What is the number for unemployment Washington ESD - can't find current phone number

The main Washington ESD customer service number is 833-572-8400, but good luck getting through. I've been trying for days and either get busy signals or sit on hold for hours before getting disconnected.

that number is right but you'll be on hold forever, the system is completely overloaded right now

I had the same problem last month trying to reach Washington ESD about my adjudication status. Called probably 50+ times over two weeks. What finally worked for me was using Claimyr - it's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com, they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

The phone system is absolutely terrible right now. I've been unemployed for a month and still can't get anyone to explain why my weekly claims keep getting rejected. The automated system just says 'contact customer service' but then customer service is impossible to reach!

For what it's worth, here are all the Washington ESD numbers I have saved: 833-572-8400 (main customer service), 800-318-6022 (claims center), and 360-902-9500 (Olympia office). The claims center number sometimes has shorter wait times.

Pro tip: if you call and get the 'all circuits are busy' message, hang up and immediately redial. Don't wait. I do this like 20-30 times in a row until I get through to the hold queue.

honestly the phone system is so broken i dont even bother anymore. just file your weekly claims online and hope for the best

Update - just used Claimyr again today for a different issue and got connected to Washington ESD in 25 minutes. Definitely recommend it if you're stuck trying to reach them the normal way.

I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. The phone congestion has gotten much worse since the system updates last year. Your best bet is calling right when they open at 8am or trying the callback feature if it's available.

The worst part is when you finally get through after 2 hours on hold and then they transfer you and you get disconnected. Happened to me three times last week.

Try calling the WorkSource offices directly sometimes they can help with basic unemployment questions without going through the main Washington ESD line

I've been tracking my call attempts in a spreadsheet because this is ridiculous. 73 calls over two weeks, got through twice, disconnected both times during transfer. Something needs to change with this system.

For anyone still struggling - I finally got my pending claims resolved yesterday using Claimyr. Took about 45 minutes total and the Washington ESD rep was actually really helpful once I got connected. Sometimes you just need to find a way around the broken phone system.

just wanted to add that if you do get through to washington esd, have all your information ready - claim number, social security, recent work history. they move fast and will hang up if you're not prepared

The phone situation is definitely frustrating but don't give up. Your unemployment benefits are important and you deserve to get the help you need. Keep trying different approaches until something works.

I feel your pain - I went through the exact same thing last month! The phone system is absolutely broken. What worked for me was calling the 833-572-8400 number right at 8am and using the rapid redial method someone mentioned. Also keep your claim number and all documents ready because when you finally get through, they'll want everything immediately. Don't give up - your benefits are worth fighting for!