weekly claims, I've found that using the eServices mobile site on my phone works better than the desktop version or the telephone system. Just make sure you're on a stable wifi connection when submitting.

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LordCommander

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That worked! After clearing my cache I was able to log in and file my weekly claim online. Got a confirmation number and everything. Thanks so much for the help everyone!

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