How to get through to Washington ESD unemployment office - phone keeps disconnecting

It's so frustrating! I'm starting to think they just don't want to talk to anyone.

The system is completely overwhelmed right now. I work in customer service and I've never seen anything this bad.

Thanks for the tip! I'll try calling tomorrow right at 8am.

I tried calling at 8am sharp yesterday and still couldn't get through. Waited 3 hours before giving up.

Yeah it's really hit or miss. Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don't. The key is persistence unfortunately.

That sounds too good to be true... how much does it cost?

It's worth checking out their website for details. For me it was worth it just to avoid the endless hold times and disconnections.

Interesting, I'll look into this. At this point I'm willing to try anything.

6 weeks?! That's insane. Have you tried messaging them through your online account?

Yes, sent multiple messages through the secure messaging system. No response to any of them.

The secure messaging system is backed up just as bad as the phones right now.

4.5 hours?! That's basically a full work day just waiting on hold.

I know it's ridiculous but at least I got my problem solved. Better than calling 20+ times and never getting through.

WorkSource can help with some basic questions but for claim-specific issues you usually need to talk directly to Washington ESD.

Figured as much. Thanks for saving me a trip.

I went to WorkSource last month and they were helpful with job search requirements but couldn't touch my claim status.

Same here! I think that feature is just for show at this point.

The callback system got overwhelmed early in the pandemic and never really recovered.

45 minutes sounds amazing compared to what I've been dealing with. Definitely going to check this out.

Did you have to give them your personal information?

Just basic info to set up the call. They don't access your account or anything like that.

What's the tech support number? Is it different from the main line?

It's listed on the Washington ESD website under contact information. Worth a try when the main line isn't working.

That's exactly when I used Claimyr - when I had a verification hold and couldn't get through. The agent was able to explain the issue and reprocess my claim the same day.

I'm going to look into that service today. Can't keep going like this.

Check your online account messages too - sometimes they send requests for documents there instead of by mail.

100+ hours is insane but I believe it. The amount of time we waste just trying to access services we're entitled to is ridiculous.

Unfortunately it's been like this since the pandemic hit and they haven't been able to catch up.

All adjudication goes through the same department. You need to speak with a claims specialist who can access your file.

That's what I figured. Just frustrating not knowing if they even have all the documents they need.

Keep filing the weekly claims but you definitely need to get the underlying issue resolved or you'll never see those payments.

Yeah I learned that the hard way. Going to try some of the suggestions in this thread.

I've tried that but it just gives me the same info I can see online. Need to actually talk to someone.

True, but sometimes it at least confirms they received documents you submitted.

That explains a lot. Still doesn't help those of us who need answers though.

I feel bad for the agents too. They're probably dealing with frustrated people all day every day.

That's awesome! I'm definitely going to try it. How exactly does it work?

You just give them your info and they call Washington ESD for you. When they get through to an agent, they conference you in. Super easy.

Just signed up for this after reading your update. Hopefully it works as well for me!

Interesting timing. I'll try calling around that time tomorrow.

Could be a shift change or break time. Good observation!

Agreed. The fact that third-party services are needed just to access basic government services says everything about how broken the system is.

Hopefully they'll invest in more staff and better phone systems soon. This can't continue indefinitely.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! Going to try the 8am calling strategy and also check out Claimyr. Will update if I have any success.