Is visiting ESD office for in-person filing faster than online? Worth flying to WA?

Don't waste your money on a plane ticket! In-person filing isn't really a thing anymore - the offices don't process claims on the spot like they used to. Even if you go in person, they'll just help you file online using their computers. Then your claim still goes into the same processing queue as everyone else's.

Ugh, that's what I was worried about. Thanks for saving me from a pointless trip! So there's literally no way to speed things up?

ya and most ESD offices require appointments now anyway, you cant just walk in. they fill up weeks in advance.

Seriously? That makes it even worse than I thought. I assumed I could at least walk in and talk to someone.

As someone who works with the unemployment system often, I can confirm what others have said. Going to an office won't speed up your actual claim processing. All claims enter the same digital queue regardless of how they're submitted. Additionally, there are specific rules about filing from out of state that you need to be aware of:\n\n1. You must have worked in WA during your base year to qualify\n2. You need to explain why you left the state (this can affect eligibility)\n3. You must still be able and available for work\n4. You'll need to register with your current state's job service\n\nHave you checked if you're eligible for benefits in the state where you currently reside? Sometimes that's actually easier.

Thanks for the detailed info! I definitely worked in WA during the base year - I only moved about 3 months ago for family reasons. My new state doesn't have enough work history to qualify. I'm definitely available for work though, actively applying to remote positions based in WA too.

I tried EVERYTHING to speed up my claim last year - called constantly, emailed, even had my state representative contact them. Nothing worked until I used Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me through to an actual ESD agent in under an hour when I'd been trying for weeks. The agent was able to move my claim through adjudication right away. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was honestly the only thing that worked for me - WAY cheaper than a plane ticket too!

is this a real service? sounds to good to be true...do they actually get you through to someone?

Yeah, it's legit. They basically call ESD for you using their system that gets through the hold queues. Then when they reach an agent, they connect you. I was skeptical too but I was desperate after waiting 5 weeks with no movement on my claim.

This is really interesting, I might try this. Getting someone on the phone sounds way more practical than flying across the country. Did they resolve your issue in one call?

IN MY EXPERIENCE THE OFFICES ARE USELESS!!!!! I went in person TWICE last year and all they did was tell me to go home and check my eServices account. Complete waste of time. The system is BROKEN and they don't care if we wait forever!!!! They'll just make excuses about \

Yikes, that sounds frustrating. Definitely confirms I shouldn't bother with the flight then. Thanks for sharing your experience.

One thing to consider that nobody's mentioned yet - if you file from out of state, be prepared for extra identity verification steps. ESD flagged my claim for potential fraud when I filed from Oregon (I travel for work). This added about 3 weeks to my processing time while they verified everything. Make sure you have all your documents ready - ID, Social Security card, past W2s, everything they might ask for. This can help prevent delays regardless of whether you file online or get help over the phone.

That's really helpful info, thanks. I didn't even think about the fraud flags being triggered by out-of-state filing. I'll gather all my documentation before I start the process.

I just want to add one more important thing: make sure your contact information is up-to-date before filing. Since you're out of state, double-check that your phone number and mailing address are current in the system. ESD often sends time-sensitive notices by mail, and if they can't reach you, your claim could be automatically denied. Also, be prepared to explain your out-of-state status in the initial application - there's usually a section for this.

Great point about the contact info. I still have mail forwarding set up from my WA address, but I should make sure they have my current direct address and phone number from the start.

Thanks everyone for the advice! Sounds like I should just file online and be prepared for the wait. I'll make sure I have all my documentation ready, explain my out-of-state situation clearly, and maybe try that Claimyr service if I get stuck in adjudication. Definitely saved me from wasting money on a flight!