How to call Washington ESD unemployment office - tips for getting through?

What number did you use? I've been calling the main customer service line but maybe there's a better one.

For claim issues I used the regular UI customer service line. But honestly even at 8am it took me like 45 minutes to get through.

For document uploads you might be able to do that through your SecureAccess Washington account without calling. Check under the documents section.

I tried that but it won't let me upload anything. Says I need to call to resolve the issue first.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They don't mention pricing upfront but it was worth it to me to not waste entire days calling.

I might try this if I can't get through today. Getting desperate here.

Same experience here. It's ridiculous how hard it is to reach them when you have a legitimate issue.

I think they're just overwhelmed. The system wasn't built for this volume of calls.

Good advice. What kind of info should I have ready for a weekly claim issue?

Your Social Security number, claim confirmation number, employment history for the past 18 months, and details about the specific error you're seeing. Also any correspondence you've received from Washington ESD.

Did you check your account online to see if there are any alerts or requirements you missed?

Yeah there's nothing there. It just says my claim is under review but no details about what triggered it.

This is exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr helped me. When you're stuck in limbo like this you really need to talk to someone who can look at your account.

That's actually pretty clever. Does it really work?

Worked for me twice. Not saying it always will but worth a shot when you're desperate.

Which offices can help with claim issues? I thought they were just for job search stuff.

They can help with some basic stuff but for complex claim issues you'll still need to reach the main Washington ESD office.

What did you need help with? Was it something that could have been done online?

I had a job search requirement question that she said I could have found the answer to in the handbook online. But honestly the website is confusing too.

Three days?? I don't have that kind of time. There has to be a better way.

i know its frustrating but what else can you do. the system sucks but you gotta work with what you have

Email responses can take 2-3 weeks right now. Phone is still your best bet for urgent issues.

Ugh, that's not helpful when you need an answer quickly.

This is another situation where something like Claimyr might help. They can call during the day when you can't and then connect you when you're available.

Hmm that's interesting. I might look into that since my schedule is so limited.

Yeah I've heard that from multiple people. I don't think anyone's gotten a callback that actually worked.

Same here. I think they just have that option to make people think there's another way to reach them.

I feel you. It's like they make it as hard as possible on purpose.

I know it's frustrating but remember that the agents you do reach are just trying to help. The system issues aren't their fault personally.

Really? That's amazing. I'm going to try it today then.

How does it work exactly? Do they just call for you or what?

You give them your info and they handle the calling and waiting. Then they connect you directly to the agent when they get through. Way better than doing it yourself.

100 times?! That's crazy. What issue are you trying to resolve?

Overpayment notice that I think is wrong. Need to speak to someone who can actually look at my account and explain it.

Excellent advice. Having a paper trail is crucial if you need to escalate issues later.

I wish I had been doing this from the beginning. Good to know for future calls.

Good luck! Hope you get through quickly.

Let us know how it goes! Whether you get through on your own or need to use the service.

Good point. I had to be transferred twice before getting someone who could actually help with my adjudication issue.

Thanks, I'll remember that. Hopefully I can get through to someone soon.

Totally agree. Other states seem to handle this better.

It's gotten worse since COVID. They've been trying to upgrade the system but it's a slow process unfortunately.