How to get contact with Washington ESD unemployment office - can't reach anyone

I tried that last week and got disconnected 3 times after waiting over an hour each time. It's like they have a system designed to hang up on people.

Same here! The 8am rush is real but at least you have a chance then vs later in the day when it's impossible

I requested a callback 5 days ago and still nothing. Not sure if it's actually working or if they're just overwhelmed.

The callback system is broken half the time. I requested one last month and never heard back, then got a random call 3 weeks later when I didn't even need help anymore.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost and do you have to give them your personal info?

It's pretty straightforward - they just need basic info to make the calls for you. Way easier than spending hours on hold getting nowhere. The agent I reached was able to explain exactly why my claim was delayed.

I'm skeptical of any service that charges to help with unemployment stuff, but honestly if it actually works it might be worth it considering how much time I've wasted trying to call myself.

I didn't know there was an online chat! Where do you find that on the Washington ESD website?

It's buried in the help section somewhere. But heads up - they can only help with basic stuff, not claim-specific issues that require looking at your account.

I get the frustration but sometimes you really do need to talk to someone. Online filing doesn't help when your claim is stuck in adjudication.

adjudication is just another way for them to delay payments. been waiting 6 weeks for mine to resolve

That's exactly the kind of situation where Claimyr helped me. My claim was stuck in adjudication for weeks until I was able to actually reach an agent who explained what documents they needed.

Good point. I haven't been keeping track but I should start doing that.

Yeah I learned that the hard way. Always document everything with Washington ESD because their record keeping isn't great.

I've sent 3 messages over the past month and haven't gotten a single response. Maybe I'm doing something wrong?

Make sure you're being super specific about what you need and include your claim details. Generic questions seem to get ignored.

I sent a message 2 weeks ago about my job search requirements and still no response. The messaging system is just as broken as the phones.

It just says 'pending' with no other details. Been like that for over a month now with no explanation of what they're waiting for.

That's frustrating. Pending usually means they need additional information but they're terrible at communicating what exactly they need.

What's the WorkSource number? I didn't know there was a separate line.

It's the job search assistance line. They can't process claims but sometimes they can see what's holding yours up and give you direction on what to do next.

Good tip! I never thought to try that approach.

Won't they just transfer me to the same busy line though?

Sometimes, but I've had agents who were willing to look up basic info without transferring. Worth a shot when you're desperate.

47 calls in one day?! That's insane. How do you even have time for that?

I was desperate and between jobs so I had the time. Used the redial button constantly. Not sustainable but it worked that one time.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - I couldn't spend entire days just trying to get through to someone. Much easier to let them handle the calling while I focused on job searching.

That's a good idea. Are they doing in-person appointments again or is it still mostly virtual?

Most locations are doing limited in-person services but you usually need to schedule ahead. Check the WorkSource website for your local office hours.

4 months with no payment? Have you contacted your state representative's office? They sometimes have connections that can help expedite things.

didnt think of that. how do you contact them about unemployment issues?

Most representatives have constituent services that help with state agency issues. Look up your district rep and call their office.

Awesome! Glad it worked out for you. It's amazing how much time we waste trying to reach them when there are better options available.

I'm impressed that it actually worked. Might have to try it myself if I keep having issues.

glad you got through but its ridiculous that we have to pay extra just to contact a government agency that our taxes fund

I agree it's not ideal, but honestly the time I saved was worth it. I was spending hours every day trying to call with no results.

That's great news Dylan! I've been dealing with the same runaround for weeks now. How much did the Claimyr service cost if you don't mind me asking? I'm at the point where I'd pay a reasonable fee just to get some answers about my pending claim.