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CyberNinja

WorkSource in-person visits vs calling ESD directly - which actually works?

I've been trying to reach ESD for 3 weeks about my adjudication issue (employer disputes my hours worked) and I'm at my wit's end. Someone told me that physically going to a WorkSource office might help me get through to unemployment faster than calling the main ESD line. Has anyone actually had success with this? I drove 40 minutes to my nearest WorkSource yesterday and the staff there just gave me the same ESD phone number I've been calling! Didn't even offer to help me contact someone directly. Am I missing something? Do WorkSource offices actually have special access to ESD agents that can help with claim issues? I'm about to lose my apartment if I can't get this $4,200 in benefits released.

Mateo Lopez

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I tried WorkSource twice last month for my standby status issue. First time they just had me use their phones to call the regular ESD number (complete waste of time). Second time I got lucky and a WorkSource specialist helped escalate my issue, but it still took 10 days to resolve. The WorkSource staff told me they don't have direct lines to adjudicators, but some of them know how to submit special escalation requests. It seems totally hit or miss depending on which staff member you get and how busy they are that day.

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CyberNinja

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Thanks for sharing your experience. Maybe I should try a different WorkSource location? The one I went to seemed really understaffed and the person at the front desk wasn't very knowledgeable about ESD processes.

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worksource is USELESS!!! been there 4 times and NEVER got any help with my claim. they just sit there and tell u to call the same number everyone else is calling. Its all a big joke to make it seem like theres help available. why even have these offices if they cant do anything????

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Ethan Davis

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That hasn't been my experience. The WorkSource in Lynnwood actually has 2 ESD specialists who can help with claims on Tuesdays and Thursdays (not sure if all locations have this). You have to specifically ask for an ESD specialist though, not just any WorkSource employee. They can't directly fix adjudication issues but they can submit internal tickets that sometimes get faster responses.

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Yuki Tanaka

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The key difference between WorkSource offices is whether they have dedicated ESD staff on-site. Some locations have actual ESD representatives who can access the claims system and help with certain issues. Other WorkSource offices are only staffed by employment counselors who cannot access the ESD system at all. Before visiting, call the WorkSource office and specifically ask if they have ESD representatives on-site and what days/hours they're available. Also ask if appointments are required for ESD assistance, as many locations now require scheduling in advance. For adjudication issues specifically, WorkSource staff (even ESD reps) have limited ability to help, as adjudication decisions must be made by specialized adjudicators. However, they can sometimes submit escalation requests or verify that your documentation is properly attached to your claim.

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CyberNinja

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This makes so much sense! The WorkSource I went to probably didn't have actual ESD staff. I'll call around to find one that does. Do you happen to know if they publish this information anywhere online? The WorkSource website doesn't seem to specify which locations have ESD representatives.

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Carmen Ortiz

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I went to worksrouce last yr when I had issues withn my weekly claim and thy just gave me the same phone # hahaha. Such a waste of gas. But my frind said the one in Tacoma sometimes has actual ESD people there who can do more? I thnk it depends on when u go and if ur lucky

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Yuki Tanaka

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Yes, it completely depends on the location and timing. ESD staffing at WorkSource offices was reduced during the pandemic and hasn't fully returned to pre-pandemic levels. The WorkSource offices in larger cities (Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane) tend to have ESD representatives more consistently than smaller locations.

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MidnightRider

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I tried using Claimyr service (claimyr.com) after wasting time at WorkSource and it actually worked! They got me connected to an ESD agent in about 30 minutes when I'd been trying to get through for weeks. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is about to be available. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Way better than driving to WorkSource or calling for hours. The agent was able to see my adjudication issue and told me exactly what was missing to resolve it.

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CyberNinja

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Oh wow, I hadn't heard of this before. I'll check out that video. At this point I'll try anything that might actually connect me with a real person at ESD. Did the agent you spoke with actually help resolve your adjudication issue or just give you information about it?

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MidnightRider

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The agent helped me understand exactly what documentation I was missing for my adjudication. In my case, they needed proof of my final paycheck amount which I didn't realize. I uploaded it that day and my claim was approved 4 days later. The agent also put notes in my file about our conversation, which I think helped speed things up.

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these services shouldnt even need to EXIST!!! why do we have to PAY to get thru to a government agency we already pay taxes for????? the whole system is broken!!!

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Andre Laurent

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Have you tried sending a secure message through your eServices account? I know it sounds useless but I sent one about my adjudication issue (after calling for weeks) and surprisingly got a response in 3 days. The adjudicator said they needed additional information from me that wasn't mentioned anywhere else. Might be worth trying while you explore other options.

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CyberNinja

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I've sent 5 secure messages over the past 3 weeks with zero response. That's part of why I'm so frustrated! But I'm glad it worked for you - maybe it depends on what type of issue you have or which adjudicator gets assigned to your case.

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Mateo Lopez

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Here's what I've learned after dealing with ESD for years (unfortunately): 1. WorkSource can help with SOME unemployment issues but not adjudication - that's handled by specialized adjudicators. 2. Different WorkSource locations have different capabilities. Some have actual ESD staff on certain days, others don't. 3. For adjudication specifically, your best bet is to: - Make sure ALL documentation related to your dispute is uploaded to your eServices account - Reach an actual ESD agent by phone who can verify everything is properly attached - Ask them to add detailed notes to your file - Request an estimated timeframe for adjudication Adjudication is taking 4-6 weeks right now for many cases, but if you can reach an agent who confirms your documentation is complete, it sometimes speeds things up.

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CyberNinja

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Thank you for this detailed breakdown. I think I need to focus on actually reaching an ESD agent by phone who can check my file. I'll try calling right when they open tomorrow and if that doesn't work, I might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. I've definitely uploaded all my paystubs and employment records already, but maybe something is missing or not properly attached.

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Liv Park

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I had a similar adjudication issue last year and went through the same frustrating cycle. After weeks of calling and one useless WorkSource visit, I finally got through by calling the ESD line at exactly 8:00 AM when they opened. The agent was able to see that my employer had submitted conflicting information about my hours, but they needed me to provide additional documentation (time sheets, schedule confirmations) that I didn't even know was required. Once I uploaded everything, it still took another 2 weeks to resolve, but at least I knew it was moving forward. The key was having that agent put detailed notes in my file about what was missing and when I submitted it. Don't give up - keep trying to reach someone who can actually look at your specific case and tell you exactly what they need to make a decision.

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