How long does it take to get an answer from Washington ESD unemployment office?

unfortunately this is pretty normal right now. took me almost 6 weeks to get through adjudication and another 2 weeks after that to actually talk to someone when i had questions about my job search requirements

The adjudication process typically takes 3-6 weeks depending on the complexity of your case. If you're in adjudication, it means they're reviewing something about your claim - could be your reason for separation, work history verification, or eligibility requirements. During this time, you should continue filing your weekly claims even though you're not receiving payments yet. Once approved, you'll get back pay for all the weeks you filed. For getting answers by phone, try calling right at 8:00 AM when they open - that's when you have the best chance of getting through.

I had a similar situation last year and found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD. They basically call for you and wait on hold, then connect you when an agent picks up. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was honestly a lifesaver because I was spending entire days trying to get through on my own.

ADJUDICATION IS JUST ANOTHER WAY FOR THEM TO DELAY PAYING US! I've been waiting 8 weeks and still nothing. They make it impossible to reach anyone and then act like it's our fault when we can't get answers. The whole system is broken and designed to make us give up.

Try calling during lunch hours too - sometimes fewer people are calling then. Also make sure you're calling the right number. Main customer service is 833-572-8400 but there are different numbers for different issues.

same boat here, filed 5 weeks ago and still waiting. at least you're getting to the hold music - half the time i just get busy signals

If you're having trouble getting through by phone, you can also try reaching out to your local WorkSource office. They have staff who can help with basic unemployment questions and sometimes can escalate issues to Washington ESD on your behalf. You can find your local office at worksourcewa.com.

I've been tracking my call attempts and the best times I've found are: 8:00-8:15 AM (right when they open), 12:00-12:30 PM (lunch period), and surprisingly around 4:30 PM. Avoid Mondays entirely - everyone calls on Monday.

Another thing to check - make sure your mailing address is correct in your account. Sometimes Washington ESD sends important notices by mail and if they can't reach you, it can delay your claim. Also check your spam folder for emails from ESD.

Just want to say I feel your pain. Been trying to get answers about my overpayment notice for 3 weeks now. It's incredibly frustrating when you need help and can't reach anyone.

I actually just got through yesterday using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Took about 45 minutes for them to connect me but it worked. The agent was able to explain exactly what was holding up my claim and what I needed to do next. Definitely worth it if you're desperate like I was.

Don't forget you can also contact your state representative or senator's office if you're really stuck. They have staff who can help with state agency issues and sometimes can get faster responses than calling directly.

Quick tip - if you do get through to someone at Washington ESD, ask for a reference number for your call and write down the agent's name or ID number. That way if you need to call back, you can reference the previous conversation.

been there, it sucks. just keep trying and filing your weekly claims. the system is overwhelmed but eventually they'll get to your case

Make sure you're documenting everything - when you called, how long you waited, any reference numbers, etc. If you end up needing to escalate or appeal anything later, having that documentation will be helpful.

The wait times are definitely frustrating but hang in there. Once your claim gets approved, you'll receive all the back pay for the weeks you've been waiting. Make sure to keep filing those weekly claims even while you're in adjudication status.

One more thing - if you're really struggling financially while waiting, look into local food banks and assistance programs. Many communities have resources to help people waiting for unemployment benefits. No shame in getting help when you need it.