What's the best ESD phone number to actually reach a human in 2025?
Been trying to reach ESD for 2 weeks straight about my pending unemployment claim. I've called the main number (5+ times daily) and always get the 'high call volume' message before it hangs up on me. Called the technical support line but they said they can't help with claim status issues. Tried sending messages through eServices but no response after 9 days. I'm getting desperate as my rent is due next week and I need to know if/when my benefits will start. Has anyone found a direct line or extension or some trick to actually speak with a real human at ESD lately? Starting to feel like they don't actually exist lol.
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Isaiah Sanders
same boat, tried for 3 weeks to get thru..its impossible
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Fidel Carson
•Did you ever manage to reach someone? What did you end up doing?
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Xan Dae
Try calling right when they open at 8am sharp. That's when I've had the most luck getting through. You have to be dialing at 7:59 and hit send exactly at 8:00. Even then it's like winning the lottery lol
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Fiona Gallagher
•i tried the 8am trick for 5 days straight and still nothin. got through ONCE but then got disconnected after being on hold for 45 mins!!! ESD is a JOKE
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Thais Soares
The main ESD claims center number (800-318-6022) is still the correct one, but you're right that it's extremely difficult to get through due to high call volumes. A few tips that might help: 1. Call precisely at 8:00 AM when they open (as someone mentioned) 2. Try calling mid-week (Wednesday/Thursday) as Monday/Friday tend to be busiest 3. When prompted by the automated system, sometimes option 4 (for "other questions") can route you to different agents 4. If you're in adjudication, try the direct line for that department: 360-742-5825 (though this is also very busy) Unfortunately, the system is still overwhelmed from staffing shortages. Keep trying to contact them through eServices as well - sometimes they do respond to those messages, but it can take 7-10 business days.
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Fidel Carson
•Thank you for the detailed info! I'll try the adjudication line tomorrow since that's where my claim is stuck. Ridiculous we have to jump through so many hoops just to talk to someone about our own money.
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Nalani Liu
after trying for weeks i used claimyr.com and actually got through! they somehow place your call for you and hold your spot in line. when an agent is available they call u back. worked for me when nothing else did. check out their demo vid https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 if ur interested
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Axel Bourke
•Is it legit? I'm always suspicious of third-party services with unemployment stuff. Did they ask for your SSN or anything? How long did it take to get the callback?
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Nalani Liu
•totally understand being cautious! they don't ask for SSN or any claim details. they just help get your call through the ESD phone system. took about 2 hours to get the callback for me, which is way better than the weeks i spent trying on my own
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Aidan Percy
I work with unemployment claims professionally and can confirm there's no "secret" number that bypasses the queue. ESD has consolidated almost all phone services to the main claims center. Your best options are: 1. Call the main line (800-318-6022) exactly at 8:00:00 AM 2. Use the technical workaround of calling, selecting Spanish option, then asking for English when agent answers (sometimes works) 3. Visit a WorkSource center in person and ask them to help contact ESD 4. If your claim shows "pending - issue on claim" or "adjudication," specifically mention that when you do get through, as those cases can be escalated One more tip: if you need to verify your identity, don't wait for them to contact you. Be proactive and upload your ID docs through the secure document upload in eServices.
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Fidel Carson
•Thank you for these tips! My claim does show "adjudication in progress" so I'll definitely mention that. Do you know if visiting WorkSource actually helps? The one near me has a sign saying they can't help with unemployment claim issues.
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Aidan Percy
•WorkSource offices vary in what services they offer. Some have direct lines or dedicated terminals for unemployment services, while others don't. It's worth checking with your local office. At minimum, they might be able to help ensure your work search activities are properly documented, which can prevent future issues with your claim. And yes, definitely mention the adjudication status - those cases have specialized teams assigned to them.
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Fiona Gallagher
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! i've been trying for 5 WEEKS!!! they owe me $4800 and NOBODY ANSWERS!!! this is OUR MONEY that WE PAID INTO THE SYSTEM!!! i'm about to lose my apartment and car because these lazy government workers won't pick up a phone!!!!!
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Xan Dae
•Take a deep breath. I know it's frustrating but the frontline agents aren't the ones who designed the system. They're probably overwhelmed too. Have you tried contacting your state representative? They sometimes can help.
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Fiona Gallagher
•sorry for the caps but im at my breaking point. tried my rep 2 weeks ago and they just sent a form email saying theyd "look into it" and nothing since then. system is designed to make people give up
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Isaiah Sanders
my neighbor said she drove to the tacoma office and waited in line but they saw her in person. maybe worth a try if ur nearby?
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Fidel Carson
•Do you know if they take walk-ins or does she have to make an appointment? I'm willing to drive there if it means getting this resolved.
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Isaiah Sanders
•she said she just showed up early like 7:30am and got in line. not sure if thats still how it works tho
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Axel Bourke
After struggling with this same issue, I finally got through using a combination of methods: 1. I used Claimyr (saw it mentioned above) which actually worked to get me in the phone queue 2. When I finally spoke to an agent, I asked specifically for a callback number in case we got disconnected 3. I had ALL my information ready - claim ID, dates of employment, last employer contact info 4. I requested the agent make notes on my account about our conversation It took some persistence, but I finally got my claim moved from adjudication to approved. The key was getting that first person-to-person contact. Once you have a real human looking at your claim, things move much faster.
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Fidel Carson
•That's really helpful advice about asking for a direct callback number and having them make notes! I've been worried about finally getting through and then being disconnected and having to start over. I'll definitely try these strategies.
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