How do I contact Washington ESD unemployment by phone - getting disconnected constantly

ugh same problem here, been calling for days and can't get past the automated system

The Washington ESD phone system has been overwhelmed lately. Best times to call are usually right when they open at 8:00 AM or during lunch hours around 12-1 PM when call volume might be slightly lower. Make sure you're calling the right number for your issue - general UI claims vs. appeals vs. technical support all have different lines.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I was stuck in adjudication hell for 6 weeks. They basically call for you and wait on hold, then call you back when they get an agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Pro tip: if you get disconnected, don't hang up immediately. Sometimes the system will put you back in queue automatically after a few seconds. Also clear your schedule when you call because even if you get through, you might be on hold for 2+ hours.

I've been calling every day for 3 weeks and only got through once, just to be told they needed to transfer me and then got disconnected during the transfer. This system is broken.

What exactly is your claim showing as pending for? Sometimes you can resolve simple issues through the online system without needing to call.

Have you tried the live chat option? Sometimes that's faster than calling, though it's only available certain hours.

I tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked! Got connected to Washington ESD in about 45 minutes. The agent was able to see that my claim was held up because of a small discrepancy in my work search log. Fixed it right on the call.

The Washington ESD phone system is just overwhelmed. I work in customer service and I can tell you they're probably getting 10x more calls than they can handle. Doesn't make it less frustrating but explains why it's so hard to get through.

Try calling the technical support line instead of the main claims line. Sometimes they can answer basic questions and the wait is shorter. Number is different though, you'll have to look it up on the Washington ESD website.

I've been unemployed for 4 months and I swear I've spent more time trying to get through to Washington ESD than I have job searching. The whole system needs an overhaul.

Keep a log of every time you try to call with date and time. If your benefits get delayed because you couldn't reach them, that documentation might help with an appeal later.

Has anyone tried emailing them? I know it's probably slower but at least you get a response eventually.

I'm going to try that Claimyr service tomorrow morning. At this point anything is better than spending all day redialing the same number. Will update if it works.

Make sure you have ALL your information ready before calling - SSN, claim number, last 4 of bank account, employment dates, etc. Nothing worse than finally getting through and then having to call back because you don't have something they need.

The 8am thing is real. I got through on my third try calling right at 8:00. Set an alarm and be ready to dial the second it hits 8.

This thread is making me feel better that it's not just me having these problems. The Washington ESD phone situation is ridiculous for everyone apparently.

Update: I tried Claimyr this morning and got connected to Washington ESD in 25 minutes! The agent was able to see that my pending claim was just waiting for ID verification which I could do right over the phone. Claim processed while I was still on the call. Game changer!

Pro tip for anyone still trying the regular way: use speakerphone and do other things while you wait. Don't just sit there listening to hold music for hours, you'll go crazy.

For anyone reading this thread later - the main takeaway seems to be: try calling right at 8am, use Claimyr if you can't get through, and have all your info ready. Hope this helps someone else avoid the frustration we've all been through!