ESD website glitch prevents adding email to open new partial unemployment claim for seasonal slowdown

have u tried using a different browser? sometimes the esd website is super picky. i had issues with chrome but firefox worked fine for me.

The email verification step has been problematic since they updated the system in September. Here's what you need to do: 1. Try using a desktop computer rather than mobile 2. Clear your cache and cookies completely 3. Use Firefox or Microsoft Edge (Chrome has known issues) 4. Make sure your pop-up blocker is disabled 5. If you're still having issues, you can actually file by phone but you need to call 833-572-8400 (different from the main ESD number) and choose the "difficulty with online services" option Also, for partial unemployment due to seasonal work reduction, make sure you specify "standby" status when you get to that part of the application. This way you won't have to do the full job search requirements since your employer plans to bring you back to full-time work once winter is over.

I had this exact same issue last month! The letters/captcha verification thing was completely broken on my end too. I ended up having to contact technical support directly at tech.support@esd.wa.gov with screenshots of the error. They reset something on my account and then I was able to proceed. In the meantime, if you need to get your claim started ASAP while waiting for the tech fix, I highly recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was skeptical, but they actually got me connected to a live ESD agent within 25 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. The agent was able to start my claim over the phone. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Just make sure you have all your employment info ready when you call!

THE ESD WEBSITE IS A COMPLETE JOKE!!!!! I've been dealing with their broken system for YEARS now every winter (I'm in roofing). Something ALWAYS breaks right when seasonal workers need it most. Last year the ID verification system was broken, year before that it was the weekly claim page, now it's the email verification! This is 100% BY DESIGN to make it harder for people to claim benefits they LEGALLY QUALIFY FOR. They WANT you to give up!!! If you do manage to get through, watch out for the dreaded "ability and availability" adjudication process. They LOVE to put seasonal workers through this extra scrutiny even though partial unemployment during slow seasons is EXACTLY what the system is designed for!

I think I might be the only person who's had a different experience with seasonal work claims? I'm in landscaping and have filed partial unemployment every winter for the past three years with no real issues. The key things that have helped me: - I always file on Tuesday or Wednesday (their systems seem less busy) - I use Microsoft Edge (their site seems optimized for it) - I make sure my employer has already reported my reduced hours to ESD before I apply - I call WorkSource directly at my local office rather than the main ESD number if I have issues One other thing - make absolutely sure you're applying for regular UI benefits, not PUA or another program. The standby option for seasonal work is only available under regular UI. When you get to that part of the application, you'll need to request standby status and explain it's a seasonal slowdown with an expected return date. Hope this helps!

my cousin had this same problem last month and he said what worked was logging in very early in the morning like 5am when the system isnt busy. also make sure ur using a laptop not phone, the mobile site is terrible

Just following up - were you able to get your claim started? If you're still having issues, remember that once you do get your partial unemployment claim approved, you'll need to: 1. File a weekly claim every week, even with reduced hours 2. Report ALL earnings for the week accurately 3. Be aware that your first week is a waiting week (unpaid) 4. If you requested standby status, you'll still need to be available for any work your regular employer might offer Also, with partial unemployment, you can earn up to 1/3 of your weekly benefit amount without reduction. After that, your benefit is reduced dollar for dollar. This is important to calculate so you understand what your payments will be.