Washington Unemployment
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Just got laid off - how long until first ESD unemployment payment arrives?
Just got the bad news today - entire department got cut due to budget issues. I'm planning to file my initial unemployment claim on Monday morning. Pretty sure I qualify since I've been at this job for over 2 years and the layoff wasn't my fault at all. For those who've recently gone through this process with ESD in Washington - how long did it take from filing to receiving your first payment? I've got about 3 weeks of savings to cover bills, but after that I'm going to be in trouble. Also, any tips to avoid delays? Should I call them after filing or just wait? I heard there's a waiting week but not sure if that's still a thing in 2025. Thanks in advance for any advice!
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ESD claim shows paid but no money in bank account after 5 days - normal delay?
My unemployment claim finally got approved this Saturday (April 2nd) after weeks of waiting. All my weekly claims switched from
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UPDATE: The money finally showed up in my account this morning! So it took exactly 6 days from when it showed as
ESD zeroed overpayment but OAH still forcing us through appeal hearing - how to end this nightmare?
After 2 years of fighting an ESD overpayment claim, they finally zeroed out my husband's balance last month. We thought the nightmare was OVER! But now the Office of Administrative Hearings is STILL forcing us to go through with an appeal hearing for a waiver request we filed before the balance was zeroed. Our ULP attorney says this doesn't make sense since there's literally nothing to waive anymore (the balance is $0), but the judge refuses to dismiss the case. Has anyone dealt with this absurd situation? Why would OAH waste resources on a moot appeal? We're exhausted from 2+ years of this bureaucratic hell and just want to move on with our lives. Any advice on getting this dismissed when even our lawyer seems stumped?
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wow reading all this makes me nervous... im only 3 months into my ESD saga and already losing my mind. to think this could drag on for YEARS is terrifying
One thing I've learned dealing with unemployment appeals: show up fully prepared for every hearing, even if it seems pointless. The administrative law judges can be very particular about procedure. Make sure you or your attorney clearly state at the beginning of the hearing that you believe the issue is moot due to ESD's decision to zero the balance. Get that on the record immediately before any other discussion happens.
Excellent advice. Also, make sure to get a written declaration from the ESD agent who zeroed out the balance explaining why they did so. Having this as an exhibit for your hearing provides stronger evidence than just saying it was zeroed out.
Can I keep filing weekly ESD claims until first paycheck from new job arrives?
Just accepted a new job (finally!) but my start date is next Monday and they said the first paycheck won't come until 3 weeks after I start. Does anyone know if I can keep filing my weekly unemployment claims until I actually receive my first paycheck? I have 3 kids and rent is due on the 1st. I'm worried about how to cover everything if I have to stop benefits immediately upon starting work. Do I need to report that I've accepted the job on this week's claim even though I haven't started yet? I don't want to do anything wrong but I also don't want my family to go hungry while waiting for that first paycheck to arrive.
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Everyone here is mostly right but missing ONE important detail - the 'waiting week'!!!! If you've been on unemployment for a while you already served it, but if this is newer for you, Washington has a mandatory one-week waiting period where you don't get paid benefits. So if you're just starting unemployment AND a new job, that could impact things. Also make sure you're checking your correspondence in eServices because sometimes they send important notices there that don't come through email!!!!
This isn't relevant to OP's situation. The waiting week only applies at the beginning of a claim. Since they've been receiving benefits already, they've already served their waiting week. This doesn't affect reporting work or the transition to employment.
UPDATE: I talked to an ESD agent this morning and got clarification. They confirmed I don't need to report accepting the job on this week's claim, only when I actually start working. Once I start working, I'll need to report my hours and earnings even though I won't be paid yet. Since my new job is full-time (40 hours), I won't be eligible for any benefits once I start, regardless of when I get my first paycheck. Basically there will be a 3-week gap with no unemployment and no paycheck. The agent suggested I contact local community organizations for emergency assistance if needed. Thanks everyone for your help! I'll start looking into local resources to help bridge the gap.
glad u got it figured out! check with ur local DSHS office too, they sometimes have emergency funds 4 situations like this.
Won ESD appeal hearing but still no payment - how long after judge reversal?
So I finally had my appeal hearing last week with the OAH judge, and they reversed the ESD's denial of my benefits (thank goodness)! The judge said I was eligible from the beginning and shouldn't have been disqualified. But now I'm wondering how long it typically takes for ESD to actually process this and start sending payments? It's been 5 days since the judge's decision and my account still shows 'disqualified' when I log in. I've already waited almost 3 months fighting this denial and my savings are completely wiped out. Has anyone else gone through the appeal process recently? How long did it take after winning for you to actually see money? And does anyone know a way to actually reach a human being at ESD? I've tried calling the regular number about 30 times this week, but either get disconnected or stuck on hold forever.
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she called right when they opened at 8am and still waited on hold for like 2 hours lol. the early morning seems slightly better than calling later in the day. good luck!
One more thing to note - be sure to check your correspondence inbox in eServices regularly. Sometimes they'll send notices asking for additional information even after the appeal is decided. Missing these can cause further delays. Also, if it's been more than 3 weeks since the judge's decision, you can contact your state representative's office. They often have direct channels to ESD and can help expedite things.
Great advice, thank you! I'll check my inbox daily and will definitely contact my rep if it goes beyond 3 weeks. Fingers crossed it doesn't come to that.
Natasha Petrova
YES i did direct deposit! Way faster than their debit card option. Just make sure u enter ur banking info correctly cuz if u mess that up it's another HUGE delay to fix it.
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Javier Hernandez
Another tip - make sure you start doing your job search activities immediately and document them properly. Even during your waiting week, you need to complete and log 3 job search activities. If you don't, they can deny benefits for that week once your claim is approved. The WorkSource workshops count as activities and are pretty easy to complete online.
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Amina Bah
omg this is so important!!! i lost a whole week of benefits because i didnt know i had to do job search stuff during the waiting week!!
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