Washington ESD weekly claim phone number - how to call unemployment weekly claim

Perfect, thank you! Do you know if there's a way to check if my claim went through after I call it in?

Yes, you can log into your account later to verify it was processed. Usually shows up within a few hours.

Ugh same here. The hold times are ridiculous. I've had better luck using Claimyr.com to get through to an actual agent when I need help. They have this service that calls for you and gets you connected. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but honestly anything has to be better than sitting on hold for hours.

I tried Claimyr last week when I had an issue with my claim status. Actually got through to someone in like 15 minutes instead of the usual 2-3 hour wait. Pretty impressed.

Yeah, the phone option has been around for years. Most people just use the online system because it's faster, but calling is definitely an option.

good to know for when the website is down, which seems to happen every other week

Good point about the job search log. I always forget how many they require per week. Is it still 3 job searches?

It depends on your situation. Most people need 3 job search activities per week, but some programs require more. Check your determination letter or ask Washington ESD to be sure.

I think its 3 for regular UI but might be different if your on standby or have other special circumstances

Unless you mess up and have to start over like I did last time. Hit the wrong button and had to call back again.

Yeah, the system doesn't give you a chance to correct mistakes. You have to hang up and call back if you enter something wrong.

I always call around 6am Sunday morning. Never had a problem getting through at that time.

Smart! I usually do mine Saturday nights around 11pm. Much better than trying during the day.

Yes, you can file from anywhere as long as you're available for work in Washington. Just make sure you answer the questions correctly about your availability.

Thanks! I was worried I'd have to skip a week or something.

Just dont lie about being available if you're not actually able to work. They can audit your claims later.

Same here. The website is garbage half the time. Phone system just works every time.

Really? I've never had problems with the online system. Seems faster than calling to me.

Maybe it depends on your browser or something. I just got tired of dealing with technical issues when I need to file on time.

Yes, the automated system will give you a confirmation number at the end. Write it down or take a screenshot if you're using speakerphone.

Perfect, thanks! I'm paranoid about keeping records of everything with unemployment.

You can file multiple weeks if you missed some, but you have to do each week separately. The system will ask which week you're filing for.

Got it. I missed filing last week because I was sick and was hoping I could catch up.

Make sure you file for the missed week ASAP. There's a time limit on how late you can file.

That happened to me once. Turns out I was entering it wrong because the phone keypad is different than typing. Double check you're hitting the right numbers.

Ah that might be it. I'll try being more careful with the keypad.

Also make sure you're not hitting the buttons too fast. The system sometimes doesn't register rapid key presses.

lol right? everything else is digital now but unemployment is still stuck in the 90s

At least we have the online option. My dad had to mail in paper forms back in the day.

Good point. I tried calling from a coffee shop once and had to start over because it couldn't hear me properly.

Yeah, I always call from home or my car. Somewhere I can speak clearly without distractions.

How much does it cost though? I'm already tight on money being unemployed.

It's worth checking out their site for pricing. For me it was worth it just to avoid the stress of trying to get through on my own.

That's awesome! Glad it worked out so smoothly for you. It's always nerve-wracking trying something new with unemployment stuff, but sounds like the phone system is pretty user-friendly. Thanks for reporting back - this will definitely help others who might be hesitant to try calling instead of filing online.

This is really helpful advice! I didn't know the system was so strict about exact dollar amounts. I've been doing online filing but might switch to phone after reading all these experiences. Quick question - when you say "multiple employers for the same week," does that include things like gig work or freelance payments? I occasionally do some freelance graphic design and want to make sure I'm reporting everything correctly.