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One more critical piece of advice: start documenting your job search activities immediately (at least 3 per week). Even if your claim is still processing, you need to be completing and logging these activities from the first week you're unemployed. I've seen so many people get denied retroactive payments because they didn't do their job search requirements during the waiting period. The WorkSource Virtual Job Fair next Tuesday might be worth attending - it counts as a job search activity and you might find something that beats waiting for unemployment.
Thanks for the reminder about job search activities! I wasn't doing those last time until after I was approved and then had to scramble to catch up. I'll start keeping track right away this time. And I'll definitely check out that job fair - at this point I'd rather find something quick than deal with ESD for months.
btw dont forget to check ur spam folder for ESD emails.. they sent me like 5 messages asking for more info and they ALL went to spam. cost me like 3 extra weeks of waiting!
Oh! Great tip - I just checked and actually found an ESD notice from today in my spam folder! It's asking me to verify my identity through ID.me. Thank you!!!
Have you tried calling ESD directly to ask? I've been trying to reach someone about my claim for THREE WEEKS and can never get through - always busy signals or disconnects after waiting forever. This system is absolutely maddening when you need actual help.
I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. It was such a relief after weeks of failing to get through on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and the website is claimyr.com. Definitely worth checking out if you're desperate to talk to someone at ESD directly.
Is there any way to request a hardship payment or something? I mean there should be some provision for this exact situation!
Unfortunately, ESD doesn't offer any hardship provisions for this specific situation. The system is designed to support you during periods of no work, not during the transition to employment. You might want to check with local community assistance programs if you need emergency help with bills before your paycheck arrives.
Have you tried filing by mail as a last resort? ESD actually still accepts paper weekly claim forms! You can download the form from their website and mail it in. It's slower (takes about 5-7 days to process) but at least it gets done. Here's what I did when I had a similar issue: 1. Downloaded the weekly claim form from esd.wa.gov 2. Filled it out completely (make sure to answer all the job search questions) 3. Made a copy for my records 4. Mailed it to the address on the form 5. Called after a week to confirm they received it Not ideal, but works in a pinch!
I didn't know they still took paper forms! That's a good backup option if I can't get through on these phone numbers. Do you know if there's a time limit for mailing them in? Like do they need to receive it by a certain date?
The paper forms should be received within 7 days of the end of your claim week. So if your claim week ends on Saturday, they should receive it by the following Saturday. But honestly, they're usually pretty understanding if it's late because of mail delays, especially if you call and explain the situation.
i had this problem and ended up driving to my local worksource office. they have direct lines to esd sometimes and can help you file your claim there. just bring your id and social security card.
This is actually excellent advice! WorkSource offices can often help with unemployment issues. They don't process claims directly, but they usually have dedicated lines to ESD and can assist with basic claim filing issues. Just be sure to check their hours and if you need an appointment before going.
Just wanted to follow up - did your payment go through yet? The banking verification should be complete by now if it's been more than a week.
Dylan Cooper
Just a friendly reminder that ESD processes payments Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. So since you were approved on March 1st (which was a Friday), the payment processing likely didn't start until Monday, March 4th. Direct deposits typically take 2-3 business days after processing begins. And yes, as others mentioned, back payments generally arrive as one lump sum. Check both your ESD account payment history AND your bank account regularly. Sometimes the ESD portal will update before the money arrives.
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Sofia Ramirez
•I hate that their system is basically stuck in the 1990s. Why can't they do instant transfers like literally everyone else these days?? I get paid instantly from my side gigs but the government takes a week 🙄
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Liam Sullivan
UPDATE: My back payments just hit my account! It took exactly 4 business days after approval. Total relief! Thanks everyone for your help and advice. For anyone else in the same situation - hang in there, the money does come through eventually.
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Amara Okafor
•awesome!! glad it worked out for u!
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