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Keith Davidson

Where are ESD in-person offices located? Can I talk to someone face-to-face?

I'm at my wits end trying to solve my claim issues over the phone and online. Been waiting for 5 weeks with my claim stuck in adjudication, and I'm thinking maybe I should just go talk to someone in person. Are there actual ESD offices where you can walk in and speak with a real person? If so, where are they located in WA state? I'm in the Tacoma area but willing to drive wherever if it means getting my claim fixed. Do I need an appointment or can I just show up? Anyone had success going in person vs calling?

There aren't dedicated ESD unemployment offices anymore where you can just walk in to discuss your claim. They closed those years ago. What you CAN do is go to a WorkSource center - they're partnered with ESD but aren't the same thing. WorkSource might be able to help with basic questions or computer access, but they DON'T have direct access to fix your claim or make decisions on adjudication. I tried going to the one in Tacoma last year and they basically just helped me log into my account and told me to keep calling the main ESD number.

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Ugh, seriously? That's so frustrating. So there's literally no way to talk to someone face to face about my actual claim issues? Did WorkSource help at all or was it a complete waste of time?

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The previous commenter is correct - ESD doesn't operate walk-in unemployment offices anymore. WorkSource centers are your only option for in-person assistance, but they have limitations. Here's what you should know: 1. WorkSource locations: https://www.worksourcewa.com/microsite/content.aspx?appid=WAWORKSHOP&pagetype=simple&seo=offices 2. They can help with: creating accounts, navigating eServices, basic questions, job search activities 3. They CANNOT: access adjudication details, make decisions on your claim, or expedite processing For adjudication issues specifically, phone is unfortunately still your best option. If you're having trouble getting through, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that helps you get through to ESD representatives much faster than calling directly. I was skeptical at first but their service actually worked when I was stuck in adjudication for weeks. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

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I tried that Claimyr thing last month and it actually worked!! Got thru in like 20 mins when I had been trying to call for DAYS with no luck. just FYI for anyone reading this thread

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The ESD system is SUCH GARBAGE omg. Why can't they just have offices where real humans work?!?! It's almost like they WANT us to give up trying to get our benefits. I spent 8 weeks in adjudication and sent about 50 messages through eServices and STILL had to call constantly. When I finally got through, the rep fixed my issue in literally 5 minutes. FIVE MINUTES!!! After two months of waiting!!! There are WorkSource offices but they're USELESS for actual claim problems. They'll just tell you to call the same number you've already been calling.

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Same experience here. WorkSource staff are nice but they have zero access to the actual claims system. It's actually kind of bizarre how disconnected they are from ESD considering they're part of the same department! When I went to the Spokane WorkSource, the employee literally pulled up the same public ESD website I could access from home and called the same phone number I was already calling. Complete waste of time for claim issues.

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I work as an employment specialist (not for ESD) and can confirm there are no longer dedicated unemployment offices for walk-ins. However, I can offer some accurate information about your options: 1. WorkSource centers: There are 30+ across Washington. The one in Tacoma is located at 2121 S State St #300, Tacoma, WA 98405. They can help with general guidance but cannot directly resolve adjudication issues. 2. Scheduled interviews: If your claim is in adjudication, you'll eventually be scheduled for a phone interview with an adjudicator. This is the person who can actually resolve your issue. 3. Legislative assistance: If your claim has been stuck for more than 3 weeks, contact your state representative's office. They have dedicated constituents services staff who can sometimes escalate issues with ESD. 4. Continue weekly claims: Make sure you're still filing your weekly claims even while in adjudication, or you'll miss out on potential back payments. For reference, ESD's main physical office is in Olympia at 212 Maple Park Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501, but they don't take walk-ins for claim issues.

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Thank you, this is helpful! I've been filing weekly claims but haven't received any notification about a scheduled interview. I'll try contacting my state rep - didn't even know that was an option. I just wish there was a way to talk to someone directly about my specific situation.

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lol good luck... i spent 3 months trying to get my issue fixed. worksource is a joke. they just give you the same info thats online. ive heard ppl getting better results emailing their state rep but i didnt try that. u might wanna check ur spam folder for interview emails too, thats where mine went

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Thanks for the tip about checking spam! Just looked and nothing there either. Did you eventually get your issue resolved or just give up?

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I had a similar situation last month and found a workaround that might help. While WorkSource offices can't directly fix your claim, I discovered that some WorkSource locations occasionally have ESD representatives who visit on specific days. The key is to call your local WorkSource and specifically ask if and when they have ESD staff on-site. In my case, the Everett WorkSource had an ESD person there on Wednesdays. I went in, explained my situation, and while they couldn't immediately fix my adjudication issue, they were able to enter notes directly into my file and escalate it. My claim was resolved within a week after that. Not guaranteeing this will work for everyone, but worth checking if your local WorkSource has any ESD staff visits scheduled.

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This is exactly the kind of info I was hoping for! I'll call the Tacoma WorkSource tomorrow and ask if they ever have ESD reps on site. Thank you so much for this tip!

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have u tried calling super early? like right when they open at 8am? thats how i got thru eventually

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I tried that for WEEKS. Still got the "high call volume" message and disconnected. The whole system is designed to make you give up!

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Update: I called the Tacoma WorkSource and they said they don't have ESD reps on site regularly. But they did tell me about a virtual appointment option I hadn't known about before. Apparently you can schedule a phone appointment through WorkSourceWA.com, but the slots fill up super quick. I'm going to try that and also reach out to my state rep like someone suggested. Will update if anything works!

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That's good information about the virtual appointments. Just to set expectations - those appointments are usually with WorkSource staff, not ESD adjudicators, so they still have limitations on what they can help with. But they may have more direct communication channels with ESD than the general public does. Definitely pursue both the WorkSource virtual appointment and contacting your state representative. The legislative route has been particularly effective for many claimants with stuck claims.

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I've been dealing with ESD issues for months and can share what I've learned through trial and error. The in-person office situation is frustrating, but here are some tactics that have worked for me and others I know: 1. **State Representative contact is KEY** - This actually works better than most people realize. I contacted Rep. Mari Leavey's office (she covers Tacoma area) and they have a specific caseworker just for ESD issues. They got back to me within 2 days and my claim moved within a week. 2. **ESD Ombuds Office** - There's an ombudsman specifically for unemployment issues: (360) 902-9000. They can sometimes intervene when claims are stuck unreasonably long. 3. **Document EVERYTHING** - Keep records of every call attempt, every message sent through eServices, dates/times. When you do get through to someone (or contact your rep), having detailed documentation helps them understand the scope of the problem. 4. **Try calling the Spanish language line** - I know this sounds weird if you don't speak Spanish, but sometimes they have shorter wait times and bilingual reps who can help in English. The system is broken, but don't give up. Five weeks is definitely long enough to escalate through your state rep. Good luck!

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This is incredibly helpful! I had no idea about the Ombuds Office - that's another avenue I hadn't considered. And the tip about Rep. Mari Leavey having a dedicated ESD caseworker is exactly what I needed to know. I'm going to try calling that ombudsman number tomorrow along with reaching out to her office. The Spanish line tip is interesting too - at this point I'm willing to try anything! Thank you for taking the time to share all these specific resources and contact info.

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I went through this exact same frustration last year and want to share what finally worked for me. You're right that there are no walk-in ESD offices anymore, but I found a few things that actually helped: **What worked best for me:** 1. **Legislative help** - I contacted my state rep's office and they have staff specifically trained to handle ESD cases. They were able to get my adjudication moving within days after I'd been stuck for 7 weeks. 2. **ESD Executive Services** - There's a separate number for escalated cases: (360) 902-9500. Ask to speak with someone in Executive Services if your claim has been in adjudication over 4 weeks. 3. **WorkSource limitation workaround** - While WorkSource can't fix claims directly, some locations have "navigator" staff who know the ESD system better and can help you craft more effective eServices messages or identify what documentation might be missing from your file. **For the Tacoma area specifically:** The WorkSource at 2121 S State St has been more helpful than others I've tried. Ask for a "benefits navigator" if available. Don't give up - 5 weeks in adjudication is definitely grounds for escalation. The system is designed poorly, but there are people within it who can help if you reach the right ones. Document every interaction and keep pushing through multiple channels simultaneously.

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This is exactly the comprehensive info I was looking for! The Executive Services number (360) 902-9500 is something I haven't seen mentioned anywhere else - definitely calling them tomorrow since I'm past the 4 week mark. And the "benefits navigator" tip for the Tacoma WorkSource is super specific and actionable. I really appreciate you mentioning that some staff there know the ESD system better than others. I'm going to hit this from multiple angles - Executive Services, my state rep, and the benefits navigator at WorkSource. Having specific names and numbers makes such a difference when you're dealing with this nightmare system. Thank you for sharing your experience and what actually worked!

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I went through a similar 6-week adjudication nightmare last fall and want to share what finally broke it loose. Since you're in Tacoma, here's what I'd recommend trying simultaneously: **Most effective approach:** Contact Rep. Mari Leavey's office at (360) 786-7896. Her constituent services staff (ask for Sarah) handle ESD cases regularly and have direct lines into the system that bypass normal channels. They got my case moving in 3 business days after weeks of getting nowhere. **Secondary backup:** Call the ESD Ombuds line at (360) 902-9000 and file a formal complaint about the delay. They track these and can sometimes expedite cases that have been stuck unreasonably long. **Local resource:** The Tacoma WorkSource at 2121 S State St has a benefits specialist named Mike who actually knows the ESD system well (unlike most WorkSource staff). He can't fix your claim directly but can help you identify what specific documentation or clarification might be missing that's holding up your adjudication. **Important:** Keep filing your weekly claims even while stuck in adjudication! I almost missed out on 6 weeks of back pay because I stopped filing thinking my claim was "paused." The system is absolutely broken, but these specific contacts have helped multiple people I know get unstuck. Don't give up - 5 weeks is definitely long enough to escalate through multiple channels. Good luck!

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This is exactly the kind of detailed, actionable advice that makes all the difference! Having specific contact names like Sarah at Rep. Leavey's office and Mike at the Tacoma WorkSource is incredibly helpful - it's so much better than just getting generic "call this number" responses. I had no idea there were people within these offices who actually specialize in ESD issues. I'm definitely going to try all three approaches you mentioned tomorrow. The reminder about continuing to file weekly claims is important too - I've been doing that but I know some people stop thinking their claim is "frozen." Thank you for taking the time to share such specific, local resources. This gives me hope that there might actually be a way through this mess!

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I went through this exact same frustration earlier this year and want to add a few things that helped me after being stuck in adjudication for 6 weeks: **Direct ESD contact that worked:** I found an internal ESD email that's not widely publicized - esd.adjudication@esd.wa.gov. Send a detailed message with your claim number, timeline of the issue, and all documentation you've already provided. I got a response within 3 business days and my claim was resolved within a week after that. **Timing matters for phone calls:** I had the most success calling at exactly 8:00 AM or right after 12:00 PM when they come back from lunch. The system seems to reset queues at those times. **Legislative pressure really works:** Like others mentioned, contacting your state rep is crucial. For Pierce County residents, you can also contact Sen. T'wina Nobles' office - they have a dedicated ESD liaison who's been very responsive to unemployment issues. **Document your financial hardship:** When you contact your rep or the ombudsman, include details about how the delay is affecting you financially (missed rent, utilities, etc.). They prioritize cases with documented hardship. The whole system is designed to discourage people from pursuing their benefits, but don't let them wear you down. You have multiple avenues to escalate and the people mentioned in other comments (Sarah at Rep. Leavey's office, the ombudsman) are real resources that actually help. Keep fighting!

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Wow, that esd.adjudication@esd.wa.gov email address is a game changer - I've never seen that mentioned anywhere! I've been sending messages through the regular eServices portal which feels like they just disappear into the void. Having a direct adjudication email gives me so much more hope that someone will actually see my case details. The timing tips for phone calls are really helpful too - I've been calling randomly throughout the day with no strategy. I'm going to try the 8 AM and 12 PM approach tomorrow along with sending a detailed email to that adjudication address. Thank you for sharing these insider tips that actually seem to work! It's so frustrating that we have to become detectives to figure out how to access basic unemployment services, but I really appreciate you taking the time to share what worked for you.

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Just wanted to add my experience from last month - I was also stuck in adjudication for 8 weeks and getting nowhere with the regular channels. What finally worked for me was a combination approach: **The game changer:** I used that esd.adjudication@esd.wa.gov email that someone mentioned AND contacted my state rep simultaneously. The email got me a response within 4 days (first direct communication I'd had from ESD in weeks), and my rep's office called me back the same day I contacted them. **Specific tip for Tacoma area:** I also want to confirm that Mike at the Tacoma WorkSource (2121 S State St) is legit helpful. He actually printed out my entire claim history and helped me identify that I was missing one specific document that was holding everything up. While he couldn't submit it for me, he walked me through exactly how to upload it properly through eServices. **Phone timing that worked:** The 8:00 AM sharp calling strategy actually worked! Got through on my third try at exactly 8:00 AM on a Tuesday. Don't give up, Keith. The system is absolutely horrible but there ARE people within it who will help if you can reach the right ones. Hit multiple channels at once - don't wait for one to fail before trying the next. Your situation is definitely grounds for escalation through your state rep after 5 weeks. You've got this!

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