Why can't I apply for unemployment online - Washington ESD website keeps failing

same issue here, been trying since Monday and the site crashes every time I get to the employment history section

The Washington ESD online application system has been having intermittent issues lately. You can try applying during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) when server load is lower. Make sure you're using a supported browser - Chrome or Firefox work best. If you continue having problems, you can also file by phone, though wait times are extremely long right now.

I had the exact same problem last month! What worked for me was using Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD agent who helped me file over the phone. Check out claimyr.com - they have this system that calls for you and gets you connected to a real person. Way better than sitting on hold for hours. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Try these troubleshooting steps: 1) Use an incognito/private browser window 2) Disable any ad blockers or browser extensions 3) Make sure JavaScript is enabled 4) Try from a different device or network connection. The Washington ESD site is notoriously finicky with certain configurations.

THE WASHINGTON ESD WEBSITE IS TRASH!!! I've been trying for a WEEK and it never works. How are people supposed to file claims when their own system doesn't function? This is people's livelihoods we're talking about!

For what it's worth, Washington ESD is aware of the online application issues and they're working on fixes. In the meantime, your claim will be backdated to when you first became unemployed, so you won't lose benefits if there's a delay in getting your initial application submitted.

Had this same problem and ended up having to take a day off to drive to the WorkSource office to file in person. Not ideal but at least I got my claim started.

try using your phone instead of a computer, sometimes the mobile version of the Washington ESD site works better

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when I needed to file my claim. The online system was down and I couldn't waste time waiting. They got me connected to Washington ESD in under 30 minutes and the agent walked me through the whole application over the phone. Honestly saved me so much stress.

Make sure you're going to the right website - secure.esd.wa.gov is the correct URL for filing claims. I've seen people accidentally try to file on old or fake websites.

The system usually works better if you complete the entire application in one session without taking breaks. Save all your employment info beforehand so you can enter everything quickly.

I work in IT and these kinds of server issues are usually related to high traffic volume. Try filing very early in the morning like 5-6 AM when fewer people are using the system.

honestly if the website isn't working just use that claimyr thing people mentioned, I used it last year when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD and it worked great

Keep trying the website but also consider calling during your lunch break. Sometimes the phone lines are slightly less busy between 12-1 PM.

Update: I finally got through using Claimyr this morning! The agent was super helpful and got my claim filed in about 15 minutes. Way better than dealing with the broken website.

Make sure to keep records of all your attempts to file online in case there are any questions later about when you first tried to apply for benefits.

The Washington ESD website has been having issues for months now. They really need to invest in better infrastructure instead of expecting people to just deal with a broken system.

Try using a VPN if you have one available. Sometimes connection issues are related to your ISP or geographic location.

Final update: I ended up using Claimyr and got my claim filed successfully! Thanks to everyone who suggested it. For anyone else having website issues, I'd definitely recommend giving it a try rather than wasting time with the broken online system.

Glad this thread exists, I was starting to think I was the only one having these issues with the Washington ESD website. At least now I know it's not just me.

I've been dealing with this exact same issue! The Washington ESD website has been completely unreliable for weeks now. I tried all the browser troubleshooting steps people mentioned but nothing worked. Finally broke down and used Claimyr yesterday - got connected to an actual ESD agent in about 25 minutes and they helped me file everything over the phone. It was such a relief after days of frustration with the broken website. The small fee was totally worth avoiding all the stress and wasted time.