Washington ESD phone lines impossible - why can't I get through to unemployment?
I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for over two weeks and it's absolutely impossible. Every time I call the main number I either get a busy signal or sit on hold for 3+ hours only to get disconnected. My weekly claim got flagged for some reason and now I can't certify online until I talk to someone. I've tried calling right when they open at 8am, during lunch, before they close - nothing works. Is there some secret number or trick to actually getting through? This is insane that they make it this hard to fix a simple issue.
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Diez Ellis
Same problem here! Been calling for 3 weeks straight and only got through once, then got transferred and disconnected. The system is completely broken.
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Noland Curtis
•It's so frustrating! How are we supposed to resolve issues if we can't even talk to anyone?
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Vanessa Figueroa
•The phone system definitely needs work. Have you tried using the online contact form? Sometimes that gets faster responses.
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Abby Marshall
The call volume at Washington ESD has been overwhelming since the system updates last year. Try calling exactly at 8:00 AM when lines open - that's your best shot. Also make sure you're calling the right number for your specific issue type.
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Noland Curtis
•I've tried calling right at 8am multiple times but still can't get through. Which number should I be using for weekly claim issues?
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Abby Marshall
•For weekly claim problems, use the main customer service line. But honestly, even that's hit or miss with current call volumes.
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Sadie Benitez
I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I was having the same problem. It basically calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Saved me hours of frustration - check out claimyr.com
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Noland Curtis
•Really? How does that work exactly? Is it legit?
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Sadie Benitez
•Yeah it's legit. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Basically they handle all the calling and waiting for you.
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Drew Hathaway
•Hmm sounds too good to be true but at this point I'll try anything. The regular phone system is completely useless.
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Laila Prince
THIS IS RIDICULOUS!!! I've been unemployed for 6 weeks and can't get my benefits because I can't reach anyone at Washington ESD. How is this legal?? We pay into this system and then can't access it when we need it most!
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Vanessa Figueroa
•I understand the frustration but getting angry won't help. Focus on finding solutions - there are ways to get through if you're persistent.
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Laila Prince
•Easy for you to say when you're not missing rent payments because of this broken system!
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Abby Marshall
For what it's worth, I've had success calling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays around 10:30 AM. Mondays and Fridays are usually the worst. Also, if you get disconnected, call back immediately - sometimes you'll get through faster.
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Noland Curtis
•Thanks for the tip! I'll try Tuesday morning and see if that works better.
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Diez Ellis
•I tried this and actually got through yesterday! Only waited 45 minutes instead of the usual 3+ hours.
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Isabel Vega
just keep calling over and over, thats what i did. took me like 200 calls but eventually got through
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Noland Curtis
•200 calls?! That's insane. There has to be a better way.
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Isabel Vega
•ya its crazy but it works if u dont give up
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Vanessa Figueroa
The reality is Washington ESD is severely understaffed for the call volume they receive. The average wait time is 2-3 hours even under the best circumstances. Your best bet is to call early, be patient, and have all your information ready when you finally get through.
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Noland Curtis
•I have all my info ready but 2-3 hours is just not realistic when I have to work and take care of kids.
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Dominique Adams
•Same here - I can't sit on hold for 3 hours during the day. This system is not designed for working parents.
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Sadie Benitez
Just wanted to update - I used Claimyr again last week when I had another issue and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. Worth every penny to avoid the phone nightmare.
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Noland Curtis
•I'm definitely going to try this. Can't keep wasting entire days trying to get through.
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Marilyn Dixon
•I was skeptical about services like this but honestly the regular phone system is so broken that paying for help makes sense.
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Drew Hathaway
Has anyone tried going to a WorkSource office in person? I wonder if they can help with Washington ESD issues or at least make calls on your behalf.
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Vanessa Figueroa
•WorkSource can help with some basic questions but for claim-specific issues you still need to talk to Washington ESD directly. They can't access your account.
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Drew Hathaway
•Figured as much but thought it was worth asking. This whole system is such a mess.
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Louisa Ramirez
I feel like the phone issues got way worse after they updated their computer systems last year. Used to be able to get through in an hour or so, now it's basically impossible.
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Abby Marshall
•You're right - the system modernization definitely created some unexpected challenges with call routing and capacity.
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Laila Prince
•So they made it worse with their 'improvements'? Typical government efficiency!
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TommyKapitz
Try calling the TTY line if you have hearing issues or know someone who does. Sometimes those lines have shorter wait times.
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Vanessa Figueroa
•That's actually not appropriate unless you genuinely need TTY services. It could slow down help for people who actually require those accommodations.
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TommyKapitz
•Fair point, I didn't think about that. Scratch that suggestion.
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Diez Ellis
Update: I finally got through using the Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Took about 30 minutes and they got me connected to the right department. Honestly wish I'd tried it weeks ago instead of wasting so much time.
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Noland Curtis
•That's great to hear! I'm going to sign up today. This traditional calling approach is just not working.
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Angel Campbell
•How much does something like that cost? I'm already struggling financially and can't afford expensive services.
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Diez Ellis
•I don't remember the exact cost but it was reasonable considering how much time and stress it saved me. Check their website for current pricing.
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Payton Black
I've been dealing with Washington ESD phone issues for months. What worked for me was setting up a calling schedule - I'd call every 15 minutes for 2 hours, then take a break and try again later. Eventually you'll catch them at a less busy time.
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Noland Curtis
•That's dedication! I don't have 2 hours to dedicate to calling every day though.
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Payton Black
•I know it's not ideal but sometimes you have to play their game to get your benefits sorted out.
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Harold Oh
anyone else notice the hold music cuts out randomly and you dont know if youre still connected?? so annoying
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Amun-Ra Azra
•Yes! And then you sit there for another hour wondering if you should hang up and start over.
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Harold Oh
•exactly! happened to me twice last week
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Summer Green
The phone system is definitely frustrating but remember that Washington ESD agents are people too. When you finally get through, be patient and polite - they're dealing with hundreds of frustrated calls every day.
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Laila Prince
•I'll be polite when they fix their broken phone system and stop wasting our time!
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Summer Green
•I understand the frustration but taking it out on individual agents won't solve anything.
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Vanessa Figueroa
For those still struggling with phone access, document every attempt you make - date, time, how long you waited, outcome. If you end up needing to file an appeal or complaint later, having that record will be valuable.
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Noland Curtis
•Good advice. I've been keeping a log and it's honestly depressing to see how many failed attempts I have.
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Gael Robinson
•Same here - my spreadsheet of failed calls is getting embarrassingly long.
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Edward McBride
I finally resolved my issue but it took using that Claimyr service mentioned earlier. Got connected in under an hour and the agent was actually helpful. The regular phone system is just completely overwhelmed.
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Noland Curtis
•I think I'm convinced to try Claimyr at this point. The regular system clearly isn't working.
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Darcy Moore
•Thanks for the update! Good to know there are actually solutions that work.
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Dana Doyle
Has Washington ESD given any timeline for when they expect to fix these phone issues? This has been going on for way too long.
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Vanessa Figueroa
•They've acknowledged the problems in their communications but I haven't seen any specific timeline for improvements.
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Dana Doyle
•Typical - acknowledge the problem but no real commitment to fixing it.
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Liam Duke
Just wanted to thank everyone for the suggestions here. I was about to give up but reading these comments gave me some new options to try. Community support makes all the difference when dealing with these system failures.
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Noland Curtis
•Absolutely! At least we're not dealing with this alone. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.
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Manny Lark
•This thread has been more helpful than anything I've found on the official Washington ESD website!
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Abby Marshall
Final tip for everyone still struggling: if you do get through and get disconnected during your call, immediately call back and mention you were just disconnected. Sometimes they can expedite you back to the same agent or department.
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Noland Curtis
•Wish I'd known this earlier! Got disconnected twice after waiting hours and just gave up both times.
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Rita Jacobs
•This actually worked for me last month - they put me right back through to the same agent.
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