Can't reach Washington Unemployment? Claimyr connects you to a live ESD agent in minutes.
Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.
Using Claimyr will:
- Connect you to a human agent at the ESD
- Skip the long phone menu
- Call the correct department
- Redial until on hold
- Forward a call to your phone with reduced hold time
- Give you free callbacks if the ESD drops your call
If I could give 10 stars I would
If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
Really made a difference
Really made a difference, save me time and energy from going to a local office for making the call.
Worth not wasting your time calling for hours.
Was a bit nervous or untrusting at first, but my calls went thru. First time the wait was a bit long but their customer chat line on their page was helpful and put me at ease that I would receive my call. Today my call dropped because of EDD and Claimyr heard my concern on the same chat and another call was made within the hour.
An incredibly helpful service
An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
Consistent,frustration free, quality Service.
Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
IT WORKS!! Not a scam!
I tried for weeks to get thru to EDD PFL program with no luck. I gave this a try thinking it may be a scam. OMG! It worked and They got thru within an hour and my claim is going to finally get paid!! I upgraded to the $60 call. Best $60 spent!
Ask the community...
- DO post questions about your issues.
- DO answer questions and support each other.
- DO post tips & tricks to help folks.
- DO NOT post call problems here - there is a support tab at the top for that :)
Join the conversation
Join the conversation
I've been donating plasma for about 4 months now while on unemployment and this thread confirms I've been doing everything right by reporting it as other income each week. One tip I'd add is to screenshot or save confirmation pages when you submit your weekly claims - I had a situation where Washington ESD claimed they never received my income report for one week, but I had the screenshot showing it was submitted. Having that proof saved me from a potential overpayment issue. Also, if anyone is hesitant about starting plasma donation because of the reporting requirements, don't be - it's really straightforward once you get into the routine, and that extra $400-500 per month has been a lifesaver while job hunting.
That's an excellent tip about saving screenshots of your weekly claim submissions! I never thought about keeping proof that I actually reported the income, but you're absolutely right - having that documentation could save you from a lot of headaches if there's ever a dispute. Your point about the extra $400-500 per month is really encouraging too. I'm still on the fence about starting plasma donation, but hearing from someone who's been successfully managing both the donations and the unemployment reporting for several months makes it seem much more manageable. Do you find that the time commitment for donations interferes with your job search activities at all, or is it pretty easy to schedule around interviews and networking?
Great question about scheduling! I've found that most plasma centers are pretty flexible with appointment times, and since each donation takes about 1-2 hours, it's easy to work around job search activities. I usually donate in the early morning or evening when I'm less likely to have interviews scheduled. The key is treating it like any other appointment - I block out the time and plan my job search activities around it. Some weeks I've had to skip donations due to interviews or networking events, but most centers are understanding about that. The extra income has actually reduced my job search stress significantly, which I think has made me more effective in interviews. When you're not constantly worried about making rent, you can focus better on finding the right opportunity rather than just taking the first job that comes along.
This thread has been incredibly informative! As someone who's been considering plasma donation while on unemployment, I really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and knowledge. The clarification that it needs to be reported as "other income" rather than wages is particularly helpful - I would have definitely made that mistake. I'm also grateful for the practical tips about record keeping and saving screenshots of weekly claim submissions. It's reassuring to hear from people like @Omar Zaki who've been successfully managing both plasma donation and unemployment reporting for months. The fact that the extra income can actually reduce job search stress and help you be more selective about opportunities is a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share detailed information - this is exactly the kind of real-world guidance that's so hard to find in official documentation!
I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you! As someone who was in the exact same position a few months ago - confused and overwhelmed by conflicting information about plasma donation and unemployment benefits - I really understand how valuable it is to hear from people who've actually navigated this situation successfully. The community knowledge here is amazing, and I love how everyone's been so willing to share their real experiences rather than just repeating generic advice. @Omar Zaki s'point about the psychological benefits of having that extra income cushion really resonates with me too. When you re'not in pure survival mode, you can make better decisions about your career path. Best of luck with whatever you decide about plasma donation - it sounds like you re'going into it well-informed thanks to all the great advice in this thread!
Join the conversation
Just wanted to add my experience from getting audited last month - ESD specifically asked for proof that I actually completed the online activities I logged. They wanted to see browser history, completion certificates, or screenshots showing I finished the videos/courses. For YouTube videos, I now save them to a playlist called "Job Search Activities" and take a screenshot when the video ends. For online courses or workshops, I make sure to complete any quizzes or get completion certificates when available. Also, @Miguel Diaz - regarding your question about mixing activities, I'd recommend no more than 1-2 online resources per week out of your 3 required activities. ESD prefers to see active job searching (applications, networking events, informational interviews) rather than just passive learning. The online stuff is great as a supplement, but don't rely on it entirely for your weekly requirements. One last tip: if you're using resources your WorkSource advisor recommended, mention that in your log entry. Something like "Completed resume workshop video recommended by WorkSource advisor [Name] during 3/28 appointment." This shows you're actively engaged with the reemployment services.
This is incredibly helpful! I never thought about creating a dedicated playlist or taking screenshots as proof. That's such a smart way to document everything. I'm definitely going to mention my WorkSource advisor in my log entries too - that's a great tip about showing active engagement with reemployment services. Thanks for sharing your audit experience, it really helps to know what ESD is actually looking for!
Great question Miguel! I just went through this same situation a few months ago. Here's what worked for me when logging WorkSource-recommended online resources: **For your job search log:** - Activity Type: "Skills Development" or "Career Services" - Resource Name: Full title of the video/website (not just the URL) - Date & Time: When you completed it + how long you spent - Description: What specific skills you learned and how it applies to your job search - Source: "Recommended by WorkSource Advisor [Name] on [Date]" **Important tips:** - Keep the actual URLs in a separate document for your records - Take a screenshot when you finish each video as proof - Spend at least 30 minutes per activity to meet ESD standards - Mix these with actual job applications - don't do all 3 activities as online learning When filing your weekly claim, yes you can answer that you completed your job search activities. If there's a field asking for details, mention "Completed WorkSource-recommended career development activities" along with any job applications you submitted. I've never been audited, but I keep detailed records just in case. The key is being specific about what you learned and how it helps your job search rather than just listing "watched video.
This is fantastic advice, @Gabriel Freeman! I really appreciate you breaking down the exact format for logging activities. The tip about taking screenshots for proof is something I hadn't considered but makes total sense after reading about @Yara Abboud and @CosmicCaptain's audit experiences. I'm definitely going to follow your template for my job search log - especially noting my WorkSource advisor's name and the date they recommended the resources. Quick question though - when you mention spending at least 30 minutes per activity, does that mean I should watch longer videos or spend additional time taking notes to reach that threshold? Some of the interview technique videos my advisor shared are only about 15-20 minutes long.
Join the conversation
Another thing to keep in mind is that Washington ESD considers your field of expertise when determining suitable work. Since you were a warehouse supervisor with management responsibilities, they understand that's a specialized skill set that commands higher wages. A regular warehouse worker position isn't just a pay cut - it's also a significant step down in responsibility level. You're absolutely within your rights to decline this offer and continue searching for supervisory roles that match your experience and previous salary range. Just make sure to keep detailed records of your job search efforts and any offers you receive or decline.
This is exactly what I needed to hear! The responsibility level difference is huge - going from managing people and processes back to just basic warehouse tasks feels like it would be a real career setback. I'm definitely going to keep looking for supervisor positions that actually use my management experience. Thanks for pointing out that specialized skills matter in these decisions!
Exactly right about the specialized skills aspect! I went through something similar when I was laid off from my logistics coordinator position. Washington ESD recognized that my experience in supply chain management and vendor relations wasn't something I should have to abandon for just any warehouse job. The key is being able to articulate how your supervisory experience - the team management, safety compliance, inventory oversight - represents legitimate career advancement that you shouldn't be expected to give up after just 6 weeks of unemployment. Document not just the wage difference but also the scope of responsibilities in your previous role versus what's being offered. That complete picture really strengthens your case for declining unsuitable work.
My husband has been outta work since last week of July, with one phone interview and one in person. We’re about to go to 13 weeks of benefits. He might have to take a job that pays 60% less than what he was earning, as nothing in tech industry employment is panning out - 29 yrs software development. We’re concerned if he doesn’t take this and nothing in the next 13 weeks…we’re homeless! So we figure better to be able to pay mortgage and food on table, and to declare bankruptcy coz we cant pay our bills!
I can't imagine how stressful this must be for your family. 29 years in software development represents incredibly valuable expertise that companies desperately need. Before accepting such a drastic pay cut, have you explored all the tech networking opportunities? LinkedIn, local tech meetups, former colleagues who might know of openings? Sometimes the best opportunities come through professional networks rather than job boards. Also, consider that many companies are struggling to find experienced developers right now - your husband's skills are in demand, it's just a matter of connecting with the right opportunity. If you do end up needing to take temporary lower-paying work to keep afloat, remember it doesn't have to be permanent, and you can often continue receiving partial UI benefits while working. Hang in there - 29 years of experience doesn't just disappear, and the right opportunity will recognize that value.
I'm really sorry to hear about your husband's situation - being in tech for 29 years and facing this kind of uncertainty must be devastating. One thing that might help is looking into whether Washington state offers any extended benefits or additional programs for long-term tech workers who've been displaced. Given the widespread tech layoffs, there may be specific resources available. Also, has he considered reaching out to his professional network from those 29 years? Sometimes former colleagues, managers, or even people he mentored might know of opportunities that aren't publicly posted yet. The 60% pay cut is really severe - I'd definitely recommend calling Washington ESD to discuss whether that would truly be considered "suitable work" for someone with his experience level, even at the 13-week mark. Don't give up hope yet - your husband's decades of experience are incredibly valuable, and the right opportunity could still come along.
Join the conversation
Just wanted to follow up and say THANK YOU to everyone who helped, especially @Evelyn Martinez for the specific breakdown and @Freya Nielsen for connecting the dots about my short-term job! I uploaded documentation from both construction companies last night - W2s, paystubs from my main employer, the few paystubs I still had from that 3-week job, and my layoff letter, all clearly labeled. Woke up this morning and the "missing employment information" alert is GONE! My claim status changed to "processing" and I actually got a timeline estimate of 3-5 business days. After almost a month of stress, I can't believe it was that simple once I knew what they actually needed. This community is a lifesaver - the ESD website and phone system are absolutely useless but you all provided clearer guidance than I ever got from official sources. Hopefully this thread helps other people in the same boat!
This is amazing news and such a relief to hear! I'm so glad you got it sorted out. Your experience really shows how important this community is - it's crazy that we have to rely on each other for basic information that ESD should be providing clearly from the start. I'm saving this whole thread for future reference in case I run into similar issues. Congrats on getting your claim moving and thanks for following up to let us know what worked!
This is such a perfect example of how broken the ESD system is! I'm so frustrated reading this because I went through almost the exact same thing 6 months ago. The "missing employment information" alert is completely useless - it tells you nothing about what they actually need. Like others have said, you definitely need to upload documentation for ALL employment during your base year, including that 3-week construction job. I made the same mistake of forgetting about a short temp job and it held up my claim for weeks. The fact that we have to crowdsource basic information that should be clearly explained on their website is absolutely ridiculous. ESD really needs to overhaul how they communicate document requirements because this confusion happens to literally everyone. Really glad @Evelyn Martinez was able to provide the official breakdown - that kind of clarity should be available upfront, not something you have to hunt down in forums!
Absolutely agree! It's infuriating that ESD makes such basic information so hard to find. I just went through this exact situation myself and ended up in the same documentation hunt. What really gets me is that they have all this technology for their portal but can't be bothered to create clear, specific guidance about what documents they need for different scenarios. Instead we're all left guessing and stressing about losing our homes while they sit on claims for weeks. Thank goodness for people like @Evelyn Martinez sharing insider knowledge, but it shouldn t'take an ESD employee randomly commenting in a community forum for us to get answers that should be standard information!
Connor Murphy
I'm so sorry this happened to you! This exact same thing happened to my sister last month - ESD denied her entire claim over one week where she forgot to upload her job search documentation, even though she had done all the required activities. The good news is she successfully appealed it and got all her benefits restored! Here's what worked for her: - She filed the appeal within 10 days (don't wait!) - She gathered ANY evidence from that week - even screenshots of Indeed searches, LinkedIn activity, or emails to friends about job hunting - In her appeal letter, she was very specific about what activities she did that week, even without perfect documentation - She emphasized this was a one-time administrative error, not willful non-compliance The hearing officer agreed that denying an entire claim for a single documentation mistake was excessive. The whole process took about 6 weeks, but she got paid for all the weeks she was entitled to. Stay persistent and don't let them intimidate you into giving up. What they're doing to you sounds like a clear overreach of their authority. You've got this!
0 coins
Zoe Christodoulou
•This gives me so much hope! Thank you for sharing your sister's success story - it's exactly what I needed to hear right now. I'm definitely not waiting to file my appeal. I've been going through my emails and found a few job application confirmations from that week, plus I can see my browser history showing I was on job sites. It's not perfect documentation, but it proves I was actively searching. Your point about being specific in the appeal letter is really helpful - I'll make sure to detail exactly what I did that week even without the perfect paperwork. Six weeks feels like forever when you're struggling financially, but knowing there's light at the end of the tunnel makes it bearable. Thank you for the encouragement!
0 coins
Yara Sayegh
I'm so sorry you're going through this - what a nightmare! I'm relatively new to unemployment benefits but this seems completely unreasonable. From everything I'm reading here, it sounds like ESD made a serious error in denying your ENTIRE claim over one missed documentation week. I just wanted to add that while you're gathering evidence and filing your appeal, you might also want to document the financial hardship this is causing (like your back rent situation). Sometimes showing the real-world impact of their error can help your case. Also, I noticed several people mentioned continuing to file weekly claims during the appeal - definitely do this! I learned the hard way with other government benefits that you have to keep filing even when there's a dispute, or you lose eligibility for those weeks entirely. The fact that so many people here have successfully appealed similar situations gives me hope for your case. It sounds like you were doing everything right except for one administrative mistake, and that definitely shouldn't result in losing everything. Hang in there and don't let them intimidate you into giving up!
0 coins
Grace Thomas
•Thank you so much for the encouragement and practical advice! You're absolutely right about documenting the financial hardship - I hadn't thought about including that in my appeal, but it really shows how their error is affecting real people's lives. The back rent situation is getting scary, so I'll definitely mention that. And yes, I'm going to keep filing my weekly claims no matter what - I can't afford to lose any more weeks because of technicalities. It's really comforting to see how supportive this community is. Even though you're new to this, your advice is spot on. Sometimes an outside perspective helps you see things you might miss when you're panicking. I'm feeling much more confident about fighting this now!
0 coins