ESD's response time to messages - waited 3 weeks with no reply!

OMG dont even get me started!!!! I waited 6 WEEKS for them to respond to my message about my missing weekly payments. SIX. WEEKS. And then all I got was a generic "we've received your inquiry" response that didn't even address my question!!! The messaging system is a complete joke. Your better off calling even tho thats nearly impossible too.

ESD is severely backlogged right now. I'm a former WorkSource employee, and I can tell you that messages through eServices are prioritized based on claim status and issue urgency. Since you mentioned adjudication, your claim is already flagged in their system, so sending additional messages about the same issue might actually push you further back in the queue as new tickets get created. Instead of messaging, try these options: 1. Call right when they open at 8:00 AM 2. Have all your documentation ready before calling 3. Be specific about your work separation details when you do connect 4. Check if your adjudicator's contact info is listed in your eServices notices Adjudication typically takes 4-6 weeks in 2025, but with the recent layoffs in the tech sector, they're running even slower.

I had the same problem last month. Sent 2 messages and heard nothing for weeks. I finally got through on the phone after using a service called Claimyr. It basically holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redial hell. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 When I finally spoke to someone, they told me messaging has a 4-5 week backlog and they prioritize phone calls for urgent issues. The agent was able to add notes to my adjudication claim with the additional details I needed to explain.

It worked for me. I was skeptical too but I was desperate after trying to call for 2 weeks straight. I got connected with an agent in about 40 minutes instead of endless busy signals. They just call you when they reach someone.

In my experience, ESD rarely responds to messages sent through eServices when your claim is already in adjudication. They consider the adjudication process itself to be the response mechanism. What you should do instead is continue with your weekly claims while waiting for adjudication. If you need to provide additional information about your work separation, you should specifically request an adjudicator call by phone. You can do this by calling the main number and using the automated system to request a call back. Also, check your "Notices/Letters" section in eServices daily. Often they'll post requests for additional information there without sending you an email notification. Missing these can further delay your claim.

The automated callback system is hit or miss. It works better for general questions, but for adjudication-specific issues, it's not very reliable. Your best bet is still trying to reach a live agent who can either help directly or escalate to an adjudicator.

I sent a message about my standby status last year and they never responded at all! But then one day my claim just updated with the standby approval. So sometimes they action your request without actually replying to tell you they did it. Have you checked if anything changed on your claim? Maybe they read your message but just didn't bother replying?

The messaging system is basically a black hole right now. I waited 7 weeks for a response earlier this year. What worked for me was contacting my state representative's office. I filled out their constituent services form explaining that I couldn't get through to ESD and was facing financial hardship. Their office has special liaisons with ESD who can escalate issues. Two days after I contacted my rep, I got a call from an ESD supervisor who resolved my issue. If you're in real financial trouble because of the delay, this might be worth trying. Google "[your district] state representative Washington" to find yours.

i messaged them twice about my missing payments from january and they finally replied yesterday so thats about 8 weeks lol. just keep calling its your best bet. the messaging system is where questions go to die tbh

To answer your question about Saturday hours - no, ESD is not open on weekends. Their hours are Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. However, the automated phone system and eServices website are available 24/7 for filing weekly claims and checking status. One more tip: if your issue is about work separation details specifically, make sure you're prepared to discuss how your situation fits within ESD's eligibility guidelines. For example, if you were laid off due to lack of work, that's straightforward. But if there was any hint of performance issues or voluntary quit elements, you'll need to be very clear about the circumstances. The more prepared you are when you do reach someone, the more likely they can resolve your issue in one call.

That's actually a common scenario. If you gave notice but were terminated immediately, that's generally considered a layoff, not a quit, for unemployment purposes. The key is that the employer made the final decision to end the employment relationship sooner than your notice period. When you speak to an agent, explain exactly that sequence of events, and specify the date you gave notice and the date they ended your employment. This distinction is important because it affects eligibility.

As someone who just went through this nightmare myself, I feel your pain! I waited almost 5 weeks for a response to my message about adjudication documents, and when they finally replied it was just asking me to submit the exact same documents I had already uploaded. Here's what finally worked for me: I started calling exactly at 7:59 AM and would hit redial continuously for the first 30 minutes they're open. On my 4th day of doing this, I got through within 15 minutes. The agent was actually really helpful and was able to see my message history and resolve everything on the spot. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims even during adjudication. I almost made the mistake of stopping because I thought it was pointless, but the agent told me that would have created additional delays in processing my back pay once approved. Hang in there - I know it's incredibly frustrating but you will eventually get through!