How does ESD contact you for WorkSource appointments? Haven't received mine yet
I've been on unemployment for about 5 weeks now and I know we're supposed to have a mandatory WorkSource appointment, but I still haven't heard anything about mine. Do they notify you through the ESD portal/eServices, send an email, or mail a physical letter? I've been checking my portal messages daily but nothing's there. I'm worried I might have missed something and don't want to get disqualified for missing an appointment I never knew about. Anyone know their typical notification process or how long it usually takes before they schedule these appointments?
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Omar Hassan
In my experience, they contact you in multiple ways. I got both an email AND a letter in the mail about 6 weeks after my initial claim was approved. The letter had specific instructions about registering with WorkSource before the appointment. Make sure your contact info is up-to-date in both your ESD account and your WorkSource account (they're separate systems). You should also periodically check your spam folder since their emails sometimes end up there.
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Freya Pedersen
•Thanks! That's reassuring. I didn't realize they were separate systems. I'll double-check my contact info in both places. Did you have to do anything special to prepare for the appointment?
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Chloe Anderson
they sent mine in a letter only!!!! never got email or msg in portal. almost missed it bc it looked like junk mail lol. check ur mailbox carefully
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Diego Vargas
•This is why the ESD system is so frustrating! They're inconsistent with how they notify people about important requirements. I've worked with dozens of unemployment claims and seen it all - some people get emails, others only get letters, some get portal messages, and a few unfortunate souls get NOTHING until they're suddenly disqualified for missing appointments. Always check all possible communication channels and document EVERYTHING.
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CosmicCruiser
i went thru this last month. they supposed to notify u at least 1 week before appointment. mine was email only, no letter no portal. but my friend got portal message only. seems like they just pick random way to contact diff people?? makes no sense
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Anastasia Fedorov
•My experience was totally different! I got a text message reminder AND a portal message for my WorkSource appointment. This was just 3 weeks ago. Maybe they're trying different notification methods?
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Sean Doyle
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU FAIL!!!! I never got ANY notification and then they disqualified me for "failure to participate" in WorkSource. Had to appeal and wait NINE WEEKS to get benefits back. ESD claims they sent a letter but I NEVER received it. Now I check my mail like a hawk and call WorkSource every week to make sure I'm not missing anything. THEY DON'T CARE if their communications fail - it's ALWAYS your fault according to them!!
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Freya Pedersen
•That's exactly what I'm worried about! I don't want to get disqualified for something I didn't know about. Did your appeal process work out ok? Was it difficult to prove you never got the notification?
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Omar Hassan
•While I understand your frustration, I want to clarify that WorkSource appointments usually happen within the first 5-8 weeks of your claim. @OP: Since you're at 5 weeks, you're still within the normal timeframe. If you're concerned, you can be proactive and call your local WorkSource office directly to ask if you have an appointment scheduled. They can look you up in their system. Also, make sure you've completed your initial WorkSource registration at WorkSourceWA.com - sometimes they won't schedule your appointment until that's done.
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Diego Vargas
To directly answer your question with the most up-to-date information (as of 2025): ESD's official process is to send notification through at least TWO methods - typically a letter and either an email or portal message. However, in practice, their system often fails to send all notifications. Here's what you should do: 1. Verify your contact information is current in BOTH systems (ESD and WorkSource) 2. Check that you've completed your WorkSourceWA.com registration 3. Call your local WorkSource office directly to ask if you have a scheduled appointment 4. Document all your efforts (dates/times of calls, who you spoke with) Proactive communication will protect you if there's ever a question about whether you complied with requirements. Don't wait for them to contact you if you're approaching the 8-week mark.
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Freya Pedersen
•This is really helpful, thank you! I just called my local WorkSource office and found out my appointment is actually scheduled for next week, but they hadn't sent the notification yet. They said they're behind on sending out notices. Really glad I checked instead of waiting!
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