How to get ahold of unemployment office - Washington ESD phone impossible

I tried that number too but still couldn't get through. Do you have to keep redialing or is there a trick to it?

Keep redialing. I usually have to call 20-30 times before getting in the queue.

How long have you been trying? This is driving me crazy.

3 weeks now. finally got through yesterday after calling literally 100+ times

That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

It's way cheaper than missing rent because you can't reach ESD. The video explains everything - basically they handle all the redialing headache for you.

I'm skeptical of services like this but if it actually works... might be worth trying

I'll try this tomorrow morning. Should I call the main number or the customer service line?

Customer service line 833-572-8400. Main number is basically useless these days.

Washington ESD is understaffed and overloaded. COVID made everything worse and they never caught up.

It's 2025 though! They've had years to fix this mess.

I tried that weeks ago and never got a response. Is there a specific way to word the message?

Be very specific about your claim number and the exact issue. Don't write a novel - they ignore long messages.

The messaging system is a joke. I sent 3 messages over 2 months and got one generic response.

I didn't know WorkSource could help with ESD claims. What kind of stuff can they do?

They can check your claim status and sometimes resolve simple issues. Won't help with complex adjudication but worth a shot.

Did they actually solve your problem once you got through?

Yeah, turned out my employer hadn't responded to their request for information. Agent was able to tell me exactly what was needed.

How does the service work exactly? Do they give you a callback when they reach someone?

Your state rep helped? How did you contact them about this?

just called their local office and explained the situation. they have people who deal with ESD issues specifically

This is good advice. State legislators' offices can sometimes cut through the bureaucracy.

47 times?! That's insane but I guess that's what it takes.

Yep, set up speed dial and just keep hitting redial. Eventually you'll get in the queue.

I use an auto-redial app on my phone. Makes it less tedious.

That's encouraging at least. I was worried they'd be rude after making people wait so long.

Most of them know how frustrating the phone system is. They're dealing with angry people all day but they try to help.

Are they actually open for walk-ins? I thought everything was appointment only now.

Most are taking walk-ins again but call ahead to check hours. Each office is different.

Good to know it works for different types of issues. I'm definitely going to try it.

Yeah the demo video on their site explains it pretty well. Much easier than spending days trying to call.

Good point. I'll make a checklist of everything I might need before calling.

Also have specific questions written down. The call could end at any time so get the most important stuff answered first.

And if they say they'll call you back, don't hold your breath. Get everything resolved on that first call if possible.

That's exactly my problem. I can't spend 8 hours a day trying to call them.

Right? It's like they're designed to make you give up. At least with a service you can go about your day while they handle the calling part.