How to speak to unemployment agent at Washington ESD - can't get through

Same boat here, been trying to reach someone for 3 weeks about my weekly claim issue. The phone system is completely broken.

I had luck using an auto-dialer service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Basically it keeps calling for you until it gets through.

You need to be persistent and try different strategies. I finally got through after trying these methods: 1) Call right at 8 AM sharp 2) Try calling during lunch hour when volume might be lower 3) Use the callback option if available 4) Try different phone numbers - sometimes the adjudication line has shorter wait times.

this system is RIDICULOUS. how are we supposed to get help when nobody answers the phones??? ive been unemployed for 2 months and still no benefits

For what it's worth, when I used Claimyr I was able to speak to unemployment agent within about 2 hours instead of the days I was spending trying to call manually. They connected me directly and I was able to get my adjudication issue resolved that same day.

I've found that Tuesday and Wednesday mornings tend to have slightly shorter wait times. Avoid Mondays and Fridays if possible - those are the worst days to try calling Washington ESD.

just wanted to say i tried that claimyr thing someone mentioned and it actually worked. got through to washington esd in about an hour and half. was skeptical at first but desperate times call for desperate measures lol

Another strategy is to try calling the Washington WorkSource offices directly. Sometimes they can help with unemployment questions or at least point you in the right direction. They're usually easier to reach than the main ESD line.

Been there done that with trying to reach Washington ESD. Honestly the whole system needs an overhaul. But until that happens we're stuck with this mess.

Quick update - I tried calling at exactly 8:00 AM today and got through after about 45 minutes on hold. Not great but better than the 3+ hours I was waiting before. The agent was actually really helpful once I got through.

Make sure you have all your documents ready before you call. When you finally do get through, you want to be prepared so you don't waste time. Have your Social Security number, claim confirmation number, and any relevant paperwork handy.

ugh why is it so hard to speak to unemployment agent?? shouldnt take a month to get basic help with our claims

I tried that Claimyr service too after seeing it mentioned here. Worked pretty well - got me connected to Washington ESD in about 90 minutes. The agent was able to explain why my claim was taking so long and what I needed to do next.

Pro tip: if you do get through and the agent can't help you, ask to be transferred to a specialist or supervisor. Don't just accept 'I don't know' as an answer. Sometimes the first person you talk to doesn't have access to all the tools they need.

Has anyone tried calling late in the day? I wonder if there might be shorter waits closer to closing time when fewer people are calling.

Whatever you do, don't give up. I know it's frustrating but eventually you will get through. Document everything - what times you called, how long you waited, etc. Sometimes that information can be helpful when you finally do speak to unemployment agent.

Just to add another success story - used the auto-dialer service someone mentioned (Claimyr) last week and finally got to speak to unemployment agent about my pending issues. Took about 2 hours but way better than the weeks I'd been trying manually. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

The key is persistence and having multiple strategies. Don't rely on just one approach - try early morning calls, different phone numbers, online options, and yes even services like Claimyr if you're really stuck. Eventually something will work.