ESD weekly claim phone number for Sunday filing?
Hi everyone, I just started unemployment benefits last month and I prefer to file my weekly claims over the phone instead of online. Does anyone know the specific number I should call on Sundays for filing? I misplaced the paper they gave me with all the contact info, and I'm worried about missing my weekly claim tomorrow. I tried looking on the ESD website but got confused with all the different phone numbers. Thanks in advance!
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Amina Sow
The automated phone system for weekly claims is 800-318-6022. You can call it any day of the week from 12:01 AM Sunday to 4:59 PM on Friday. Sunday morning tends to be less busy than other times. Just follow the prompts and have your SSN and PIN ready. Good luck!
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Paolo Conti
•Thank you so much! Just to double check - is this the same number you call for regular UI claims? I'm not on any special program, just standard unemployment after being laid off.
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GalaxyGazer
u can also file online which is WAY faster imo. eservices.esd.wa.gov is where i do mine and takes like 2 min tops
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Paolo Conti
•I've tried online but my internet connection is really unreliable at home, so I'm worried about getting disconnected halfway through. That's why I prefer phone for now. But thanks for the suggestion!
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Oliver Wagner
I've been using the 800-318-6022 number for my weekly claims for months now. Just a heads-up that Sunday mornings can sometimes have long wait times or system issues because EVERYONE tries to file then. I usually call Sunday evening or Monday morning and it's much smoother. Also, make sure you have a pen and paper ready to write down the confirmation number they give you at the end - it's important proof that you completed your claim!
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Paolo Conti
•That's really helpful advice about the timing! I'll try Sunday evening instead. And good point about writing down the confirmation number - I wouldn't have thought of that.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
BE CAREFUL!! There are scam numbers floating around online!!! ONLY use the official ESD numbers from the Washington state unemployment website!!! I almost got scammed last year when I googled "wa unemployment phone number" and called the first result!!!
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Amina Sow
•This is a really important warning. Always double-check any phone numbers against the official ESD website (esd.wa.gov). The official weekly claims line is 800-318-6022. If anyone asks for your full SSN, bank info, or credit card details before verifying your identity through proper channels, it's likely a scam.
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Javier Mendoza
I actually had to speak with a real person at ESD last month about an adjudication issue on my claim. After spending days trying to get through on their regular line, I discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual ESD agent in under 25 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. Definitely worth it if you ever need to talk to someone about problems with your claim rather than just filing your weekly claim.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
•Is this legit??? Sounds too good to be true. How does it even work??
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Javier Mendoza
•Yes, it's legitimate. It basically automates the calling process and holds your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing. I was skeptical too at first, but it actually worked. You only need it if you have issues that require talking to a real person though - the automated weekly claims system at 800-318-6022 works fine on its own.
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Emma Thompson
I think you can also use the eServices portal to submit weekly claims? That's what I do and it's pretty simple once you get used to it. But I guess if you prefer phone that works too lol
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Paolo Conti
•Yeah, I mentioned above that my internet is really unreliable at home so I'm sticking with phone for now. But I appreciate the suggestion!
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Emma Thompson
•Oh sorry didn't see that! My bad
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Malik Davis
Just a reminder that when filing by phone you still need to be ready to report any work and earnings for the week, and answer all the eligibility questions truthfully. I got myself in a mess last year because I wasn't prepared with my earnings information when I called and just estimated...ended up with an overpayment notice that took MONTHS to resolve. The phone system doesn't give you much time to think or calculate, so have all your info ready before you call!
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Paolo Conti
•Thank you for the warning! I'll make sure to have my hours and earnings calculated before I call. I'm doing some part-time gig work while looking for a full-time job, so this is really important advice.
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Oliver Wagner
One more tip: be sure to complete your 3 job search activities each week before filing your claim. The automated system will ask you to confirm you've done them. New rules in 2025 are pretty strict about this requirement unless you have a formal standby approval from your employer.
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Paolo Conti
•Thanks! I've been keeping detailed notes of my job search activities in the WorkSource job search log. Good to know they're being serious about checking those now.
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