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This whole conversation has been super helpful. I'm dealing with a similar situation and was scared to even try filing. Nice to know there are people who actually got through the system successfully.
For anyone still struggling to reach Washington ESD by phone, seriously check out that Claimyr service I mentioned. I know I sound like a broken record but it actually works when you need to talk to someone there about your claim status or ask questions about adjudication.
Criminal background can sometimes affect eligibility depending on the type of conviction and your job field, but it's not an automatic disqualification for most people.
honestly the whole system is confusing and they don't make it easy to understand what disqualifies you until AFTER you've already messed something up. wish they were more upfront about all these rules
I think there's a difference between solving unemployment as a broader economic issue versus solving problems with the unemployment benefits system. Both are important but they're separate problems that need different approaches.
You're right, I guess I'm conflating the two because dealing with Washington ESD has been so frustrating. But fixing the system would at least help people bridge to better employment.
Update for anyone following this thread - I finally got my adjudication resolved after using that Claimyr service to reach Washington ESD. Turns out it was just a simple verification issue that took 5 minutes to fix once I could actually talk to someone. The bigger unemployment question is still there, but at least my immediate crisis is solved.
Ashley Adams
For anyone still worried about the phone option - seriously don't bother trying to call Washington ESD unless you absolutely have to. The online application is way more efficient and you don't have to deal with busy signals.
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Harper Hill
•Yeah I'm definitely going with the online application after reading all these responses. Thanks everyone!
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Zoe Gonzalez
•And if you do need to call later for any reason, remember that claimyr.com option. Game changer for actually reaching someone.
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Daniel Rogers
One last thing - after you apply online, you should get an email confirmation pretty quickly. If you don't see it within a few hours, check your spam folder before you panic and think the application didn't go through.
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Harper Hill
•Perfect timing on that advice. I'll watch for that confirmation email.
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Aaliyah Reed
•Good point about checking spam. Government emails always seem to end up there for some reason.
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