Wow, this whole thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my ESD portal shows $3,200 in backpay processed on Feb 15th, but I've only received about $1,800 so far in weird random amounts. Reading everyone's experiences makes me feel so much better that this is apparently "normal" (even though it's super stressful when you're waiting for money you desperately need). I'm definitely going to try calling ReliaCard directly tomorrow and check for any verification holds. It's crazy how many hoops we have to jump through just to get our own money! Thanks for sharing the update about your resolution - gives me hope that mine will work out too.

This thread has been so reassuring! I'm currently dealing with something similar - got a lump sum backpay of $5,400 showing as "paid" in my ESD portal on March 15th, but ReliaCard has been depositing it in chunks over the past two weeks. So far I've gotten $1,950, then $1,200, then nothing for 5 days, then another $850 yesterday. It's definitely stressful when you're budgeting around money that should be there but isn't! One thing I discovered that might help others - if you log into ReliaCard online and go to the "Pending Transactions" section, sometimes it shows deposits that are scheduled but haven't posted yet. Mine showed two more deposits pending for this week that I wouldn't have known about otherwise. The mobile app doesn't show pending transactions, only the website does. Also want to echo what others said about calling ReliaCard directly - their hold times are way shorter than ESD and they can actually see what's happening with your specific deposits. The agent I spoke with last week explained that they've had a lot more fraud prevention triggers lately because of increased scam activity, so larger unemployment payments get extra scrutiny.

I'm also in manufacturing and went through this exact process about 6 months ago when my plant closed. You're doing the right thing by filing weekly claims during the review period - I almost made the mistake of stopping when I first applied. The key things that helped me: 1) Set up a simple spreadsheet to track my 3 job searches each week (employer name, position, date applied), 2) Always upload the job search log even if the system seems glitchy, and 3) Be patient with the approval timeline. Mine took about 5 weeks but once approved, I got benefits throughout my entire welding certification program. The peace of mind knowing you can focus on training without scrambling for work is worth the initial stress of the application process. Hang in there!

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago when I got laid off from my retail management position. The stress of not knowing if you'll have income is real! Here's what worked for me: Keep filing your weekly claims religiously - don't skip even one week thinking "oh I'll just wait until I'm approved." I made that mistake in week 2 and it caused a gap in my payments that took forever to fix. Also, keep a detailed record of every job search you do (I used a simple Google doc with columns for company, position, date, and how I applied). The ESD agents I spoke with emphasized that consistency is key - they'd rather see you doing exactly 3 searches every week than doing 10 one week and 1 the next. My Training Benefits took about 4 weeks to approve, and once they did, I got backpay for the entire period. The program was totally worth it - I'm now working in healthcare administration making 30% more than my old job. Hang in there, the system works but it's slow!

Just wanted to add my experience - I took a day trip to Victoria, BC last year while on unemployment and followed the advice here about reporting it. Lost about $85 for that one day (my weekly was around $595) but had zero issues with ESD. The key is being proactive about reporting it rather than hoping they don't find out. Also, I made sure to check my emails and voicemails frequently that day just in case any employers reached out. The peace of mind from being honest was worth way more than the small benefit reduction. Hope you have a great trip with your sister!

One more thing to consider - if you're driving across the border, make sure you have all the proper documentation (enhanced driver's license or passport) and factor in potential wait times at the border crossing when planning your day. I've seen people get stuck in 2-3 hour waits coming back from Vancouver, especially on weekends. You don't want to miss any important calls or emails because you're sitting in border traffic longer than expected. Also, if you have a smartphone plan that doesn't include Canada coverage, consider getting a day pass so you can still receive job-related communications while you're there. The small cost is worth maintaining your availability for urgent employment opportunities.

Whatever you decide, make sure to keep looking for work and filing your weekly claims on time. Don't let financial stress derail your job search. There are solutions out there, you just have to find the right one for your situation.

Another option to consider is checking with your bank about an overdraft line of credit if you have direct deposit set up for your unemployment benefits. Some banks will extend a small credit line based on regular deposits, even if it's unemployment income. The rates are usually better than personal loans and you only pay interest on what you use. Also, if you're comfortable with it, you could try a GoFundMe or ask friends on social media - sometimes people are willing to help with specific needs like car repairs when they can see exactly what the money is for.

Final thought - document everything! Keep copies of all your weekly claim submissions, records of business income, job search activities, everything. If Washington ESD ever questions your claims later, you'll need proof of what you reported and when.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I started freelance writing while collecting unemployment. The most important things I learned: 1) You absolutely must report ALL income from your business activities, even if it's just $20 that week, 2) Keep meticulous records of both your business income AND your job search activities - I use a simple spreadsheet for both, 3) The $5 exemption only applies to the first $5 you earn each week, after that it's dollar-for-dollar reduction in benefits. I actually found that having some business income helped me feel more productive during my job search, and it eventually led to networking opportunities that helped me find my current full-time position. Just be completely transparent with Washington ESD and you'll be fine. Also, consider setting aside some money for taxes on your business income since they won't withhold anything like a regular employer would.