What's the number to unemployment Washington ESD - can't find working phone line

That's the same number I've been calling! It's so frustrating. Do you know if there are specific times that work better?

I heard early morning like 7am works best but I can't confirm

I tried calling at 8am yesterday and still couldn't get through. Is there any other way to reach them?

You can try the employer line at 855-829-9243 but that's technically for employers only. Sometimes they transfer you though.

Is that legit? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real, they basically just call the same numbers over and over until they get through then connect you. Saved me hours of frustration.

I was skeptical too but tried it last week and it worked. Got connected to an actual Washington ESD rep who helped with my adjudication issue.

I feel your pain. Been there myself. Have you tried calling different numbers at different times?

I've tried everything. Every number, every time of day. Nothing works. I'm about to lose my apartment.

Try that Claimyr thing the other person mentioned. I used it yesterday and finally got through after months of trying myself.

Thank you! I'll try the TDD line. Didn't know that was an option.

The TDD line is supposed to be for hearing impaired but they won't turn you away if you explain your situation.

I tried the TDD line and got through in 45 minutes. They transferred me to regular customer service no problem.

847 times?! That's insane. How is that acceptable?

It's not acceptable but it's reality. I had to resolve an overpayment issue and had no choice.

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr. Life's too short to spend weeks calling unemployment.

Really? I always hang up when I get the busy signal. I'll try staying on the line next time.

Yeah I've heard this too but it's never worked for me. Maybe depends on the time of day?

That's crazy. No wonder it's impossible to get through. Did they give you any other advice?

She said to keep trying or use their online messaging system, but that takes weeks for a response too.

The online messaging is useless. I sent three messages and never got responses to any of them.

Thank you for the professional insight. I'll try the 8am strategy again tomorrow.

I've tried the 8am thing multiple times and still can't get through. This system is broken.

It really is broken. I wish I had better news but persistence is the only way through their system.

That's three people now who've recommended Claimyr. I might have to try it if I can't get through tomorrow.

Same here, I used it last week after seeing it mentioned in another forum. Definitely worth it to avoid the calling nightmare.

The regional offices don't handle UI claims anymore, they'll just give you the same 800 number.

Figured as much but thought I'd ask. This whole system needs an overhaul.

Three months?! What finally worked for you?

Pure luck honestly. Called at 8:02am and somehow got through on the first try. No special trick.

Sometimes it really is just random luck. I called 800+ times then got through on a Tuesday afternoon randomly.

You're definitely not doing anything wrong. The system is just overwhelmed.

Yeah it's not you, it's them. The phone system has been broken for years.

That's encouraging! I'll definitely try the 8am approach again. Two hours is long but better than never getting through.

Two hours is actually pretty good for Washington ESD. I've waited 4+ hours before getting disconnected.

That's heartbreaking. I would lose my mind if that happened to me.

It's happened to me too! I actually cried the last time it happened. So frustrating.

This is why I gave up calling myself and used Claimyr. At least then if you get disconnected, they keep trying for you.

If someone who can call during business hours is having trouble, there's really no hope for the rest of us.

Exactly. It's not about when you call, it's about how overloaded their system is.

At least they acknowledge the problem exists. Doesn't help us get through but it's something.

Acknowledging it doesn't pay my bills though. We need actual solutions.

I agree, but unfortunately we're stuck with the system we have. The rep did say online services are being improved.

I feel for you. This system really hurts people who are already struggling.

This is exactly the situation where Claimyr helps. They do the calling so you don't have to tie up your whole day.

I might have to look into that. Can't keep missing work to call unemployment.

Congrats! That gives me hope. I'm going to try the 8am strategy again tomorrow.

Three hours is actually pretty good. Glad you got through!

Thanks! The rep was really helpful once I got connected. The wait was worth it.

Good luck! Let us know what works for you.

Hope something works for you. The key is persistence unfortunately.

Will do. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and tips.