Washington ESD unemployment can't get through phone lines - tried everything

ugh same problem here, been calling for weeks with no luck

The phone system is completely overwhelmed right now. I've had success calling exactly at 8:00 AM when they open, but you have to redial constantly for the first 10-15 minutes. Sometimes I get through around 11:30 AM when there's a brief lull. Make sure you're calling the main claimant line at 800-318-6022, not the employer line.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I was having the same problem. You put in your info and they call you back when they get an agent on the line. Worked way better than spending hours on hold myself. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The adjudication process is taking much longer than usual right now. If your claim has been pending for a month, they're likely reviewing employment separation details or wage verification. You can check your SecureAccess Washington account for any outstanding issues that need documentation. Sometimes the system shows what they need even if they haven't called you.

The system is BROKEN!!! I've been calling for a MONTH and can't get through. This is ridiculous that people who need help can't even reach the agency that's supposed to help them.

Another strategy is to call the Telecenter at different times. I've noticed Tuesday and Wednesday mornings tend to be slightly less busy than Mondays. Also, if you're calling about adjudication specifically, make sure you have your Social Security number and all your employment dates ready because they'll need that info immediately.

honestly the claimyr thing mentioned above actually works, I used it last month when I couldn't get through about my overpayment notice

has anyone tried messaging them through the secure messaging system in SAW? wondering if that's faster

The whole system needs an overhaul. It's 2025 and we still can't get basic customer service from a state agency. They need more staff or better technology or something.

I got through last week after calling 47 times in one morning. Literally counted. Started at 8am sharp and finally got in the queue around 10:15am. Then waited on hold for 2 hours but at least I got to talk to someone.

For what it's worth, when I used Claimyr they connected me to an actual Washington ESD agent who was able to look up my claim and tell me exactly what documentation was missing. Saved me from guessing what they needed.

weird question but does anyone know if the phone lines are less busy on fridays? i work mon-thurs so friday is my only option

Just a heads up that if your claim has been in adjudication for over 30 days, you might want to consider filing an appeal or complaint. There are time limits on some of these processes.

This is exactly why I love that claimyr service - no more sitting on hold for hours or calling 50 times a day. Worth every penny when you're already stressed about money.

update: tried calling 30 times this morning and finally got through! took 2.5 hours on hold but worth it

For anyone still struggling - I keep a log of my call attempts with times and dates. If you end up having to file a complaint later, it helps to show you made a good faith effort to reach them.

same boat here, been trying for weeks with no luck getting through the phone system

Final tip - if you do get through to someone, ask them to put notes in your file about what you discussed. That way if you have to call back, the next agent can see what was already covered.

honestly at this point I'm just going to try that claimyr thing too, this is ridiculous

Thanks for this thread everyone, at least now I know I'm not doing something wrong with my calling strategy. The system is just overwhelmed.