How to get through to Washington ESD unemployment phone lines - tried everything

I've been doing exactly that but after 2 weeks I'm starting to wonder if there's something wrong with my specific case. Did you ever figure out what was causing your delay?

Mine was stuck because they needed additional documentation for job separation. Once I got through they told me exactly what to upload to my account. The wait was terrible but the actual resolution was quick.

I've requested callbacks three times and never heard back from anyone. Not sure if they're even working right now.

The callback system has been broken for months. I requested one in October and I'm still waiting lol

Wait, so they actually get through to real Washington ESD agents? How does that work exactly?

Yeah they use some kind of automated system to keep calling the Washington ESD numbers until they get through the phone queue, then they patch you directly to the agent. Check out claimyr.com for more details.

This sounds too good to be true but at this point I'm willing to try anything. How much does it cost?

Do you have that number? I can't find any direct office numbers on the Washington ESD website.

I think they consolidated all the phone lines during COVID. Pretty sure you can only reach the main customer service center now.

Three months?! That's insane. Have you tried filing an appeal or anything formal?

Filed two appeals, sent multiple messages through the secure portal, even contacted my state representative. Nothing works. They just keep saying 'we're experiencing high call volume' like that's an excuse for not doing their jobs.

Have you considered reaching out to the governor's office? Sometimes they can push these through when regular channels fail.

I've tried literally every hour they're open. 7:30am seems to be the only time I even get into the queue but then I still get disconnected.

That's so frustrating. The system really shouldn't be hanging up on people who've been waiting for hours.

I'm calling the general customer service line since my issue is about claim status. Is there a more specific number I should be using?

For claim status issues the general line should be correct. Sometimes they transfer you internally but that shouldn't affect getting through initially.

A month?! I can't wait that long, I have rent due next week. This is so stressful.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - the uncertainty and stress of not knowing when you'll get through is almost worse than the actual problem.

I check every day and there's nothing showing that I need to do. It just says 'under review' with no timeline or explanation.

That's really frustrating when the system doesn't give you any information about what's happening with your claim.

I'll try that tomorrow. At this point I'm willing to call at any hour if it might work.

Also try using your landline if you have one instead of cell phone. I've heard the system sometimes handles landline calls differently.

that's probably just a myth but worth trying i guess

EXACTLY! They make it impossible on purpose hoping we'll just give up and go away.

I understand the frustration but I think it's more about being understaffed than intentionally making it difficult. The pandemic really overwhelmed their systems.

Ok I'm definitely going to check this out. Did you have to give them a lot of personal information?

Just basic contact info and what type of issue I needed help with. They don't need your SSN or anything sensitive like that.

This actually sounds legitimate. I might try it too if I can't get through this week.

I know you're right but it's hard to stay motivated when you've been trying for weeks with no progress.

yeah i get it, the system sucks but giving up won't help your situation

Good idea, I haven't been keeping detailed records but I should start.

It might be useful if you end up needing to escalate to your state representatives or file a formal complaint.

That's interesting, I never thought about that. I'll ask a friend if I can use their phone tomorrow.

I'm not sure that's actually how their system works but it can't hurt to try different approaches.

It just says 'Claim under review - no action required at this time' which tells me absolutely nothing useful.

That's frustratingly vague. At least if it said what kind of review it might give you an idea of the timeline.

How do I find the right person to contact? I've never had to do anything like that before.

Go to the Washington State Legislature website and find your district representative. They usually have a form for constituent services issues.

This is good advice. Legislative offices can sometimes get responses from agencies when individual citizens can't.

6 hours sounds amazing compared to the weeks I've been trying. I'm definitely going to sign up tonight.

That's a pretty reasonable timeframe considering how backed up the phone lines are normally.

That's a great point. Even knowing it might take another week or two would help me plan better than this complete uncertainty.

Exactly. The not knowing is often worse than a longer wait time when you at least have expectations.

AGREED. It's like they designed it to be as frustrating as possible.

The technology is definitely outdated. Other states seem to have much better online systems.

Right now I just need to get through to someone, but you're all absolutely right about the bigger problems with the system.