WorkSource UI Liaison helped me bypass ESD phone nightmare - how to find them

This is absolutely correct advice! I worked for WorkSource in 2023 and can confirm that several (but not all) offices have dedicated UI Liaisons who can access the same systems as the ESD phone agents. They're officially called UI Ambassadors at some locations. They can't make decisions on your claim, but they can see status updates, identify issues, and sometimes help submit needed documentation. Best locations in my experience are Everett, Tacoma, and Spokane Valley. Always call first to check if they have a UI Ambassador available and what hours they assist with claims.

wait is this for real?? ive been calling ESD for 2 WEEKS non stop trying to figure out why my payments stopped. never heard about this option anywhere. do they need an appointment or can u just walk in?

I tried this at the Redmond WorkSource and they told me they DON'T have UI liaisons anymore!!! Said budget cuts eliminated those positions at smaller offices. So frustrating! Called three other locations and finally found one in Tacoma that still has someone, but that's too far for me to drive. Feels like ESD is deliberately making it IMPOSSIBLE to talk to actual humans about our claims. Why even have an unemployment system if nobody can access help when there are problems??

I've been helping claimants navigate ESD for years, and WorkSource UI Liaisons are indeed helpful but limited in what they can do. They can view your claim status, help with basic documentation, and sometimes expedite certain issues, but they cannot: 1. Override adjudication decisions 2. Process appeals (those must go through OAH) 3. Handle identity verification issues 4. Make determinations on complex eligibility questions For anyone struggling to reach ESD directly, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com) as another option. They have a service that helps you get through to an actual ESD agent on the phone, usually within 1-2 hours instead of days of redialing. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 But the WorkSource liaison approach is definitely worth trying first since it's free and in-person help!

Wow I wish I'd known about the WorkSource liaisons last month when I was dealing with my adjudication nightmare. I waited 7 weeks with zero benefits because of an "employer response needed" flag that the employer had actually already submitted! When I finally got through to someone at ESD they fixed it in literally 5 minutes and released all my back payments. The system is so broken. For anyone dealing with this - make sure you still file your weekly claims EVERY WEEK even if you're not getting paid. I almost missed out on backpay because I stopped filing for 2 weeks when I got frustrated.

anybody know if the UI lasons can help with overpayment issues??? ESD saying i owe $4700 back from last year but i reported everything correctly. sent in paystubs twice already!!

Just called ALL WorkSource offices in King County. Only Seattle Downtown and Auburn still have UI Ambassadors, and they only take appointments 2 days a week (Tuesday/Thursday). This system is deliberately designed to prevent us from getting help!!! Just sharing so people don't waste time driving around to offices that can't help.

my brother is an esd employee and he says theyre super understaffed right now. said their turnover is crazy bc the job is stressful and pay isn't good. said they lost like 60% of staff after the covid surge ended. doesn't excuse the terrible service but explains some of it i guess