Why doesn't Washington ESD unemployment answer the phone - getting desperate

A MONTH?? That's terrifying. What happens if they just never answer?

The phone volume is insane right now. Best times are usually Tuesday/Wednesday mornings right at 8am, but even then it's hit or miss.

I've tried the online messaging but haven't heard back in 10 days. How long do they usually take to respond?

Online responses can take 2-3 weeks unfortunately. Phone is still fastest if you can get through.

Wait is this legit? Sounds too good to be true honestly.

I was skeptical too but I was desperate. They got me connected to someone at Washington ESD within a day and I finally got my claim issue resolved.

How much does something like that cost though?

I don't think it's intentional, they're just overwhelmed. The system wasn't designed for this volume.

Overwhelmed for THREE YEARS?? Come on, this is deliberate understaffing.

I've been doing this! Still no luck after two weeks of trying at exactly 8am.

What auto-redial app do you use? My iPhone doesn't seem to have this built in.

For iPhone try 'Auto Redial' app from the app store. Android has several built-in options depending on your model.

WorkSource can help with job search requirements and basic questions, but they can't access your specific claim details or resolve adjudication issues. You still need to reach Washington ESD directly for claim problems.

Ugh, so basically we're stuck with the phone system no matter what.

4.5 HOURS?? How did you not get disconnected? Every time I hit 3 hours the call drops.

I used speaker phone and just did other stuff while waiting. Had to be super careful not to accidentally hang up though.

What day of the week was this? Maybe certain days are better.

I'm getting close to that point honestly. This is taking over my entire day every day.

Same here, I can't keep calling all day when I should be job searching. Might look into this service too.

That's not really fair - the staff shortage is real and they're processing claims as fast as they can. The phone system needs improvement but it's not malicious.

If it's not malicious then why haven't they improved it in years? They could hire more people or upgrade the phone system but they choose not to.

200 times!! That's dedication. Did you get your issue resolved when you finally got through?

yeah both times they fixed my stuff pretty quick, the reps are actually helpful when you can reach them

For standby issues specifically, you might also try contacting your union rep - they sometimes have direct contacts at Washington ESD for these situations.

Good idea, I'll reach out to my local today. Thanks!

That's more than two full work weeks just calling! This is insane.

At what point do we file complaints with state representatives? This can't be legal.

Okay I'm definitely looking into this now. Three people recommending it has to mean something.

Is it safe though? Like do you have to give them your personal info?

From what I remember it was pretty straightforward, they don't need anything sensitive to help you get connected.

The callback feature is overwhelmed too unfortunately. It's supposed to work within 2 business days but reality is much longer.

Two business days turned into two business MONTHS in my case.

YES! I thought I was going crazy but it happens at exactly 3 hours every time.

It might be an automatic timeout to prevent the system from getting completely jammed up. Still incredibly frustrating though.

If that's true then they're essentially limiting how long you can wait, which makes it even harder to get through.

8 weeks?? And I thought my 2 weeks was bad. What's your claim stuck on?

Identity verification. I sent all the documents they asked for but it's just sitting there in adjudication hell.

Good point - there are separate numbers for appeals, overpayments, and employer issues that might be less congested.

Is there a specialized number for adjudication issues? That's what I need help with.

For adjudication you still need the main claims line unfortunately. But worth trying the different numbers if any apply to your situation.

Congrats!! This gives me hope. Going to keep trying with the Wednesday 8am strategy.

What did they say about the adjudication delays? Is there a reason they're taking so long right now?

She said they're processing claims from several weeks ago still and they're prioritizing by date received. Mine was finally just at the front of the queue.

Agreed, the system definitely needs reform. In the meantime though, people still need to get their issues resolved somehow.

Exactly why services like that Claimyr thing exist - to work around a broken system that should be fixed but isn't.

The multiple phones strategy is actually genius - why didn't I think of that? I've been wasting so much time with just one phone. Do you call the same number on all phones or try different numbers? And yeah, that 3-hour disconnect feels like they're actively trying to prevent us from getting help. It's like they designed the worst possible system on purpose.