How to get in touch with Washington ESD unemployment office - phone keeps hanging up

I tried that already but even at 8am sharp it says high call volume immediately. Do you know if there's a different number?

Unfortunately the main customer service line is the only way to reach them for claim issues. The other numbers are just automated systems.

Have you tried the secure messaging system through your online account? Sometimes that works better than calling.

yeah i sent like 5 messages, no response. they dont care

It's so frustrating! I don't understand how they expect us to resolve issues if we can't even talk to anyone.

The phone system is definitely overloaded. I've had better luck calling right when they open at 8am, but even then it's hit or miss.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They don't publish pricing on the site but it was worth it to finally talk to someone about my claim.

I've heard of this but never tried it. Did they actually get you to the right department for your specific issue?

Yes, they got me to someone who could look at my pending weekly claims. Took about 45 minutes for them to reach an agent then they called me.

I feel your frustration. The system is definitely overwhelmed. Have you checked if there are any outstanding issues showing in your online account that might be causing the delay?

Nothing shows up online, just says processing. That's why I need to talk to someone.

I've tried every hour from 8am to 4pm over multiple days. There's no magic time - it's just luck of the draw whether you get through.

damn that sucks

Good point. I have all my paperwork ready, just need to actually reach someone. Do you know if they can see why weekly claims are pending?

Yes, they can see the specific reason for any delays or holds on your claim. That's exactly the kind of thing you need to speak to an agent about.

totally agree, the whole system is garbage

The pandemic really exposed how outdated their infrastructure is. Other states upgraded their systems but Washington seems stuck in the past.

I've been calling that exact number! I'll try the 8am strategy tomorrow. How long should I expect to wait on hold?

Even at the best times, you're looking at 30-45 minutes minimum. Sometimes longer depending on what's going on with claims processing.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work? Do you have to give them your personal info?

Nah, it's pretty straightforward. You just tell them what you need help with and they handle the calling part. They don't need your SSN or claim details - just basic contact info so they can call you back when they get an agent on the line.

I used Claimyr too when my weekly claims weren't going through properly. Got connected to an agent in like 2 hours instead of spending days trying to call myself.

totally agree, the whole system needs an overhaul

I understand the frustration, but there are usually legitimate reasons for delays. The key is getting through to someone who can actually look at your specific claim and explain what's happening.

I sent a message through the secure system 5 days ago and haven't heard anything back yet. Do they actually respond to those?

They're supposed to respond within 2-3 business days, but it's been taking longer lately. If it's urgent, calling is still your best bet.

i tried messaging too and got a generic response that didn't answer my question at all

Glad it worked for you too! It really is a game changer when you need to reach them.

Might have to try this myself. Did they ask for a lot of personal information?

Just basic stuff like name and phone number so they could call me back when they got through. Pretty straightforward process.

Good advice! I'm definitely going to try the 8am strategy. Should I call every day or space it out?

I'd say try every day if your situation is urgent. The phone lines reset each morning so yesterday's busy signal doesn't affect today's chances.

WorkSource can help with job search requirements and some general questions, but for specific claim issues you still need to call the main Washington ESD line.

Figures. Thanks for clarifying that.

That's really tough. The waiting without information is the worst part. Has she checked online to see if there are any action items she needs to complete?

I've checked for her and everything looks complete on her end. Just shows 'processing' with no other details.

You might want to look into that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Since you're helping your mom, it could save you both a lot of stress trying to get through.

yep, just tells you to file online or call back later

I'm starting to think this might be worth trying. How quickly do they usually get you connected?

In my experience, usually within a few hours during business days. Way faster than trying to call yourself.

That's encouraging! I'm going to set my alarm for 7:45am tomorrow and try calling right at 8.

Great to hear! The early morning slots are definitely the best bet for getting through.

Good point! My claim is stuck in adjudication so I'll make sure to mention that immediately.

Yes, being specific about your issue helps them route you to the right department. Saves time for everyone.

That's an idea I hadn't considered. Which WorkSource office did you go to?

the one downtown. they were pretty helpful even though they couldn't access my claim directly

You're probably right. If they can't handle the call volume they need to hire more staff or fix their system.

I think it's more about budget constraints and outdated technology than intentional barriers, but I understand the frustration.

That's actually a legitimate option for complex cases that have been dragging on for months. Most reps have staff who deal with agency issues.

I might consider that if I can't get this resolved soon. My rent is due next week and I really need to know what's going on with my claim.

I've tried every possible time and haven't noticed any pattern. It seems completely random when you can get through.

That's amazing! I'm so glad you got it resolved. I think I'm going to try Claimyr if the 8am calling strategy doesn't work tomorrow.

Great to hear another success story! It really does work when you're stuck in the system.

Verification issues are super common and usually easy to resolve once you know what they need. Good thing you got connected to someone who could help.

There's no direct email for individual claim questions. The secure messaging through your online account is the only electronic option, and response times are very slow.

I don't think they have a callback feature anymore. At least I haven't seen that option recently.

Try not to panic. Most claims process automatically if everything is in order. If there's an issue, you'll usually see it reflected in your online account.

I felt the same way but once I got through (with help from that service) it was resolved quickly. The hard part is just making contact.

good idea but honestly it seems totally random

That's dedication! What's your longest hold time before getting disconnected?

3 hours and 47 minutes. I was so mad when it cut off.

Good luck! The Claimyr thing really did work for me if you get desperate enough to try it.

That's great to hear! It really does save so much time and frustration.

Okay I'm convinced, going to try this too. Anything is better than spending entire days calling.