What's the correct ESD phone number for Sunday weekly claims? 800 number not working
I'm trying to file my weekly unemployment claim by phone today (Sunday) but when I call 1-800-318-6022, I get a message saying they're only open Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. I thought we could file weekly claims by phone 24/7? Isn't there a different number for automated weekly claims on weekends? The ESD website is completely unhelpful - I checked https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/unemployed-workers-contact but couldn't find the right number. My internet is super spotty right now so I really need to file by phone before the week ends. Can anyone help?
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Alice Fleming
You need to call 1-800-318-6022 and then when the automated system answers, press 1 for claims questions, then 1 again to file a weekly claim. It should work 24/7. If you're calling the main number and waiting to talk to someone, that's where you're getting the hours message. The automated system is available anytime though!
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Steven Adams
•Thanks for the quick response! I just tried again but I'm not even getting to the menu options - it immediately goes to the "we're only open Monday-Friday" recording. So strange! Maybe the system is down? Has anyone else had trouble filing by phone today?
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Hassan Khoury
I tried filing by phone last month when my internet was out and had the EXACT same problem! The regular 800 number wouldn't work on weekends. Turns out there's a DIFFERENT number for the automated weekly claims system: 1-800-318-6022 is for speaking to agents, but 1-800-699-0998 is for ONLY weekly claims and works 24/7. Just follow the prompts! Hope this helps.
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Steven Adams
•OMG THANK YOU!! I just called that number and it worked! I got right into the automated system and was able to file my claim. You just saved me from missing my weekly filing deadline. I wish ESD would make this more clear on their website.
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Victoria Stark
I think you can also use the eServices portal to file claims 24/7? Thats what I always do. Never had a problem even at 3am lol
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Steven Adams
•Yeah, I normally use eServices too, but my internet has been down all weekend (using my phone data right now). That's why I needed the phone option this time. But thanks for the suggestion anyway!
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Benjamin Kim
UGH the ESD phone system is the WORST!!! I spent 3 WEEKS trying to get through to a real person about my adjudication issue. Busy signals, disconnected calls, or waiting on hold for hours only to get hung up on. FINALLY I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me through to a real person at ESD within 30 minutes! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - Seriously worth it for when you actually need to talk to someone about claim issues.
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Samantha Howard
•Is this legit? Sounds kinda sketchy tbh
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Benjamin Kim
•Totally legit. I was skeptical too but when I was about to lose my apartment because my benefits were stuck in adjudication for weeks, I got desperate. They just help you skip the ESD phone queue. Saved me so much frustration!
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Megan D'Acosta
I'm going to share something that might help other people too. The two phone numbers are confusing because: 1-800-318-6022 = Main ESD number for talking to agents (only open business hours) 1-800-699-0998 = Automated claims line (open 24/7) The second number is what you need for weekend claims filing. The website should really make this clearer! The automated system will ask for your SSN and PIN, just like the online system would.
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Sarah Ali
•Good info but u can actually use BOTH numbers for the automated weekly claims system. The difference is that 1-800-318-6022 has options for talking to agents (during business hrs) OR filing weekly claims (24/7), while 1-800-699-0998 ONLY does weekly claims. At least thats how it worked b4 they updated the phone system last yr
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Samantha Howard
wait why are u filling by phone anyway??? the website is way faster and easier!!! i never wait on hold lol
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Steven Adams
•As I mentioned in my post, my internet is down right now - only have phone data. Normally I do use the website, but sometimes you need a backup option!
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Samantha Howard
•oh my bad didnt read the whole thing lol
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Alice Fleming
Just as an FYI for anyone reading this thread later - always keep BOTH ESD phone numbers saved in your contacts: 1-800-318-6022 (main ESD number) 1-800-699-0998 (weekly claims only) Also, remember that you can file weekly claims Sunday through Saturday, but it's best to file early in the week. If you wait until Saturday and have technical issues, you might miss the deadline!
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Steven Adams
•Great advice! I've added both numbers to my contacts now. Lesson learned - don't wait until Sunday to file!
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Liam Fitzgerald
Just wanted to add another tip for anyone who might be reading this thread - if you're having trouble with the automated phone system, make sure you're entering your Social Security Number slowly and clearly. Sometimes the system doesn't pick up the numbers if you press them too quickly. Also, if you get disconnected or the system seems unresponsive, wait a few minutes before calling back - sometimes there's high volume on weekends and the system gets overloaded. Glad you got it sorted out Steven!
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