How to contact Washington ESD unemployment office - phone keeps hanging up

ugh same problem here, been calling for 3 days straight

The phone system is completely overwhelmed right now. I've had better luck calling right at 8am when they open, but even then it's hit or miss. Make sure you're calling the right number - it's different for technical issues vs claim questions.

The phone system is absolutely terrible right now. I've had the same experience - hours of waiting just to get hung up on. Try calling right at 8am when they open, that's your best shot at getting through.

ugh same problem here! I've been calling for 3 weeks about my adjudication status and can't get through. This is ridiculous

The phone system is completely overwhelmed right now. I've had better luck calling right at 8am when they open, but even then it's hit or miss. You can also try the callback option if it's available when you call.

The trick is to call exactly at 8:00 AM when Washington ESD opens their phone lines. Don't call a minute before or after - set an alarm for 7:59 and start dialing at exactly 8:00. You'll still wait on hold but at least you won't get the immediate disconnect. Also make sure you have your Social Security number and claim confirmation number ready before you call.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I was having this exact problem. They basically call for you and wait on hold, then connect you when they get a human on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

I was having the exact same issue with getting through to Washington ESD and honestly got desperate enough to try one of those callback services. Found this thing called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that basically calls for you and connects you when they get through. Watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) and figured why not. Actually worked - got connected to an agent in about 45 minutes instead of wasting my whole day redialing. They explained my 'under review' status was just a routine audit check and it cleared up within a week.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I've been unemployed for 6 months and spent probably 40+ hours just trying to reach someone at Washington ESD. This is our money they're holding hostage and they make it impossible to get help. How is this legal???

You might want to try messaging them through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) instead of calling. It takes longer but at least you'll get a response eventually. Also check if there are any pending issues in your account that might be holding things up.

You can also try reaching out through the secure message system on your eServices account, but honestly they're pretty slow to respond there too. Usually takes 3-5 business days for a reply.

Pro tip: if you're calling about a specific issue like adjudication or an appeal, make sure you have all your documentation ready before you call. When you finally get through, they'll want your Social Security number, claim confirmation number, and details about your situation. Don't waste the opportunity by not being prepared.

I tried calling 47 times yesterday. FORTY SEVEN TIMES. This system is broken.

Honestly I was having the exact same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. I was skeptical at first but I was desperate. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's even a video demo showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Within 2 hours of signing up they had connected me to an agent who cleared up my adjudication issue.

Have you tried using the secure messaging system on your Washington ESD account? It's not as fast as calling but I've had decent luck getting responses within 3-5 business days. Log into your account through SecureAccess Washington and look for the 'Send Secure Message' option. Make sure to include your SSN and specific details about your issue.

For those having trouble getting through - try calling at different times of day. I've noticed Tuesday and Wednesday mornings tend to be slightly less busy than Mondays. Also avoid calling right after lunch when everyone's trying to reach them.

Another option is to contact your state representative's office. They sometimes have direct lines to Washington ESD for constituent services. Won't work for routine stuff but if you're really stuck they might be able to help.

Has anyone tried going to a WorkSource office in person? I know they handle some unemployment stuff too.

The callback feature on their website doesn't work either. Says they'll call back in 2-3 business days but it's been over a week and nothing.

I was having the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I was skeptical but tried it last week and actually got connected to someone within an hour. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The unemployment office is a joke. I've been calling for MONTHS and can never get through. The whole system is broken and they don't care about people who actually need help.

Another trick is to call the Spanish language line even if you don't speak Spanish. Sometimes they have English speakers available and the wait times are shorter.

this is so frustrating!! ive been trying for 2 weeks to talk to someone about my job search requirements and cant get through. my claim is gonna get suspended if i dont figure this out soon

pro tip: if you do get through, ask the agent to explain EVERYTHING about your claim status while you have them on the phone. Don't just ask about your immediate issue. I made that mistake and had to call back three more times for different questions.

I tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked. Was skeptical at first but got tired of spending entire mornings trying to call Washington ESD. They called me back when they got through to an agent and I was able to sort out my adjudication issue. Definitely beats the alternative of endless busy signals.

For what it's worth, the best times I've found to call are Tuesday through Thursday between 10am-2pm. Monday and Friday are usually the worst. Also make sure you have your Social Security number and all your claim information ready before you call.

Update: I used Claimyr again last week when I had another issue with my job search log and they got me connected in about 20 minutes. Way better than the hours I was spending on redial. The agent was able to clear up my issue right away once I actually got to talk to someone.

The callback option is a joke. I've used it 3 times and they never called back. Don't waste your time with that.

I work in customer service and I feel bad for the Washington ESD phone reps. They're probably overwhelmed too. But this system is not working for anyone.

update: finally got through this morning using the 8am strategy. waited 2 hours but at least didnt get disconnected. turns out my job search log was missing some details and that's why my claim was under review. agent fixed it while I was on the phone

Try calling the employer services line instead of the claimant line. Sometimes they transfer you and the hold times are shorter.

Another trick - if you get put on hold and it's taking forever, don't hang up! I know it's tempting but I've heard they sometimes bump you to the front if you've been waiting a really long time. Could be a myth but worth trying.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I'm going to try the 8am calling strategy tomorrow and if that doesn't work I might look into that callback service. Just need to get this claim issue resolved so I can keep getting my benefits while I job search.

I work for a nonprofit that helps people with benefits issues and honestly the callback services like Claimyr are becoming pretty popular with our clients. Washington ESD's phone system just can't handle the volume and people need to get through for time-sensitive issues. It's not ideal that we need third-party services to contact our own state agencies, but it is what it is.

For what it's worth, I've noticed the hold times are usually shorter on Wednesdays and Thursdays compared to Mondays and Fridays. Might just be coincidence but could be worth timing your calls accordingly.

Have you tried going to a WorkSource office in person? Sometimes they can help with unemployment issues or at least point you in the right direction.