Need direct phone number for ESD adjudication - stuck in pending limbo for 12 weeks

Unfortunately, there isn't a direct phone number for the adjudication department that the public can access. Adjudicators work separate from the claims center agents and they're the only ones who can make decisions on issues. Your best bet is to keep calling the main number (800-318-6022) and specifically ask the agent to send an expedite request to adjudication explaining your financial hardship. Make sure to mention the 12 week timeframe - anything over 3 weeks should be prioritized. Also, try calling exactly at 8am when they open (or slightly before and hold) for shorter wait times.

i had same prblm last month... called like 50 times before getting thru!! so frustrating when ur bills are due and ESD just leaves u hanging with no explanation 😡

Try your state representative. Mine helped after 6 weeks of nothing from ESD. Just google "WA state representative finder" and put in your address. They have special contacts with ESD.

I discovered Claimyr a few weeks ago when I was in a similar situation - my claim was pending for almost 2 months. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD without the endless busy signals and disconnections. It worked for me after days of failed attempts. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their site is claimyr.com. I finally got through to someone who could escalate my adjudication issue to a supervisor. Worth a try if you're desperate like I was.

Here's what worked for me with a long adjudication: Call the main number, but when prompted select the option for "employer services" instead of claimant services. The wait is usually much shorter (10-15 minutes vs hours). When you get through, politely explain you selected the wrong option and ask if they can either transfer you to claims or help with your adjudication status. About half the time, they'll help rather than make you call back. Also, adjudication timeframes legally shouldn't exceed 21 days, but they're backlogged. Remember to keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting - if approved, you'll get all back payments.

dont bother with messages on eServices lol... waste of time. nobody reads those things!

UPDATE: Finally got through this morning! Used the employer services trick that @profile1 suggested and was connected within 15 minutes. The agent was actually really helpful - she confirmed there was an issue with verifying my previous employer (they hadn't responded to ESD's inquiries), and she put in an expedite request noting the 12+ week delay. She said someone from adjudication should call me within 2-5 business days. Fingers crossed this finally resolves things! Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

So glad to hear you finally got through @Daniela Rossi! The employer services trick is a lifesaver - I've used it myself when desperate. Just wanted to add that if the adjudicator doesn't call within their promised timeframe, don't hesitate to call back and reference your expedite request number (if they gave you one). Sometimes these requests get buried again if there's a shift change or system glitch. Also, when they do call, ask them to email you a summary of the conversation and next steps - it helps avoid any miscommunication down the road. Hoping you get your backpay soon! 12 weeks is absolutely ridiculous.

Just wanted to share another resource that might help - the Washington State Ombudsman's office. They can investigate complaints about state agencies when normal channels fail. I had to use them last year when ESD lost my appeal paperwork (twice!). You can file a complaint online at ombuds.wa.gov or call 1-800-562-6025. They don't resolve issues directly, but they can light a fire under ESD to actually respond. In my case, I got a call from a supervisor within 48 hours of filing the complaint. It's worth trying if your expedite request doesn't pan out in the next week or so.

Wow, reading through all these experiences really highlights how broken the system is! I'm currently on week 8 of adjudication myself and feeling so frustrated. @Daniela Rossi I'm so glad you finally got through - that gives me hope! I'm definitely going to try the employer services trick tomorrow morning. One thing I've learned from calling repeatedly is to write down the name and ID number of every agent you speak with, along with what they tell you. I've had agents give me completely different information about the same issue, and having that paper trail has been helpful when calling back. Also, if an agent promises to do something specific (like submit an expedite request), ask for a reference number or some way to track it. For anyone still struggling, I also recommend documenting everything with timestamps - every call attempt, every document uploaded, every secure message sent. If this ever escalates to legal action or an ombudsman complaint, you'll want that detailed record. It's ridiculous that we have to become amateur lawyers just to get our unemployment benefits, but here we are. Thanks everyone for sharing these strategies - this community support means everything when ESD leaves us in the dark!

I'm so sorry you're going through this @Daniela Rossi - 12 weeks is absolutely unacceptable! I just went through something similar and finally got resolution after 10 weeks of hell. Here's what ultimately worked for me: 1. Contact your state senator AND representative (not just one) - they have dedicated ESD liaisons who can actually get answers. I emailed both with my timeline and got a response within 24 hours. 2. File a complaint with the Washington State Ombudsman at the same time - having multiple pressure points seems to get better results. 3. When you do get through to ESD, ask specifically for a "tier 2" agent or supervisor. Regular agents often can't access adjudication details, but supervisors can see more information and submit higher-priority requests. 4. If your issue involves employer verification (which is super common), ask the agent to send a "priority employer inquiry" rather than waiting for the standard process. This puts a rush on getting employer responses. The whole system is designed to wear people down and hope they give up - don't let them win! Keep fighting for what you're legally entitled to. Also make sure you're still certifying weekly even though it's frustrating - you'll get all that back pay once this mess is resolved. Sending you strength to keep pushing through this bureaucratic nightmare. You've got this! 💪