Is there a separate phone number for ESD adjudication department? Can't get through for 3 weeks

Unfortunately, there's no separate adjudication phone number available to the public. The adjudicators work internally and can only be reached through the main ESD customer service line (which, as you've discovered, is nearly impossible to get through to). Adjudication typically takes 3-6 weeks right now, so you're still within the normal timeframe, though I know that doesn't help with your immediate financial concerns. Make sure you continue filing your weekly claims during this period so you'll receive all backpay once approved. You can also try calling right when they open at 8am or in the last hour before they close - sometimes those times have slightly less volume.

Thanks for the info. I've already tried calling at opening time but still get the same message. This is so frustrating! Do you know if there's a way to at least find out what the adjudication issue is? The website gives me zero information.

had the same issue last month, took 5 weeks for my adjudication to clear. keep filing your weekly claims! you'll get backpay once its approved but theres literally no way to skip the line or talk to adjudication directly. its maddening

5 WEEKS??? I can't wait that long! Did you ever figure out what your adjudication issue was about?

I've been through this frustrating process twice in the past year. There's technically no separate adjudication line, but I've found a solution that actually works. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD representative in under 2 hours when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Once I finally spoke with someone, they were able to tell me what the adjudication issue was (in my case, it was a discrepancy between my reported earnings and what my employer reported) and provide an estimated timeline. The ESD agent couldn't expedite my claim, but at least I understood what was happening and could prepare accordingly.

That sounds promising! Did they actually help resolve your adjudication issue or just tell you what it was about? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

They couldn't resolve the adjudication on the spot since that's handled by a different department, but knowing what the issue was helped me prepare the right documentation. The rep also added notes to my account that I had called in about it, which I like to think helped move things along. In my case, the adjudication was completed about 10 days after I finally got through to someone.

ESD IS THE WORST!!!! Been through this NIGHTMARE 3 times now. They make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone for a reason - they don't want to actually pay people!!! The system is designed to be so frustrating that people give up. Don't give up! Keep calling and document EVERYTHING. I had to contact my state representative last time to get my issue resolved after waiting TWO MONTHS in adjudication for a simple issue that could have been fixed in 5 minutes!!!

Two months? That's insane! I'm definitely not giving up, but contacting my state rep is a good idea if this drags on much longer. Thanks for the suggestion.

The adjudication process can be confusing and frustrating. From my experience working with unemployed individuals, I can tell you that there's unfortunately no direct line to adjudication - they're an internal department that reviews claims. However, you can try a few things:\n\n1. Send a message through your eServices account specifically asking what the adjudication issue is\n2. Check your

Thank you for the detailed advice. I've checked the Letters section repeatedly but there's nothing there explaining the issue. I'll try sending a message through eServices today, though I'm not hopeful about getting a response. I'll also look into the DSHS crisis assistance - I didn't know that was an option.

i had a similar issue where i couldnt get thru to esd for almost a month. finally called my local worksource office and they couldnt help directly but gave me some tips. they said sometimes if u answer the work search questions differently than before it can trigger adjudication automatically. did u change how u reported your job search activities recently?

This is my first claim so I haven't changed how I report anything. But that's interesting to know - maybe I answered something in a way that triggered a red flag? I'll try contacting WorkSource tomorrow, thanks for the tip!

Sorry you're dealing with this. It's so frustrating. Just make sure you keep submitting your weekly claims even while in adjudication. A common mistake people make is stopping their weekly filing while waiting for adjudication to complete, then they lose out on those weeks of benefits. The money will come eventually (assuming you're approved), but I know that doesn't help with immediate bills.

Yes, I've been filing my weekly claims religiously! I've also been documenting all my job search activities in case they ask for proof later. Just wish there was some way to at least find out what the issue is so I could address it.

After reading through this thread, I wanted to add that if your adjudication extends beyond 6 weeks, that's when you should definitely escalate. Options include:\n\n1. Contact your state representative's office (they often have staff dedicated to helping constituents with ESD issues)\n2. File a complaint through the ESD website\n3. Request an escalation through the Office of Administrative Hearings\n\nI hope it doesn't come to that, but those are your options if things continue to drag on. Wishing you the best of luck - the waiting game is incredibly stressful.

Thank you for laying out the escalation options. I really hope it doesn't take that long, but I'll bookmark these suggestions just in case. This whole process has been way more complicated than I expected.

I went through a similar adjudication nightmare last year and understand your frustration completely. One thing that helped me was creating a daily call log with timestamps - not just for my own sanity, but because when I eventually got through (took about 4 weeks), the representative was able to see in their system how many times I'd attempted to call. She mentioned that multiple call attempts can sometimes flag an account for priority review, though I'm not sure if that's official policy or just her being helpful. Also, if you're really desperate to talk to someone, try calling the Paid Family Medical Leave line instead - they're separate but sometimes can transfer you or at least confirm what department your case is sitting with. The number is 1-833-717-2273. It's not guaranteed to work, but worth a shot when you're at your wit's end. Hang in there - the backpay will come once this clears!