How to get a call back from Washington ESD unemployment - tired of waiting on hold

ugh same problem here!! been calling for 3 weeks straight and nothing. the hold music is burned into my brain at this point lol

The key is timing and persistence. I've had success calling right at 8:00 AM when they open, but you need to be prepared to redial immediately if you get the busy signal. Also try calling during lunch hours around 12-1 PM when call volume sometimes drops. Make sure you have your Social Security number and all claim details ready before you call.

I was having the exact same issue until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents - basically they handle the calling and waiting for you. I was skeptical at first but honestly it worked. Got connected to an agent within a few hours and finally got my adjudication issue resolved. Check out claimyr.com if you're interested, they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works.

Before trying paid services, make sure you've exhausted all the free options. Have you tried the WorkSourceWA offices? Sometimes they can help facilitate contact with Washington ESD for urgent issues. Also double-check that you don't have any outstanding items in your eServices account that might be causing the adjudication delay.

THE WASHINGTON ESD PHONE SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!! I've been calling for A MONTH and still nothing. They expect us to just wait indefinitely while our bills pile up? This is ridiculous and someone needs to be held accountable for this disaster.

Update: I just tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned and holy crap it actually worked! They called me back within like 3 hours and I finally talked to a Washington ESD agent. Turns out there was an issue with my employer response that was holding up my claim. Problem solved!

For anyone still struggling with this, I've found success using the callback feature in eServices. Go to your account, click on 'Contact Us' and request a callback for your specific issue. It takes longer than calling but they do actually call back within 3-5 business days usually.

Has anyone tried the live chat feature? I see it sometimes on the Washington ESD website but it's usually grayed out.

I work nights so I can call during the day. Been trying for weeks with no luck. The automated system just keeps saying high call volume and hangs up. This is insane.

One more suggestion - if your issue is about job search requirements or standby status, sometimes you can resolve it by uploading documentation directly to your eServices account rather than needing to speak to someone.

My sister used some callback service too and it worked for her. Can't remember the name but it was something similar to what others mentioned here. Saved her weeks of frustration.

Just want to add that once you do get through to Washington ESD, make sure to ask for a direct callback number or extension if possible. Some agents can provide direct contact info for follow-up questions.

Try calling the WorkSourceWA number instead of the main unemployment line. Sometimes they can transfer you or help with simple issues.

This thread is giving me flashbacks to my own unemployment nightmare last year. Took me 2 months to get through. The system really needs an overhaul.

Quick update for OP - that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier, they also help with other Washington ESD issues like appeals and overpayment questions. Might be useful to keep in mind for the future.

Don't give up! I know it's frustrating but persistence pays off. Keep trying different times and methods.

Maybe try calling right before they close? Sometimes call volume drops in the last hour.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! I'm going to try the early morning calling again tomorrow, and if that doesn't work I'll look into the Claimyr service. Will update if I make any progress.

This whole thread makes me grateful I got through to Washington ESD on my first try. Must have been super lucky.

Have you tried tweeting at Washington ESD? Sometimes social media pressure gets faster responses.

I'm dealing with the exact same frustrating situation! Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim that's been stuck in "pending" status. The phone system is completely broken - either busy signals or getting disconnected after hours on hold. I've tried calling at different times, using the callback request feature, even visited a local WorkSource office but they said they can't directly help with claim issues. It's incredibly stressful when you're depending on these benefits to pay rent and bills. Really considering trying one of those callback services people mentioned here since the free methods aren't working. Has anyone had luck with contacting state representatives about this issue? Seems like the system needs serious attention from higher up.