How to apply for unemployment over the phone with Washington ESD - need help

Thanks! Do you know what hours they're open? I've been trying during my lunch break but no luck getting through.

They're open Monday-Friday 8am to 4pm. Definitely try calling right when they open at 8am for the best chance of getting through quickly.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Interesting, I've never heard of that before. Does it actually work for getting through to file initial claims?

Yes! I used it specifically to apply for unemployment when the website wasn't working for me. They got me connected to an agent in about 30 minutes instead of me spending days trying to call.

Good point! Should I have pay stubs with me too or just the employment dates and employer info?

Pay stubs aren't required for the initial application, but having them handy can help if they ask about your wages. The main thing is having accurate dates and employer contact information.

I've tried multiple times and keep getting error messages when I submit. Maybe it's a browser issue but I've tried different browsers and devices.

The online system definitely has issues sometimes. I had problems too and calling was actually easier once I got through to someone.

That's helpful to know! Do they set up the weekly claim filing schedule during that same call?

Yes, they'll explain when your first weekly claim will be due and how to file them going forward. Usually your first weekly claim is due the Sunday after you file your initial application.

That's encouraging! Did you have to wait long to get approved after filing by phone?

My claim was processed in about a week, same as it would be if I filed online. The method you use to apply doesn't affect processing time.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to contact a government agency.

I agree it's frustrating that we need services like this, but when you're unemployed and need to get your claim filed, sometimes it's worth it to avoid the stress of calling hundreds of times.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm going to try calling first thing Monday morning and see if I can get through.

Good luck! If you don't get through the first day, keep trying. It's worth the effort to get your claim started as soon as possible.

4 days is better than the weeks I've been struggling with the website! Thanks for the encouragement.

Persistence definitely pays off with Washington ESD phone calls. Once you get through, the actual process is much easier than you'd expect.

Good point! I'll make sure to call when I have a few hours free and can stay on the line.

This is exactly why I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Couldn't afford to sit on hold for hours when I needed to be job searching.

I'll try both approaches. Hopefully one will work soon so I can get this process started.

That's smart. Having multiple approaches increases your chances of success with Washington ESD systems.

That's a great point! It'll be nice to have someone double-check everything and make sure I don't make any mistakes.