


Ask the community...
my cousin waited 2 months for her refund but her neighbor got it in 3 weeks so i think it just depends lol the whole pandemic benefit thing was such a mess my brother is still fighting his overpayment notice from 2021 can u believe that??
Update: It's been a week since my original post and I called ESD this morning (actually got through after only 45 minutes on hold!). The agent told me my refund has been approved but is in a processing queue. She said to expect it in about 3 more weeks and that I'll receive it via direct deposit. Just wanted to update in case anyone else is in a similar situation.
my friend applied back in october and just got approved last week so looks like theyre SUPER behind right now. hang in there man
UPDATE: For anyone following this thread, ESD just published an official notice on their website about current processing times. They've acknowledged the delays and stated they're currently working through November applications, with most December applications expected to be processed by the end of February. They've also temporarily added 45 additional claims processors to address the backlog. If your claim has been pending for more than 8 weeks with no issues identified, they recommend submitting a claim escalation request through your eServices secure message center.
dont worry too much, when i won my appeal they let me backfile for all the missed weeks. took like another week to process tho after i did the backfiling stuff
Just checking in - any updates on your situation? Has ESD processed your payment yet or sent you the Redetermination Notice?
Yes! Finally got some good news! The ESD Redetermination came yesterday, and they're allowing me to backfile for the missed weeks. The agent I spoke with (finally got through!) said I should see the full payment within 3-5 business days. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice through this process.
Hey not to hijack this thread but has anyone else noticed that the payment amounts seem different lately? I used to get $672 but now I'm getting $695 and I didn't report any income changes. Is this normal??
That's completely normal. ESD implemented a cost-of-living adjustment in January 2025 that slightly increased weekly benefit amounts for most claimants. You should have received a notice about it in your ESD correspondence inbox. The increase varies based on your previous earnings, but most people saw a 3-4% increase.
UPDATE: The money just hit my account this morning! So it took exactly 4 business days after showing as 'paid' in the ESD system. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance. I think the holiday weekend definitely affected the timing.
QuantumQuest
I don't understand why they send approval letters and then make u wait MORE WEEKS for actual money. The whole system is designed to make people suffer i swear. I'm in week 6 of waiting for ANY money from my claim and have an eviction notice now. Approval letter came 3 weeks ago. This state is a JOKE.
0 coins
Sofia Ramirez
•I'm sorry you're going through this. If you're facing eviction, make sure to mention that when contacting ESD - they have procedures to expedite payments in hardship cases. Also, connect with your local DSHS office about emergency assistance programs that might help while waiting for unemployment benefits to start.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Mazrouei
Update: Just called ESD (miraculously got through!) and found out what was happening. They told me my payments were pending because they were waiting on my previous employer to verify the reason for separation. The agent put a note on my account to expedite the process, and said I should see payments within 48-72 hours if everything checks out. She also confirmed my weekly benefit amount remains at $875 since I'm on the same claim. What a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice.
0 coins
NebulaKnight
•Nice! How'd you manage to get through to them? I always get stuck in that stupid phone menu hell.
0 coins
Fatima Al-Mazrouei
•Pure luck I think! Called right when they opened at 8am and only had to wait about 30 minutes. The agent was actually really helpful once I got through.
0 coins