Need urgent ESD phone number that actually works - been trying for 3 weeks!

same boat my friend... spent my entire monday trying to reach someone. got through once at 8:05 am but the system 'experienced technical difficulties' just as i got connected to a real person 😡 then hung up

The main ESD claims center number (800-318-6022) is actually the best one to use, but timing is everything. Their phone systems open exactly at 8:00am Monday-Friday, and you need to be calling right at 8:00am sharp - not 8:01, not 8:05. I've had the best luck on Thursdays for some reason. When you call, immediately choose option 2 for claim questions rather than option 1. Option 1 tends to route you into the automated system where you'll get stuck. If you get the high call volume message, hang up and redial immediately. Sometimes it takes 15-20 attempts in rapid succession, but eventually you'll get in the queue. Also, make sure your phone settings aren't blocking unknown numbers, as ESD's callback system often shows as 'unknown caller' or 'no caller ID.'

I was in ur exact situation in January!!! Adjundication hell for 6 weeks with no progress. Tried calling over 90 times with no luck. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to ESD in about 20 minutes. It basically keeps calling for you and holds your place in line. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 My adjudicator was able to clear the flag on my claim that day and I got all my back payments within a week. Honestly the best money I ever spent after wasting sooooo many hours trying to call myself.

The ESD phone system is extremely overloaded right now due to a system update they're rolling out. The most efficient approach right now is actually using the technical support number (360-529-5300) and explaining that you need to be transferred to the claims department for an adjudication issue. Technical support has much shorter wait times, and they can often transfer you directly to an adjudicator. Also, try sending a detailed message through your eServices account specifically asking for an adjudicator to review your case. Make sure to include: - Your claim ID number - The exact date your claim went into adjudication - Any fact-finding questionnaires you've completed - Any supporting documentation you've already uploaded Finally, contact your state representative. ESD often responds more quickly to legislative inquiries. You can find your representative at leg.wa.gov and send them a brief explanation of your situation.

ESD is a COMPLETE JOKE!!! I spent 2 MONTHS trying to reach someone last year when they randomly disqualified me even tho I had been approved for 6 weeks already!!!!!!! The whole system is DESIGNED to make people give up. They don't answer calls on purpose hoping you'll just go away & they can keep denying claims!!!! I ended up having to file an APPEAL which took another 3 months to get scheduled!!!

Having worked with many clients facing similar ESD contact issues, I've found a few approaches that can help: 1. If your claim is in adjudication, you can specifically request to speak with an adjudicator when you call. While regular agents can't remove adjudication flags, they can sometimes add notes to your file that help expedite the process. 2. Document every call attempt you make - date, time, and outcome. This creates a record showing your diligent efforts to resolve the issue, which can be helpful if you need to escalate. 3. The WorkSource offices occasionally have direct connections to ESD staff. While they aren't supposed to intervene with claims, some offices may have advice about reaching someone if your situation is particularly urgent. 4. If you're experiencing severe financial hardship due to the delay, make sure to mention this specifically when you do reach someone. ESD has protocols for expediting claims where significant hardship is involved.

i tried that claimyr thing someone mentioned above this morning and it actually worked?? got connected to someone at esd in like 25 min after trying for two weeks on my own. just fyi

I had a similar issue back in December. My claim was stuck in adjudication for almost a month. What finally worked for me wasn't the phone, it was sending a detailed message through eServices AND sending an email to the ESD Commissioner's Office simultaneously. I think the two-pronged approach got someone's attention because I got a call back within 48 hours. The email address I used was commissioner@esd.wa.gov. Worth a try if you're desperate!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone!! I tried the Claimyr service after multiple failed attempts this morning using the other methods. Got connected to an ESD agent in about 30 minutes. The agent was super helpful and discovered that my claim was stuck because of a simple error in my employment history dates (I was off by one day on my last job's end date). They fixed it immediately and said my payments should process within 48 hours! Thank you everyone for all your suggestions. This community is amazing!