How to get a hold of unemployment - Washington ESD phone lines impossible

It's so frustrating! I don't understand why they make it so hard to reach them when we need help with our claims.

The phone system is definitely overwhelmed. Have you tried using the secure messaging feature in your eServices account?

What's the technical support number? I didn't know there was a separate line for that.

It's the same main number but press different options. Try option 5 for technical issues instead of option 1 for claims.

I tried this but they just told me to call back to the regular claims line anyway

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It basically handles the calling and waiting for you. You don't have to sit on hold for hours or keep redialing busy signals. They connect you when an agent is available.

is this some kind of paid service? seems sketchy

Yeah there's a cost but honestly after wasting weeks trying to get through myself, it was worth it to finally talk to someone about my adjudication.

I never thought of that! How do I find my representative's contact info?

Go to leg.wa.gov and use their district finder. Most offices have constituent services that help with state agency issues.

same!! I think the callback thing is just there to make us feel better but nobody actually calls back

I did get a callback once but it took 4 days and by then I had already resolved my issue through messaging.

Do you have that number? I'm willing to try anything at this point.

I don't have it memorized but you can find regional office numbers on the Washington ESD website under contact info

Regional offices usually only help with in-person services, not phone claims support. But might be worth a try.

I know right? Like we're already stressed about money and then they make it even harder to get our benefits.

The system is definitely strained. COVID really overwhelmed their capacity and they're still catching up.

That's a good idea. There's one about 20 minutes from me. Do I need an appointment?

Most WorkSource offices take walk-ins but you might wait a while. Call ahead to check their current policies.

I tried this and they said they couldn't help with adjudication issues, only job search stuff

That's amazing! I'm definitely going to check it out. I can't keep waiting like this.

how much did it cost you if you don't mind me asking?

Rather not get into specific pricing here but check their website. For me it was worth it to finally get answers.

That's dedication! I've tried the 8am thing too but usually get busy signals.

The 8am rush is probably the worst time because everyone tries that. Maybe try calling around 2pm?

I'll try different times but my work schedule makes it hard to call during the day

Exactly! We pay taxes for these services but can't actually use them when we need help.

Staffing is definitely an issue. They've been trying to hire more customer service reps but it takes time to train people on the complex unemployment system.

There's a live chat? Where do I find that on the website?

I think it's only available certain hours and for certain types of questions. Check the eServices portal.

The chat is pretty limited - mostly for password resets and basic account issues, not complex adjudication problems.

Oh no, overpayment issues are scary. Have you been able to get any help at all?

Nothing. I keep getting form letters saying to call the number that nobody answers.

For overpayment issues you might want to consider appealing if you think it's wrong. There are strict deadlines though.

ok you've convinced me, I'm checking it out today. this is getting ridiculous

Same here. I can't afford to keep missing work to sit on hold all day.

Interesting timing! I'll give that a shot tomorrow.

That's when I'd expect them to be even busier with people trying to get last-minute calls in

yeah it's counterintuitive but worked for me. maybe because most people give up by then?

That's awful. The system is supposed to help people, not make things harder.

Don't forget you still need to keep doing your job search activities even while dealing with claim issues. Document everything in case they ask.

Yeah I tried messaging too but got a generic response that didn't address my specific situation.

Messaging works better for simple questions. Complex adjudication issues really need phone discussion.

How long did it take you to finally get through?

about 3 weeks of daily calling but finally got my issue resolved

3 weeks?? that's insane. there has to be a better way

Good luck! I think you'll have much better success with that than the endless hold times.

Hope you get your adjudication resolved soon. Keep us posted on how it goes.

rooting for you! this whole situation is so stressful

That's incredible! I'm signing up right now. Thank you for the update!

wow that's amazing. gives me hope that there might actually be a solution to this mess

ok I'm convinced, checking out their website now. anything is better than this endless calling