How to file unemployment by phone with Washington ESD - need help

Thanks! Do I need any specific documents ready when I call?

Yes - have your Social Security card, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months. Also any separation paperwork from your employer.

Same here. Spent 4 hours yesterday and never got through. Really frustrating when you need help.

I found Claimyr recently - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me tons of time.

never heard of that before. does it actually work or is it just another scam?

How long does the call usually take once you're connected?

About 20-30 minutes for a standard claim. Construction workers sometimes need extra time if you worked for multiple contractors.

I feel your pain. The phone system gets overwhelmed easily. Try calling right at 8am when they open.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr. It handles the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit by the phone all day.

Good advice. I forgot to have my previous employer's address and had to call back.

Should I include part-time jobs too or just my main construction job?

Include all employment from the last 18 months, even part-time or temporary work.

Processing time is the same regardless of how you file. It's all the same system on their end.

That's good to know, thanks.

Really? Might have to try that myself. Did they file your claim right away?

yeah they walked me through the whole thing. took about 25 minutes once connected.

Thanks for the update. Going to check it out today.

Good point. I was planning to call Monday but maybe Tuesday would be better.

Tuesday through Thursday are usually the best days to call from what I've experienced.

What exactly do they mean by able and available? I can work but there just aren't any construction jobs right now.

Able means you're physically capable of working and available means you're ready to accept suitable work if offered. Since you're just temporarily laid off, you should be fine.

Oh no, that would be terrible after waiting so long. I'll make sure to use my landline.

Smart thinking. Cell service can be spotty and you don't want to lose your place in line.

Is there a cost for using it? Seems too good to be true.

There is a fee but honestly it was worth not spending days trying to get through. The demo video explains everything.

That's confusing. How do you file weekly claims if your initial claim isn't approved yet?

you can still file them online or by phone. they just won't pay out until the initial claim is processed.

That's encouraging. I've been so stressed about messing something up with the online application.

Don't worry too much. They deal with construction layoffs all the time and know the common issues.

I tried it once and never got a call back. Ended up just waiting on hold.

The callback system is pretty unreliable from what I've heard. Better to just wait on hold if you have the time.

Awesome! I'm definitely going to try that service tomorrow. This gives me hope.

glad it worked out for you too. really saves the headache of calling over and over.

Congrats! How long did the whole process take from start to finish?

Good point. What if I pick up a small side job while waiting for construction work to pick back up?

report all earnings even if its just $50. better to be honest than get hit with an overpayment later.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I feel much more prepared now to file my claim.

Good luck! The construction industry has its ups and downs but unemployment benefits help bridge the gaps.