Is the unemployment office open - Washington ESD hours and contact info?

Most Washington ESD offices have limited walk-in hours now. You should check their website for your local office hours, but calling is still the main way to reach them. The phone lines are crazy busy though - I've been trying to get through about my own adjudication issue.

The Washington ESD customer service centers have very limited in-person services. Most locations require appointments that you have to schedule online. For adjudication issues and job search requirement questions, you'll need to call the UI customer service line at 800-318-6022, but expect long wait times.

I was having the exact same problem trying to reach Washington ESD about my claim status. Someone on here told me about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to ESD agents. I was skeptical but tried it and actually got connected within 20 minutes. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Just to clarify on the job search requirements since you mentioned being confused - you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. You can do this through WorkSourceWA or track it yourself. Make sure you're documenting everything properly or it could affect your benefits.

ugh this whole system is so frustrating!! ive been waiting 6 weeks for my adjudication to clear and washington esd acts like we dont exist. how are we supposed to pay bills while they take forever to process claims??

For what it's worth, I had success with Claimyr when I needed to reach Washington ESD urgently about an overpayment notice. The regular phone lines were impossible but Claimyr got me through to an actual person who could review my case. Definitely worth trying if you're stuck.

The Washington ESD offices that are still open typically have very limited hours - usually like 9am-3pm and closed for lunch. But honestly you're better off trying to get through by phone even though it sucks. At least with calling you don't waste time driving somewhere just to be told they can't help you.

Check if your area has a WorkSource office that can help with unemployment questions. Sometimes they can assist with basic issues or at least point you in the right direction. Not sure about adjudication stuff though.

Honestly the best times to call Washington ESD are right when they open at 8am or during lunch hours when maybe fewer people are calling. Still might not work but those are your best bets. I've never gotten through calling in the afternoon.

My experience with adjudication was that it just takes time unfortunately. Mine took about 8 weeks but eventually went through. The waiting sucks but try to be patient and keep filing your weekly claims even while it's pending.

Just wanted to add that if you do manage to get through to Washington ESD, have all your information ready - claim number, SSN, employment dates, etc. They don't like to wait while you look stuff up and might hang up if you take too long.

I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked! Got connected to Washington ESD in about 25 minutes and was able to get my adjudication status updated. The agent explained what was holding up my claim and what I needed to do. Definitely worth trying if you're stuck like I was.

For job search requirements make sure you understand the difference between able/available to work and actively seeking work. You need to be both to qualify. And if you're on standby through your union that's different rules entirely.

The Washington ESD website has a chat feature but it's pretty useless - just gives you the same info that's already on the website. Better than nothing I guess but don't expect actual help.

If your adjudication is taking forever you might want to contact your state representative's office. Sometimes they can help push things along with Washington ESD when you're not getting anywhere on your own.

Bottom line is Washington ESD is understaffed and overwhelmed. The offices that are open have minimal capacity and the phone system can't handle the volume. It's not personal, the whole system is just broken right now.