Food benefits and unemployment are different agencies. DSHS will not restart an ESD claim. Last checked August 29, 2026.
DSHS — Basic Food, cash, Apple Health path
Apply and report changes: WashingtonConnection.org
Statewide customer service: 1-877-501-2233
CSO hours are typically Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Eligibility interviews often stop earlier in the afternoon — do not arrive at 4:30 expecting a full intake.
Pierce offices people actually use:
- Pierce North CSO — 1967 S. State Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
- Pierce South CSO — 1301 E. 72nd Street, Tacoma, WA 98404
- Lakewood CSO — 5712 Main Street SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
Bring ID, proof of income, proof of address. EBT replacement can start on Washington Connection or at a CSO / mobile CSO. Health coverage applications also live in Washington Healthplanfinder — different login than ESD.
Unemployment — Employment Security
File and certify: esd.wa.gov eServices
Claims: 1-800-318-6022 · Relay 711
Official contact: ESD contact
Talk to an agent: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m.–noon only (that split was still posted August 2026). Automated weekly claims: Sunday 12:01 a.m. through Friday 4 p.m. Online claims run all week. First week eligible is a waiting week. File every week even while they decide.
Phones die if you redial in a loop. Official advice: try the hour before close Tue–Thu, or Friday, and use eServices first.