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Aisha Rahman

Where can I apply for unemployment in person at Washington ESD office?

I've been trying to apply for unemployment benefits online but keep running into technical issues with the website. I'm not great with computers and would really prefer to apply in person somewhere. Does Washington ESD have physical offices where I can go to apply for unemployment benefits face-to-face? I live in Seattle area if that matters. Really need to get this process started as I was laid off last week.

Unfortunately Washington ESD doesn't really do in-person applications anymore. Everything moved online years ago through their website. You'll need to create an account on eServices and file your initial claim there. The system can be tricky but it's the only way now.

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That's really frustrating. The website keeps timing out when I try to complete the application. Is there any other way to get help?

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You can try calling their customer service line but expect long wait times. The phone system is pretty overwhelmed most days.

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i think there might be some worksource offices that can help you with the computer stuff but they dont actually take applications themselves. you still have to do it online but they have computers you can use

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Do you know if they have staff there who can walk me through the process? I really struggle with these government websites.

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yeah i think they do have people who can help guide you through it. worth calling first to check

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Washington ESD eliminated most in-person services during COVID and never brought them back. Your only option is the online application through eServices. However, if you're having trouble reaching them by phone for help, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helps you get through to actual Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Might be worth trying if you need to speak with someone about your application issues.

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Thanks, I'll check that out. Really wish they still had physical offices though. This is so much harder than it needs to be.

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Never heard of Claimyr before but sounds interesting. How does it actually work to get you through to Washington ESD?

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From what I understand, it handles the calling process for you and connects you when an agent becomes available. Saves you from sitting on hold for hours.

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The WorkSource centers are your best bet for in-person help. They can't file the claim for you but they have computers and staff who know the system. I went to the one in Bellevue when I had issues and they walked me through the whole online application step by step.

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That sounds perfect! Do I need to make an appointment or can I just walk in?

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I'd call first to make sure they're doing walk-ins that day. Sometimes they're appointment only depending on staffing.

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Which WorkSource location in Bellevue? I might need to do the same thing.

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this is so stupid that they dont have real offices anymore!! what if you dont have internet at home or dont know how to use computers?? not everyone is tech savvy

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I agree it's not ideal, but libraries also have computers you can use for free. Most librarians can help with basic website navigation too.

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still shouldnt have to jump through all these hoops just to apply for benefits you paid into

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Try going to your local library if WorkSource doesn't work out. They have computers and sometimes offer basic tech help. Plus it's free. The unemployment application isn't too complicated once you get started, just need to have your employment history ready.

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Good idea about the library. What employment information do I need to have ready before I start?

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You'll need dates of employment, employer names and addresses, reason for leaving each job, and your wages for the last 18 months or so.

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I had the same problem last year! The website kept crashing on me. Finally got through using Claimyr to reach an agent who helped me troubleshoot the online application. Turned out I was entering my social security number wrong - had an extra digit somehow. Agent stayed on the phone while I completed it.

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That's exactly the kind of help I need! Was Claimyr expensive to use?

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They focus on getting you connected rather than charging high fees. Worth it to avoid the endless phone tree runaround.

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Mei Liu

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just keep trying the website at different times of day. early morning or late evening usually works better when fewer people are online

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I'll try that. Been attempting it during lunch breaks which is probably peak time.

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One more suggestion - if you do use WorkSource for computer access, bring a notebook to write down each step as you go through the application. That way if you get kicked out or need to start over, you'll have notes on what information goes where.

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Smart thinking. I'll definitely do that. Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone!

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Also bring copies of your pay stubs and any termination paperwork. You might need to reference specific dates and amounts.

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Does anyone know if the SeaTac WorkSource location is still open? I drove by last month and it looked closed.

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I think some locations have reduced hours post-COVID. Definitely call first before making the trip.

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Yeah that's what I figured. Will call tomorrow.

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Libraries are definitely your friend here. I'm a librarian and we help people with unemployment applications all the time. We can't fill it out for you but we can help navigate the website and troubleshoot technical issues.

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That's so helpful to know! I'll check with my local branch about their computer availability.

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Most branches let you reserve computer time in advance so you're not waiting around. Just call ahead.

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update on the worksource thing - i called the one in tacoma and they said they can help with applications but you need to bring ID and social security card. might be same requirement at other locations

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Good to know about the ID requirements. I'll make sure to bring everything I might need.

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Honestly the online system isn't that bad once you get used to it. Just save your progress frequently and don't rush through it. Take your time reading each section.

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easy for you to say but some of us struggle with this computer stuff

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Fair point. That's why the WorkSource suggestion is good - having someone there to help makes a big difference.

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I used Claimyr a few months ago when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about my weekly claim. Worked great - got connected to an agent in about 30 minutes instead of calling all day. They were able to fix my issue right away.

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30 minutes sounds so much better than what I've been dealing with. I'll definitely look into this option.

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Did you have to give them personal information to use the service?

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Just basic contact info so they could connect the call. Nothing sensitive that Washington ESD wouldn't already have.

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Pro tip: if you're going to apply online, have all your documents scanned or photographed on your phone first. Sometimes they ask you to upload verification documents right away.

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What kind of documents should I have ready to upload?

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ID, social security card, recent pay stubs, and your termination letter if you have one. Better to have too much than not enough.

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the whole system is designed to make it hard to get benefits. they want you to give up so they dont have to pay out

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I don't think that's intentional, just the result of underfunding and outdated systems. But I understand the frustration.

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maybe but the result is the same - people who need help cant get it

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Quick question - once you submit the online application, how long does it usually take to hear back from Washington ESD?

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Usually within a week for the initial determination, but it can take longer if they need to verify your employment or wages.

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Thanks! Just want to know what to expect.

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Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! I'm going to try the WorkSource office first since I really do better with face-to-face help. If that doesn't work out I'll look into Claimyr to get connected with an agent. Really appreciate all the advice!

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Good luck! Let us know how it goes. Your experience might help others in the same situation.

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Hope the WorkSource visit goes smoothly for you. Remember to call ahead first!

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One last thing - make sure you apply as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's usually a waiting period and you want to get that clock started.

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Yes, it's been about a week already so I need to get moving on this. Thanks for the reminder!

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Good luck OP! The initial application is the hardest part. Once you get through that, the weekly claims are much easier to manage.

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That's encouraging to hear. Looking forward to getting past this first hurdle.

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