For future reference, Washington ESD has a payment schedule page that shows when payments are typically processed each week. Might help with planning.

this whole thread is making me realize how many people have payment timing issues with Washington ESD. seems like a pretty common problem

Try contacting your state representatives office too. They sometimes know about programs or resources that aren't widely advertised.

Sorry you're going through this. The system is complicated and unfair in many ways. Focus on finding work and accessing whatever community resources are available.

Make sure you understand the difference between gross and net earnings when they calculate your benefits. They use gross wages but the actual benefit amount will be less than your full pay.

The whole process is definitely intimidating at first, but millions of people go through it every year. Your work history sounds like it should qualify you without any issues if you do end up needing benefits.

If it helps, I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I was having payment delays. They helped me figure out there was a small issue with my work search log that was holding things up. Got it resolved same day.

Update: Just checked my account and there's a payment showing as processed yesterday! Should hit my bank account tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the help and explaining the timeline. Feel much better now knowing what to expect going forward.

washington esd also has a mobile app now that makes filing weekly claims easier than the website. just fyi

Whatever you do, make sure you report your restaurant income accurately when you file. Even small amounts of unreported income can cause big problems later with overpayment notices.