ESD phone lines constantly busy - Is there ANY way to actually speak with someone?

Been there! Took me THREE WEEKS of trying before I finally got through to ESD. The trick I found was calling at exactly 7:59am, so you're in queue when they actually turn the system on at 8:00. Also, Thursdays seemed to have slightly better luck for me for whatever reason. The whole system is ridiculous - they tell us we need to talk to someone but make it practically impossible to do so!

Calling ESD is a complete waste of time!!! I tried 47 times in one day last month (yes I counted) and NOTHING. Their whole system is designed to make us give up. They dont have enough agents and they know it. Whats the point of having a phone line if NOBODY ever answers??

have u tried sending a message thru the eservices portal? sometimes they respond that way faster than phone

I was in the same boat last month with my claim in adjudication and couldn't get through on the phones. I discovered a service called Claimyr that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 30 minutes. It basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then calls you back when an agent is on the line. It worked great for me - saved days of frustration. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I finally spoke with an agent, my identity verification issue was resolved in a single call and my payments started processing the next day. Worth it for the peace of mind alone!

If your claim is stuck in identity verification, you need to reach out directly to the ID verification team, not the general ESD line. Their direct number is 360-486-2822 and they open at 8am as well but tend to be less busy than the main claims line. Make sure you have your claim ID, SSN, and all verification documents ready when you call. They can usually resolve ID verification issues on the spot if you have the right documentation. Also, for future reference, there's an unemployment law project that offers free assistance for people struggling with their claims: www.unemploymentlawproject.org

For anyone struggling to reach ESD, here's my advice based on successfully helping several family members with their claims: 1. Call the general inquiry line (833-572-8400) first thing Monday morning at 7:58am. Their IVR system activates at 8:00 sharp. 2. If that doesn't work, try the claims center specialist line (800-318-6022) on Tuesday or Wednesday mid-morning (around 10:30am) as there tends to be a slight lull in call volume then. 3. For specific issues: - ID verification: 360-486-2822 - Overpayments: 866-697-4831 - Job search requirements: 360-902-9500 4. When you do get through, ask for a direct callback number from your agent for follow-up questions. Some agents will provide this. 5. Make sure your eServices account has ALL documentation uploaded clearly and labeled correctly. This speeds up the process tremendously. Hope this helps!

Quick update - I tried Claimyr after seeing it mentioned here, and it actually worked! Got connected to an ESD agent in about 45 minutes this morning. The agent was able to push through my identity verification after reviewing the documents I had already uploaded. My claim status changed from 'pending' to 'processing' while I was on the phone with her. Just wanted to share since I know how frustrating this whole process is!