Impossible to reach ESD on phone - tried for months with no success

The ESD phone system is completely broken. I called 43 times last month (yes I counted) and never got through once. The only thing that worked for me was using Claimyr - it's a service that basically holds your place in line and calls you when they've got an ESD agent. I was super skeptical but it actually worked and I finally got my identity verification issue fixed. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me weeks of frustration.

ESD has been overwhelmed since the pandemic and they never fully recovered their staffing. There are some specific strategies that might help you get through: 1. Try calling exactly at 8:00am when they open - but be ready to redial repeatedly for 15-20 minutes 2. If you get the high call volume message, hang up and immediately redial (sometimes there's a 5-second window where a line frees up) 3. For secure messages, you need to follow a specific format to get attention: keep it under 250 words, include your full name, last 4 of SSN, and claim ID in the first line, and clearly state in the subject line what issue needs resolving (example: "Adjudication Issue - Need Immediate Review") 4. If you have access to a WorkSource office nearby, sometimes they can help you connect with ESD The phone system is definitely frustrating, but persistence is key. What specific issue are you trying to resolve? That might help us suggest other approaches.

I spent 3 MONTHS trying to contact ESD last year!!! The system is DESIGNED to keep us out! They don't want to pay claims so they make it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to anyone!! I eventually had to contact my state representative's office and suddenly I got a call back from ESD within 2 days. Try reaching out to your district rep - they have special contacts at ESD that regular people don't have access to. The whole system is BROKEN BY DESIGN!!

one time i got thru by pressing the spanish option then when a person answered i just said i speak english. they transferred me to an english speaker. might be worth trying? felt kinda bad about it but was desperate lol

I had a similar issue with my adjudication going nowhere for almost 9 weeks. After trying everything (calling 50+ times, secure messages, even going to WorkSource), I finally got through using two methods: 1. The Claimyr service another commenter mentioned - it actually did work for me too 2. Filing a formal complaint through the Governor's Office of Constituent Services For the complaint method: Google "Washington state governor constituent services" and you'll find a form to complete. Be very specific about the hardship the delay is causing (risk of eviction, unable to pay for medications, etc). They're required to respond within 7 business days. When I finally got through to ESD, the agent mentioned they prioritize claims where formal complaints have been filed, especially when financial hardship is documented. Good luck - the system is definitely frustrating but don't give up!

i just kept calling over and over and hit redial like 30 times and finally got through but had to wait on hold for like 2 hours so dont hang up if u get in the queue

I work with unemployment claimants regularly, and the contact issues with ESD are unfortunately very common. Here's what I recommend to my clients: 1. Be strategic with timing: Tuesday-Thursday are typically better days to call than Monday or Friday 2. For adjudication issues specifically: Send a follow-up secure message with the subject line "ADJUDICATION UPDATE REQUEST - [Your Claim ID]" and include any new supporting documentation 3. Request a call-back through WorkSource: Schedule a virtual appointment with a WorkSource specialist who often has better connections to ESD staff 4. Review your claim online carefully: Sometimes there are specific action items or document upload requirements that aren't clearly communicated but are visible in your eServices account If your issue is specifically about an employer providing incorrect separation information, you should be gathering documentation that supports your version of events (emails, performance reviews, separation notice, etc.) to have ready when you do connect with an adjudicator.