How do I change my address for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

Thank you! I'll try logging in tonight. Do I need to do anything else or will it automatically update for all my unemployment stuff?

It should update everything automatically, but double-check that your mailing address changed in all sections of your account to be safe.

Thanks! I'll try logging in again and look for that option. I must have missed it the first time.

sometimes that option is hidden under account settings, not obvious where it is

Oh no, that's exactly what I'm worried about. How long did it take to get through when you called?

Forever. I was on hold for like 2 hours each time I called. The phone system is terrible.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone, I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you reach agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

What kind of confusion? Did your payments get delayed?

Yeah, they held up my payment for like a week while they verified my new address. Had to provide proof of residency and everything.

Good tip about the phone number. I did get a new number when I moved so I should update both.

Wait, do we need to notify them about phone number changes too? I thought that was just for addresses.

Yeah, any contact info changes should be updated. They might need to reach you about your claim.

Good point about correspondence preferences. I hadn't thought about that part.

Wait, do I need to update my address with WorkSource too or just Washington ESD?

Good question - I'd update both to be safe since they're connected for job search requirements.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked for me when I had an adjudication issue. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

I agree the website could be better designed. Try looking under 'My Account' then 'Personal Information' - that's usually where the address update option is.

ok ill try that thanks

tell me about it! I gave up after 2 hours yesterday

That's why online is usually better if you can figure out where the options are hidden.

That's reassuring. I was worried it might trigger some kind of review or delay.

nah address changes are routine, not like changing your work status or something

That's really smart advice. I'll definitely save a screenshot. Have you had other issues with Washington ESD not processing changes?

A few times, yeah. Their system can be glitchy. That's actually why I started using Claimyr when I need to talk to someone - way easier than trying to get through their regular phone lines.

You're supposed to report changes within 10 days, but I don't think they really enforce that strictly for address changes. Still better to do it sooner rather than later.

Ok good to know. I moved like 3 weeks ago and just remembered I need to update this.

Better late than never! Just get it done ASAP so you don't miss any important mail.

Good advice, I'll definitely screenshot everything.

Smart thinking - documentation always helps with Washington ESD.

I didn't think about that. I did move to a different county. Will they automatically assign me to a new WorkSource office?

I think so, but you might want to double-check. The job search requirements can be different depending on your area.

I'm still in Washington, just moved across town. But good to know for others!

yeah if you move out of state that's a whole different process

Generally yes, your job search should be appropriate for your current location and commuting distance.

I think there's flexibility as long as you can realistically commute to the jobs you're applying for.

How long were you on hold when you called?

Like an hour and a half. It was brutal. I kept hanging up and calling back hoping for a shorter wait.

That's exactly why I recommend Claimyr - they handle the waiting for you and get you connected to an actual person without sitting on hold forever.

Really? That's amazing. I might try that if I can't figure out the online address change.

how much does it cost though?

Worth checking their site for current info, but it saved me so much time and frustration.

No, your benefit amount is based on your previous wages, not where you live. Moving within Washington state won't change your weekly benefit amount.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried about that.

Perfect, I'll look there specifically. Thanks!

that's where it was when I did mine too

That's great to hear! I'm going to try it online first then. Sounds like most people have success with the website.

Glad it worked out for you! The online system usually works fine, despite what some people say.

Good point. I did set up mail forwarding but I should probably update my address with all my important accounts anyway.

Good point, I'll update it today before I file this week.

Yes, always better to update personal info between weekly claims rather than during the process.

I'll try that too if I still can't find the address option.

Already did that thankfully, but good reminder for anyone else reading this.

That's good to hear! Makes me feel more confident about doing it.

really? my experience with WA ESD has been pretty frustrating but maybe address changes are different

Thankfully I'm still in touch with my old landlord so I can check on that. Thanks for the warning.

That's a really good point about legal documents. Those can have strict deadlines.

Thanks everyone for all the help! I'm going to try the eServices site again with all your tips.

Let us know how it goes! This thread will help other people with the same question.

Didn't change banks but that's another good thing to double-check. Thanks!

I moved for personal reasons, not work-related, but good to know for others.

Right, moving for work can actually be a good thing for your claim since it shows you're actively seeking employment.

Awesome! I'll definitely keep that in mind if the online option doesn't work out.

that's incredible, usually takes me hours to get through

Excellent! Glad you got it sorted out.

Perfect - now you're all set for your next weekly claim.

nice! told you it was easy once you found the right spot

Yes, moving out of state is more complex. You'll need to contact Washington ESD directly about interstate benefits. The requirements and processes are different.

Ugh, that sounds like a headache. I'll probably need to call them then.

For something that complex, definitely call. And if you have trouble getting through, Claimyr can help you reach an agent faster - might be worth it for an interstate move situation.

Awesome! Glad it worked out smoothly for you.

Great to hear! Make sure to keep that confirmation email just in case.

see i told you the online thing works fine once you figure it out!

Good to know there are multiple options. Online was definitely the fastest way.

That's really smart advice! I didn't think about checking back to verify it went through properly. Better to catch any issues early rather than find out during a weekly claim filing when it might cause delays.

This is such valuable advice! I hadn't considered that updating one piece of information might accidentally affect other fields in their system. That's definitely something to watch out for. It's frustrating that we have to be so careful with these government systems, but documentation really is key. Thanks for sharing your experience - it'll help others avoid the same issues!