Need direct ESD escalation number after months of waiting for claim decision
I'm at my wits end with the unemployment system. Filed my claim almost 3 months ago and still nothing but 'pending' status. No updates, no communication, just silence. I've called the regular ESD number probably 50 times but can never get through to a real person who can actually help. I'm hearing there's some kind of escalation number or way to reach higher-level staff who can make decisions? My savings are completely gone and I'm about to miss another rent payment. Does anyone know the direct number to call when you need to go above the regular unemployment channels? Or how to force them to make a decision on my claim?
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Justin Evans
Sorry you're dealing with this. The ESD Office of Special Investigations is 855-682-0785, but that's mainly for fraud. For escalations, try the Commissioner's Office at 360-902-9303. They can sometimes help push stalled claims forward. Good luck!
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Joshua Wood
•Thank you! I'll try the Commissioner's Office number tomorrow morning. Has anyone actually had success with this number? I'm desperate at this point.
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Emily Parker
I had a similar issue last fall - stuck in limbo for 10+ weeks. What worked for me was contacting my state representative. I emailed explaining my situation and their office reached out to ESD directly. Had movement on my claim within 5 days after that. Find your rep here: https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder
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Joshua Wood
•That's a great idea, I hadn't thought of reaching out to my representative. Will try that route too. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Ezra Collins
the commisioners office wont help u they just take a message and say someone will call back but they NEVER DO!!!!! ive been waiting 7 months for my appeal!! the whole system is designed to make u give up
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Victoria Scott
•7 months?! That's insane! Have you tried filing a complaint with the state ombudsman? That sometimes works when everything else fails.
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Benjamin Johnson
I was in the same boat last year. Claim stuck for ages, couldn't get through to anyone. My friend told me about Claimyr.com and it actually worked - got through to an ESD agent in like 20 minutes after trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. The agent was able to see my claim was missing some documentation they never told me about.
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Zara Perez
•Is that service legit? Seems weird to pay someone just to make a phone call for you
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Benjamin Johnson
•Yeah it's legit. I was skeptical too but I was desperate after not getting through for weeks. They don't make the call for you - they just get you in the callback queue so YOU talk directly to ESD. Saved me from eviction honestly because I finally got my claim resolved.
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Daniel Rogers
The most effective method for escalation is through your state legislative representative, as someone mentioned. But there's another option: if your claim has been in adjudication for over 3 weeks, you can request an escalation through the ESD secure message portal. Log into your eServices account, send a message with subject line "URGENT: Claim Decision Delay - [your claim ID]", specify the exact date you filed, and request supervisor review. Be very clear and concise in your message. Also, have you been continuing to file weekly claims during this waiting period? This is absolutely critical.
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Joshua Wood
•Yes, I've been filing my weekly claims religiously even though I'm not getting paid. I'll try the secure message portal with that exact subject line. Thank you for the detailed advice!
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Zara Perez
my cousin works at esd (not sharing any names) but he says theres a HUGE backlog still from all the fraud cases they had during covid. like theyre still dealing with that fallout. not saying its right but thats why everyones waiting forever. good luck tho
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Ezra Collins
•ya but how is that OUR problem?? we still gotta pay rent!! they need to hire more people if they cant handle the workload!!
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Victoria Scott
Since you've been waiting so long, this is a situation where you should request a formal determination through the adjudication department directly. Call 833-572-8400 and use the exact phrase "I need to request a formal determination on my pending claim under WAC 192-04-060." This regulatory reference often gets attention. Also, if your claim involves separation from your employer, check if they've submitted their response. Sometimes claims stall because employers don't respond, and ESD doesn't automatically follow up after the initial request. Keep detailed records of all contact attempts with dates and times for your records.
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Joshua Wood
•This is super helpful, thank you! I'll use that exact phrase and regulation number. My former employer is actually disputing my claim (even though I was laid off), so that might be part of the delay. I'll call first thing tomorrow.
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