Missed adjudicator call - will ESD decide my claim without talking to me?
So I got a voicemail from an ESD adjudicator yesterday saying they need to speak with me about my claim. They said if I don't call back by Wednesday (that's tomorrow!!), they'll 'make a decision based on the information available.' I've called the number back THREE times and left messages with my name, phone number, and SSN like they asked, but nobody has called me back. The voicemail didn't specify what issue they're investigating or ask any specific questions. I'm freaking out that they'll deny my claim if I can't talk to them! Has anyone dealt with this before? What else should I be doing? Should I keep calling the main ESD number too?
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Yara Nassar
This happens all the time. The adjudicators are handling hundreds of cases and they often don't call back right away even after you leave messages. Keep trying, but also log into your eServices account and check for any new questionnaires or fact-finding forms they might have posted there. Sometimes they'll add those without telling you, and if you don't complete them by the deadline, they'll make a decision without your input. Also, document every call attempt you make with date and time in case you need to appeal later.
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Connor Murphy
•I checked eServices and don't see any new questionnaires. Should I send a message through the portal too? I'm so nervous they're going to deny me over something simple that I could easily explain!
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StarGazer101
omg ths happened to me 2 weeks ago!! they called from a blocked number and i missed it. i called back 6 times!!! finaly got thru on day 3 and the lady was super nice and just needed to verify my last employer contact info. dont freak out but def keep trying to reach them!!
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Keisha Jackson
•Adding to this - if your claim is in adjudication for a specific reason, that reason should be listed somewhere in your online account. Look under "Notices/Letters" or sometimes under the "Decisions" tab. They may have already sent you a letter explaining what they need information about. Check your physical mail too - some notices are only sent through USPS.
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Paolo Romano
I've had this experience multiple times with ESD. In my case, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual ESD agent who was able to see notes on my account about what the adjudicator needed. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me a ton of stress because the agent explained exactly what information they needed and made a note in my file that I had been trying to respond. Much better than waiting and hoping for a callback that might not come before their decision deadline.
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Amina Diop
•Does this actually work? I've been trying to get through to ESD for WEEKS about my claim and literally can't get a human. The hold times are insane.
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Oliver Schmidt
THEY DONT CARE if you call back!!! ESD is a joke! I called back 22 times over 3 days and left messages EVERY TIME. They still denied my claim because they said I "failed to provide requested information." Then I had to file an appeal and wait ANOTHER 8 weeks for a hearing where the judge immediately overturned the denial because I HAD called back. The system is DESIGNED to make you give up!!!!!
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Natasha Volkov
•While the frustration is understandable, this isn't always the case. Make sure you document every contact attempt with date, time, and the number you called. If you do end up with a denial, you should request an appeal immediately and provide this documentation. Under RCW 50.32.020, you have the right to appeal any ESD decision within 30 days. Also, sometimes sending a secure message through your eServices account can help, as it creates a written record of your attempt to provide information. Be specific in the message about the voicemail you received and your attempts to call back.
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Connor Murphy
Update: I finally got through! For anyone with the same problem in the future - I called right when they opened at 8:00 AM and only waited 20 minutes. The adjudicator just needed to verify my reason for separation from my last job. Apparently my former employer told them I quit, but I was actually laid off due to lack of work. The adjudicator is going to call my former manager to confirm. Fingers crossed everything works out!
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Yara Nassar
•That's excellent news! Make sure to upload any documentation you have about the layoff (separation letter, emails, etc.) to your eServices account under the "Upload a Document" section. This creates a permanent record they can reference. This separation issue is very common and having documentation makes a huge difference.
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Javier Torres
my cousin had this exact thing happen last month and he just kept calling the number back every few hours for 2 days. the adjuticator finally picked up and it was just about verifying his identity because someone else with a similar name had filed a claim in oregon. took like 5 minutes to fix. i think they just leave those scary voicemails to make sure people call back tbh
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StarGazer101
•ya totally agree they always make it sound worse than it is!! most of the time its just simple verification stuff and not actually a problem with ur claim
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CyberSiren
Glad you got through Connor! This is a great reminder for everyone that calling right at opening time (8 AM) is usually the best strategy. The early morning hours have much shorter wait times. Also, for future reference, if you can't get through to the adjudicator directly, you can sometimes get helpful info by calling the main ESD customer service line and asking them to check your account for any pending issues or deadlines. They can't resolve adjudication matters, but they can often see what the adjudicator is investigating and confirm whether you have any outstanding requirements.
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