Washington ESD unemployment office phone number - can't find the right one to call

Thanks! I'll try that number. How long did you usually wait on hold when you did get through?

When I actually got in the queue, it was usually 2-3 hours. Most of the time I just got disconnected after waiting.

4 hours?? That's insane. How are people supposed to get help with their claims?

The phone system has been overwhelmed for years. Washington ESD just doesn't have enough staff to handle the call volume.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true.

Yeah it's real. They don't ask for any personal info, just call on your behalf and conference you in when they get through to an agent.

That's interesting. I'll look into that if I can't get through the regular way.

I tried calling at 8am sharp and still couldn't get through. The lines are jammed from the second they open.

You have to start dialing at like 7:58am and keep hitting redial. Sometimes you get lucky.

Good to know. I was wondering if there was a separate tech support number.

Same here. The callback system is basically useless.

The callback feature was supposed to reduce phone volume but it's been broken for months.

What's the Spanish line number?

It's the same numbers but you select the Spanish option. Sometimes the wait is shorter.

Wait, there's a live chat? Where do you find that on the site?

It's buried in the help section. Sometimes it's not available though.

How quickly did they get you through?

It took about 45 minutes instead of the usual 3+ hours. Made a huge difference.

Tell me about it. The whole system needs an overhaul.

At least they finally got rid of the old phone system that would just hang up on you.

Good advice. I always hang up when they say they can't help, but asking for a transfer makes sense.

Sometimes the transfer doesn't work though and you get disconnected anyway.

That's dedication! I usually give up after an hour.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Couldn't waste any more time sitting on hold.

Also have your claim number if you know it. Speeds things up.

And be ready to verify your identity multiple ways. They ask a lot of security questions.

I'll try focusing on the 800 number then. Thanks for the tip.

Most offices are appointment only now. You still have to call to schedule.

Some offices have walk-in hours but they're very limited.

That's a pretty cynical view but I can see why you'd think that.

Given how hard it is to reach them, it does feel intentional sometimes.

Good to hear another success story with that service.

Ok I'm definitely going to try Claimyr. This thread convinced me that the regular phone lines are hopeless.

Persistence is right. It shouldn't be this hard but that's the reality.

Glad we could help. Good luck getting through to Washington ESD!

Same here, appreciate all the advice. I'll report back if I have any success.