How to file for unemployment over the phone - Washington ESD phone filing process
I've been trying to figure out how to file my initial unemployment claim over the phone with Washington ESD instead of using their online system. My computer keeps crashing and I don't have reliable internet access right now. Does anyone know if Washington ESD still allows phone filing for new claims? I heard they might have changed their process after COVID but I'm not sure what the current options are.
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Aidan Percy
Washington ESD primarily pushes people to file online through their SecureAccess Washington portal now, but they do still have phone options for people who can't access the internet. You'll need to call their customer service line at 800-318-6022, but be prepared for long wait times.
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Axel Bourke
•Thanks! Do you know what hours they take calls for new claims? I want to make sure I'm calling at the right time.
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Aidan Percy
•Their phone lines are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. But honestly, getting through can take hours of calling back.
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Fernanda Marquez
i tried calling last week and kept getting hung up on after waiting 2 hours. the automated system just kept saying high call volume and then disconnected me. so frustrating when you need to get your claim filed
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Axel Bourke
•That's exactly what I'm worried about! I can't afford to spend all day trying to get through.
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Norman Fraser
•Same thing happened to me multiple times. The phone system seems to have issues handling the volume.
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Kendrick Webb
If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone, I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an agent much faster. They have a system that handles the calling and waiting for you - check out claimyr.com. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to resolve an issue with my claim.
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Axel Bourke
•Interesting, I haven't heard of that before. Does it actually work better than calling directly?
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Kendrick Webb
•Yeah, it connected me within about 30 minutes instead of the hours I was spending trying to call myself. Worth checking out if you're stuck.
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Hattie Carson
•sounds too good to be true but if it works...
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Destiny Bryant
When you do get through to file by phone, have all your information ready - Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, reason for separation from your last job, and your direct deposit information if you want payments deposited directly. The agent will walk you through the same questions as the online application.
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Axel Bourke
•Good point about having everything ready. Do they need exact dates for all my previous jobs or just approximate?
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Destiny Bryant
•They'll want exact start and end dates if you have them, plus your gross wages for each job. If you don't have exact dates, approximate is better than nothing but try to be as accurate as possible.
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Dyllan Nantx
Why not just use the library computers to file online? Most public libraries have free computer access and the online system is actually pretty straightforward once you get started.
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Axel Bourke
•That's not a bad idea, though I'd be worried about entering personal information on a public computer.
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Dyllan Nantx
•Fair point about security. Just make sure you log out completely and clear the browser history when you're done.
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Norman Fraser
I filed by phone last year and the whole process took about 45 minutes once I got through to an agent. They were actually really helpful and patient with all my questions. The hard part is just getting connected in the first place.
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Axel Bourke
•That's reassuring to know the agents are helpful once you reach them. Did they give you a confirmation number or anything after filing?
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Norman Fraser
•Yes, they gave me a confirmation number and told me to write it down. They also said I'd get a notice in the mail within a few days with my claim details.
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TillyCombatwarrior
The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible. I spent three days trying to get through before I gave up and drove to a WorkSource office for help. They have computers you can use there and staff who can help if you get stuck.
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Axel Bourke
•Oh, I didn't know WorkSource offices could help with filing! That might be easier than trying to call.
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TillyCombatwarrior
•Yeah, they have staff who are familiar with the Washington ESD system and can walk you through it. Much better than being on hold for hours.
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Aidan Percy
•Good suggestion! WorkSource offices are located throughout the state and they're specifically there to help with employment-related issues including unemployment claims.
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Fernanda Marquez
whatever you do dont wait too long to file. you only have a limited time after you lose your job to get benefits and they dont backdate very far
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Axel Bourke
•How long do you have to file? I lost my job two weeks ago.
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Destiny Bryant
•You should file as soon as possible. Benefits can't be paid for weeks before you file your claim, so every week you wait is a week of benefits you're losing.
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Kendrick Webb
Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr suggestion - I ended up using it again last month when I had questions about my job search requirements. Really does make the whole process of reaching Washington ESD much less stressful than trying to call repeatedly yourself.
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Axel Bourke
•I'm seriously considering trying it at this point. The regular phone number just isn't working out.
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Anna Xian
•I was skeptical but tried it when I couldn't get through about an overpayment issue. Actually got connected to an agent who was able to explain everything. Saved me a lot of headaches.
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Hattie Carson
if you file by phone do you still have to do the weekly claims online or can you do those by phone too?
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Destiny Bryant
•You can file your weekly claims online through the SecureAccess Washington portal, or you can call the automated phone line at 800-318-6022. Both options are available even if you filed your initial claim by phone.
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Hattie Carson
•ok good to know thanks
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Jungleboo Soletrain
I think they're trying to discourage phone filing because it takes up so much agent time. The online system handles most of the basic stuff automatically so agents can focus on more complex issues. But they legally have to provide phone access for people who can't use computers.
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Axel Bourke
•That makes sense from their perspective, but it shouldn't be this hard to get basic help when you need it.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
•Agreed, the system definitely needs improvement. Too many people falling through the cracks.
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Rajan Walker
Pro tip: if you do get through to file by phone, ask the agent to walk you through setting up your online account too. That way you'll have both options available for future claims and questions.
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Axel Bourke
•That's smart thinking! I'll definitely ask about that if I get connected.
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Rajan Walker
•Yeah, having the online access makes everything much easier for weekly claims and checking your claim status. The agents are usually happy to help set it up.
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Nadia Zaldivar
Don't forget you'll need to provide your banking information if you want direct deposit, or they'll mail you a debit card. Direct deposit is faster but some people prefer the card option.
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Axel Bourke
•Good point! Do they charge fees for the debit card or is direct deposit free?
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Nadia Zaldivar
•Direct deposit is free. The debit card is free too but there might be fees for certain transactions like ATM withdrawals at non-network ATMs.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
I remember when filing by phone was the main way to do it. Now everything's online and the phone system seems like an afterthought. Times change I guess but not everyone can keep up with the technology.
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Axel Bourke
•Exactly! There should still be good phone support for people who need it.
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Ev Luca
•The digital divide is real. Not everyone has reliable internet or computer skills.
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Avery Davis
has anyone tried calling first thing in the morning when they open? wondering if thats less busy
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Aidan Percy
•I tried calling right at 8 AM when they opened and still had to wait over an hour. Monday mornings seem to be especially busy.
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Avery Davis
•ugh that sucks. maybe mid week is better?
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Norman Fraser
•Wednesday afternoons worked better for me, but still took a while. There's really no good time unfortunately.
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Collins Angel
Make sure you have a good phone connection when you call. Nothing worse than finally getting through after hours of waiting only to have the call drop because of poor signal.
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Axel Bourke
•Good advice! I'll make sure to use a landline if possible.
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Collins Angel
•Exactly, or at least make sure you're in a spot with full bars if using a cell phone.
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Marcelle Drum
The whole system needs an overhaul. Too many people struggling to get basic help with their unemployment claims. It shouldn't be this complicated.
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Axel Bourke
•Couldn't agree more. When people are already stressed about losing their job, the last thing they need is a frustrating claims process.
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Tate Jensen
•The pandemic showed how overwhelmed the system gets when lots of people need help at once. They really need to invest in better infrastructure.
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Adaline Wong
If all else fails, you might want to contact your state representative's office. Sometimes they can help constituents who are having trouble with state agencies like Washington ESD.
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Axel Bourke
•That's a good last resort option. Hopefully it won't come to that but good to know.
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Adaline Wong
•Yeah, they have staff who deal with these kinds of issues regularly. It's part of their constituent services.
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Gabriel Ruiz
Good luck getting through! The phone filing process itself is straightforward once you connect with an agent. It's just the getting connected part that's the nightmare.
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Axel Bourke
•Thanks for all the advice everyone! I'm going to try a few different approaches and see what works best.
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Kendrick Webb
•Hope it works out! And seriously consider that Claimyr option if you keep having trouble - it really does help with the connection issues.
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