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One more thing that trips people up - if you're doing any freelance or contract work while unemployed, even just occasionally, you have to report it. Failing to report income can make you ineligible and create overpayment issues.
Any work for pay needs to be reported, regardless of how small. Washington ESD is strict about income reporting. Even $20 here and there needs to be disclosed on your weekly claims.
Based on everything discussed here, your best bet is to call Washington ESD and specifically ask about the alternate base period for your wages. If the regular phone line isn't working, services like Claimyr can help you actually get connected to someone who can review your specific situation.
Thanks everyone for all the detailed info! I'm going to gather my wage information and try to get through to Washington ESD to discuss the base period issue.
I used Claimyr when I couldn't get through to check on my claim status during week 3. Turned out there was a simple verification issue that was holding things up. Got it resolved the same day instead of waiting indefinitely.
Bottom line - if everything goes perfectly, 3-4 weeks from filing to first payment. Budget for 4-6 weeks to be safe, especially if you're filing for the first time or have any employment complications.
For anyone still confused about timing - the waiting week payment is triggered after you've been paid for 3 consecutive weeks of regular UI benefits AND you've continued to file your weekly claims. If you miss filing a week or get disqualified for any reason, it can delay the waiting week payment.
The whole waiting week concept is just another way for them to hold onto our money longer. It's frustrating but at least we do eventually get it back.
Restaurant work can be unpredictable but unemployment is designed to help with exactly these situations. I worked in food service for years and filed for partial benefits several times when hours got cut. It definitely helped bridge the gap until business picked up again.
If you end up having trouble with your claim or need to speak to someone at Washington ESD, I'd suggest trying that Claimyr service mentioned earlier. I was skeptical at first but when I was stuck in adjudication hell for over a month, they helped me get through to an agent who cleared up the issue in one phone call. Sometimes it's worth paying for help when the regular system isn't working.
Lydia Santiago
Update: my card finally arrived today! Took exactly 12 business days from when my first payment was processed. Thanks everyone for the advice and support.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Congrats! Still waiting on mine but this gives me hope it'll come soon.
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Romeo Quest
•Awesome! Make sure to keep it somewhere safe once you activate it.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
Final update: Got my card today! Took 13 business days total. Thanks to everyone who helped, especially those who suggested Claimyr when I needed to call Washington ESD for confirmation. This thread was super helpful!
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Ev Luca
•Great news! Now you can stop stressing about it.
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Val Rossi
•This whole thread helped me too. Good to know the current timeline is around 2 weeks.
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