How to reach someone at Washington ESD unemployment - can't get through

The phone situation with Washington ESD is absolutely terrible right now. I've had the best luck calling right at 8am when they open, but even then it's hit or miss. Try calling 833-572-8400 instead of the main number - sometimes that line is less busy.

i've been calling every day for a month and only got through once. the person i talked to couldn't even help me and said they'd have to transfer me to adjudication but then i got disconnected. this system is so broken

I had the same problem with my adjudication taking forever. The key is persistence but also timing. Don't bother calling after 10am - the hold times get ridiculous. Also make sure you're calling the right number for your specific issue.

The Washington ESD phone system is a nightmare. I spent literally 40+ hours on hold over two weeks before I finally got help. My advice is to call multiple times per day and just keep trying. Eventually you'll get through.

Try the online messaging system through your eServices account. Sometimes they respond faster to written inquiries than phone calls, especially for adjudication questions.

THIS IS SO FRUSTRATING!! I've been trying for THREE WEEKS to reach someone about my disqualification and I can't get through. The system is completely broken and they don't care about us at all!

Has anyone tried calling the WorkSource offices? I heard they might be able to help with some unemployment issues or at least give you better contact info.

just keep calling the main number over and over. took me like 200 tries but i finally got through last week

Update on the Claimyr service I mentioned - they called me back within 2 hours and got me connected to an adjudication specialist who finally explained what was holding up my claim. Turns out there was a simple verification issue that took 5 minutes to resolve. Worth checking out if you're stuck like I was.

Pro tip: if you do get through to someone, make sure you get their direct number or extension. That way if you get disconnected you might be able to call them back directly instead of starting over.

Same boat here - been trying to reach someone about my weekly claim certification issue for 2 weeks. The automated system keeps telling me to call but then nobody answers. It's like they don't want to help us.

Try calling on Tuesday or Wednesday instead of Monday or Friday. Mondays are always crazy busy and Fridays people are trying to get last-minute stuff done before the weekend.

This thread is making me feel better that I'm not the only one struggling with this. I thought I was doing something wrong but apparently it's just a really bad system right now.

I had to drive to a WorkSource office and they let me use their phone to call Washington ESD. Took 2 hours on hold but at least I wasn't using my own phone minutes. The staff there was helpful too.

whatever you do dont give up. i was about to lose my apartment because my claim was stuck for 6 weeks but i finally got it resolved. keep trying different approaches

Has anyone tried emailing their state representative? I've heard sometimes they can help expedite things with Washington ESD when you can't get through normal channels.

The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch. It's 2025 and we're still dealing with phone systems from the stone age. Other states have much better online systems where you can actually get help without calling.

Try the callback feature if they have one. Sometimes you can request a callback instead of waiting on hold, though I'm not sure if Washington ESD offers that service.

Good luck OP! I hope you get through soon. This thread has some good advice - try the early morning calls, different numbers, and maybe that callback service people mentioned. Don't give up!

I've been dealing with a similar situation with my unemployment claim being stuck in adjudication for months. One thing that helped me was calling the Spanish language line (even if you don't speak Spanish) and asking to be transferred to an English-speaking agent - sometimes those lines have shorter wait times. Also, I found that calling right before they close at 4pm on Wednesdays sometimes works because people give up calling by then. The system is definitely broken but persistence is key. Have you tried submitting any additional documentation through the online portal while you wait? Sometimes that can help move things along even if you can't reach anyone by phone.