ESD weekly claim phone number 6022 not working - alternative numbers?
I've been trying to file my weekly claim using the 6022 number they gave me, but it keeps giving me a busy signal or just hanging up. Is there another phone number I should be using? This is my third week trying to file and I'm getting really worried my benefits will be cut off. The ESD website is giving me errors when I try to file online too (something about 'unable to authenticate user'). Has anyone successfully filed by phone using a different number? I really need to get through before my claim gets messed up!
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QuantumQuest
The main ESD claims center number is 800-318-6022, but it's always jammed. They actually have regional numbers that sometimes work better: Spokane area: 509-893-7000 Northwest Washington: 360-766-5000 Seattle/King County: 206-440-2500 Tacoma: 253-572-5500 Try one of these instead of the general 6022 number. They're less publicized so sometimes easier to get through. I got through on the Seattle one even though I don't live there.
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Paolo Rizzo
•Thank you!!! I'll try those right now. Do you know if they'll let me file for my past weeks too? I'm behind now because of this.
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Amina Sy
the same thing happened to me last month!! so frustrating. i just kept calling and calling the main number until finally i got in the queue. took like 50 tries though lol. good luck
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Oliver Fischer
•50 tries?? That's insane! ESD really needs to fix their phone system already. Every time I need to call them it's the same nightmare scenario. And then when you FINALLY get through, they transfer you and you get disconnected.
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Natasha Petrova
I had this exact problem last week. After three days of trying and getting nowhere with the regular phone options, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an ESD agent in under 15 minutes. They have a system that basically waits in the queue for you and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me tons of time and stress. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with was able to file my weekly claims over the phone AND fix the authentication issue I was having with the website.
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Paolo Rizzo
•Whoa I've never heard of this before! Does it really work? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. Did they ask why you couldn't file online?
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Natasha Petrova
•Yes, it worked for me! They did ask why I couldn't file online, and I just explained about the authentication error. The agent manually verified my identity and then helped me file my weekly claims for the past two weeks. They also reset something in my account that fixed the online access.
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Javier Morales
Just to clarify some information here - the main 800-318-6022 number is still the official ESD claims center number. The regional numbers mentioned above are for general ESD offices, but not all of them can process weekly claims. If you're having trouble filing online, you should: 1. Try clearing your browser cache and cookies 2. Make sure you're using a supported browser (Chrome works best with their system) 3. Attempt during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) 4. If still unsuccessful, call the main claims center If you miss filing weekly claims, you can file for previous weeks by calling ESD directly and explaining the situation. They can backdate claims if you have a valid reason for the delay (like system errors or inability to reach them).
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Amina Sy
•this is good advice but doesnt always work. I cleared everything and still got errors. i think their website just crashes when too many people are on it tbh
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Javier Morales
•You're right that the website does experience high traffic issues, especially on Sundays and Mondays when most people file their weekly claims. That's why I suggested trying during off-peak hours. Sometimes filing late at night (after 9pm) or very early morning (5-6am) can be successful when the system has fewer users.
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Oliver Fischer
The 6022 number is GARBAGE!!! I've been dealing with ESD for 2 years now and their phone system is a JOKE. I spent THREE DAYS trying to get through last month when they randomly disqualified me. Their whole system is designed to discourage people from collecting benefits we're entitled to. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to a human being and then penalize us when we can't get through. It's a scam!!
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QuantumQuest
•I understand your frustration - the system definitely has problems. But I've found that if you call right when they open (usually 8am), your chances of getting through are much better. I was able to get through after only a 20-minute wait last week using this method.
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Emma Davis
Have you tried filing by mail as a last resort? ESD actually still accepts paper weekly claim forms! You can download the form from their website and mail it in. It's slower (takes about 5-7 days to process) but at least it gets done. Here's what I did when I had a similar issue: 1. Downloaded the weekly claim form from esd.wa.gov 2. Filled it out completely (make sure to answer all the job search questions) 3. Made a copy for my records 4. Mailed it to the address on the form 5. Called after a week to confirm they received it Not ideal, but works in a pinch!
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Paolo Rizzo
•I didn't know they still took paper forms! That's a good backup option if I can't get through on these phone numbers. Do you know if there's a time limit for mailing them in? Like do they need to receive it by a certain date?
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Emma Davis
•The paper forms should be received within 7 days of the end of your claim week. So if your claim week ends on Saturday, they should receive it by the following Saturday. But honestly, they're usually pretty understanding if it's late because of mail delays, especially if you call and explain the situation.
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GalaxyGlider
i had this problem and ended up driving to my local worksource office. they have direct lines to esd sometimes and can help you file your claim there. just bring your id and social security card.
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Javier Morales
•This is actually excellent advice! WorkSource offices can often help with unemployment issues. They don't process claims directly, but they usually have dedicated lines to ESD and can assist with basic claim filing issues. Just be sure to check their hours and if you need an appointment before going.
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