Where can I file unemployment in person at Washington ESD office?

Washington ESD closed most in-person services during COVID and never fully reopened them for regular claim filing. You'll need to file online through their secure website or call their phone system. I know it's frustrating but that's pretty much your only options now.

There are still some WorkSource locations that might be able to help you access the online system, but they won't file the claim for you. They have computers and staff who can guide you through the process. Check the WorkSource website for locations near you.

Honestly if you're having trouble with the website, calling Washington ESD might be your best bet. Yeah the wait times are horrible but at least you can file over the phone. I spent 3 hours on hold last week but finally got through and filed my claim.

If you're really struggling to get through to Washington ESD by phone, there's actually a service called Claimyr that helps people connect with ESD agents. I found out about it from someone else on here. They basically handle the waiting on hold for you and call you back when they get an agent on the line. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Whatever you do, don't wait too long to file. Washington ESD has strict deadlines and if you miss them you could lose out on benefits entirely. Even if the system is frustrating, keep trying.

Try filing your claim early in the morning like 6 AM or late at night after 10 PM. The website seems to work better when fewer people are trying to use it. That's how I finally got mine submitted.

This whole situation is ridiculous. Other states still have in-person filing options but Washington just abandoned people who aren't tech savvy. My elderly neighbor had to have her grandson file her claim because she couldn't figure out the website.

For what it's worth, once you get your initial claim filed, the weekly claims are much easier to do online. It's really just that first filing that's a pain in the neck.

If all else fails and you absolutely can't get through online or by phone, you might want to contact your state representative's office. They sometimes have staff who can help constituents navigate Washington ESD issues.

Just to be clear on the process - you'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank account info for direct deposit. Having all that ready will make the filing go much smoother whether you do it online or over the phone.

The reality is Washington ESD just doesn't have the infrastructure for in-person filing anymore. It's frustrating but you have to work within the system they have now, not the one you wish they had.

One more suggestion - if you have a friend or family member who's good with computers, maybe ask them to help you file online. Sometimes having someone else navigate while you provide the information makes it easier.

Another option for getting phone help is using that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. They've gotten really good at navigating Washington ESD's phone system and can save you the frustration of dealing with busy signals and disconnections.

Whatever method you choose, don't give up. Washington ESD benefits can really help bridge the gap while you're looking for work. It's worth the hassle to get it sorted out.

Just want to add that Washington ESD really needs to do better. Making people jump through all these hoops just to file for benefits they're entitled to is wrong. But unfortunately that's the reality we're dealing with.

One last tip - when you do get through, whether online or by phone, write down your confirmation numbers and save screenshots of everything. You never know when you might need to reference that information later.

Hope this all works out for you. The initial filing is definitely the hardest part. Once you're in the system, everything else is much more manageable.

For anyone else reading this thread with similar issues, remember that filing for unemployment is a right, not a privilege. Don't let technical difficulties discourage you from getting the benefits you've earned through your work history.

Final update idea - maybe the original poster can come back and share what method worked for them. That way future people with the same problem will know what to try first.

Just remembered - if you do end up using Claimyr, they're pretty responsive. I got connected within a reasonable time and didn't have to deal with the usual Washington ESD phone maze. Sometimes it's worth using the tools available rather than banging your head against the wall.

I've been helping people navigate Washington ESD for years, and unfortunately you're right that in-person filing is basically gone. However, I'd suggest trying one more approach that's worked for many people - if you have a local library, they often have computer assistance programs where staff can help you navigate government websites. Many librarians are trained to help with exactly this type of situation. The Seattle Public Library system has been particularly helpful with unemployment claims. You'd still be filing online, but with knowledgeable support right there beside you. It's not quite the same as the old ESD offices, but it's the closest thing to in-person help you're likely to find.

I had the exact same frustration when I lost my job last year. After trying everything - the broken website, endless phone holds, even driving to what I thought was still an ESD office only to find it closed - I finally had success with a combination approach. I went to my local library (Bellevue Regional Library) where they have a "Digital Navigator" program specifically to help people with government websites. The librarian sat with me for about 45 minutes and we got through the entire application process together. She knew all the common error messages and how to work around the site's quirks. It felt like having that old-school in-person service but adapted for the digital age. Most libraries in King County have similar programs - definitely worth calling ahead to schedule a session. They're used to helping people with ESD claims and know exactly which browsers work best and when to try submitting. Way less stressful than going it alone!