what's the phone number for unemployment - Washington ESD contact info needed

thanks! how long were you on hold when you finally got through?

That's the thing - I still haven't gotten through to anyone yet. Keep getting disconnected after 2+ hours on hold.

I actually had luck with that number last week around 7am. Got through in about 45 minutes which felt like a miracle.

7am?? wow that's early but if it works...

Never heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it some kind of scam?

It's legit - they basically call the Washington ESD lines for you and conference you in when they get an agent. Saved me hours of my life honestly.

Might have to try this if I can't get through today. Getting desperate about my claim status.

this is super helpful, thanks for listing them all out!

I've tried calling at those times and it's still crazy busy. The unemployment system is just broken right now.

good to know, i'll write those down before calling

Also have your employer information handy if your claim is being adjudicated. They usually need those details too.

Same experience here. Spent my entire day off last week on hold just to get disconnected. So frustrating when you need answers about your benefits.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Couldn't waste any more time sitting on hold all day.

Washington ESD has been dealing with extremely high call volumes since the pandemic. They've added staff but demand still exceeds capacity unfortunately.

well they need to add more staff then because this is ridiculous

awesome! what did you find out about your adjudication?

They said it should be resolved within another week or two. At least now I know it's actually being worked on and not just sitting there.

ok you've convinced me to try it, thanks for the follow up

Did they charge you a lot for it?

They don't really focus on the cost aspect - more about the time savings. Check their site for details.

Good advice. Sometimes the first person you talk to can't access all the systems but they can get you to someone who can.

will definitely remember that if i get through

For overpayment issues specifically, you might also want to consider filing an appeal if you disagree with the determination. That's form OAH-1005 if you need it.

thanks, i'll look into that too

Feels that way sometimes! The automated system hangs up on you if you don't have the right information ready immediately.

I don't think it's intentional, just severely under-resourced for the volume of calls they get daily.

Good luck! Hope you have better luck than most of us have had.

Let us know how it goes! And remember that Claimyr option is there if the regular calling doesn't work out.

haha that's actually pretty clever, might try that too

Just be polite if you call the wrong line - those agents deal with confused callers all day.

You're definitely not alone. Pretty much everyone I know who's dealt with Washington ESD has the same horror stories.

yeah seems like a universal problem unfortunately

Great point. Also ask for a case number if they're opening any kind of investigation or review.

good thinking, i'll make sure to take notes if i get through

I submitted a form 3 weeks ago and never heard back. Phone seems to be the only way to actually reach someone unfortunately.

Same experience - online forms seem to go into a black hole. Calling is your best bet even with the long waits.

It is kind of ridiculous, but I'm just glad there are options that actually work when you need help.

Agreed - the system shouldn't be this broken but at least there are workarounds available.

same here, this has been really helpful

Glad we could help. Good luck with your claim issues everyone!

thanks for the recommendation, might be my backup plan

Multiple people here have vouched for it so it seems legit. Good to have options.