What's the phone number to Washington ESD unemployment office?

Ugh that's what I was afraid of. This is so frustrating when you actually need help with your claim.

Try calling right when they open at 8am, that's usually the best time to get through the phone queue.

Thanks! I'll try the 833 number first since it's about my weekly claim status.

That sounds too good to be true... how does that even work? Do they just call repeatedly for you?

Yeah basically they handle all the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold. When they get an agent on the line, they conference you in. Saved me so much time and frustration tbh.

Interesting, I might try that if I can't get through myself. How long did it take them to connect you?

The callback system is hit or miss. I requested one last month and never got a call back at all.

Yeah I tried that too but haven't heard anything yet and it's been 3 days.

Really? I thought that was only for people who already filed appeals. My claim is stuck in adjudication too.

It's worth a try. The worst they can do is transfer you to the regular line, but sometimes they can at least tell you what's holding up your claim.

I feel your pain. The whole system is overwhelmed and they don't seem to care that real people are suffering.

I get the frustration but yelling in all caps doesn't help anyone here. We're all dealing with the same broken system.

This is super helpful, thank you! I'm going to start with the main line tomorrow morning.

Saving this comment for future reference. Thanks for compiling all of these!

That gives me some hope! What time did you call to get through?

I started calling around 9:30am and got through around 12:30pm. Just kept redialing when it would disconnect.

No way, really? I'm definitely going to try that then. What did they find out about your claim?

Turns out I had an old employer dispute from 2 jobs ago that was holding everything up. The agent was able to clear it right away once we talked through it.

See! I told you it works. Glad you got your issue resolved.

I agree it shouldn't be necessary but until Washington ESD fixes their phone system, I'd rather pay a little to get through than waste days of my life on hold.

EXACTLY! We already pay taxes for these services and then have to pay again just to access them?!

It's frustrating for sure, but if it solves the problem when you really need help with your claim, sometimes you have to do what works.

Good point. Same thing if you're calling about PUA or any other special program - be specific about your claim type upfront.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes.

Hope you get through! Either way should work but definitely try the direct calling first.

Fingers crossed for you! This whole process is way harder than it should be.