One more tip - make sure to keep records of when you stopped filing claims in case Washington ESD ever asks about it later. Documentation is your friend.

Also worth noting that some employers offer direct deposit setup before your first day, which can speed up getting that first paycheck. Ask HR if they can expedite the paperwork so you get paid on the earliest possible pay cycle. Many companies are willing to help new hires with this kind of timing issue if you explain the situation upfront.

i think u should just keep claiming and not tell them about ur job till u get paid lol thats what my roomate did

Congratulations on landing the job! Just want to add one more tip that really helped me - when you file your weekly claims during those two weeks before starting, make sure to keep detailed records of everything you report. Screenshot your weekly claim confirmations and save any correspondence from ESD. This saved me when there was confusion later about my benefit period. Also, once you start working, be very precise about reporting your work hours - round to the nearest quarter hour if needed, but don't guess. ESD can be pretty strict about accuracy, so it's better to be overly detailed than to leave anything unclear. Good luck with the new position!

This whole thread is incredibly reassuring! I'm currently dealing with a different claim issue (overpayment notice that I think is incorrect) and have been dreading the phone call process. Seeing how @Yuki Nakamura got through with Claimyr and how understanding the ESD staff were gives me hope. It's amazing how one small UI mistake can cause such panic when you're already dealing with financial stress. The fact that they see these accidental clicks regularly and have processes to fix them shows the system isn't completely broken, even if the phone access is terrible. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly the kind of real-world info that helps people navigate these scary situations!

I'm so glad you got through and got it resolved! Reading through all these experiences really shows how common this mistake is - the UI system definitely needs better design to prevent these accidental clicks. The fact that ESD sees these cases routinely is both comforting and frustrating at the same time. It's great that they have processes to handle it, but it shouldn't be so easy to make these mistakes in the first place. Anyway, hoping your adjudication goes smoothly and you get your backpay soon. Thanks for keeping us updated - it really helps other people who might face the same situation!

One last tip - if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD about a denial, that Claimyr service really does work. I was skeptical at first, but it saved me weeks of trying to get through on my own. Sometimes you need to talk to a human to understand what went wrong with your claim.

Another reason people get denied that hasn't been mentioned yet is refusing to participate in reemployment services. Washington ESD sometimes requires certain claimants to attend workshops, job fairs, or meet with career counselors. If you're selected for these services and don't show up or participate, they can deny your benefits. They usually send you a notice if you're required to participate, so make sure to read all your mail from ESD carefully.

Another option to consider: Some banks offer small short-term loans or advances for customers with direct deposit history. If you've had your unemployment benefits direct deposited, your bank might offer something to help bridge the gap. Credit unions especially tend to have more flexible options than big banks. Also, if you've been doing your job search activities through WorkSource, they sometimes have funds specifically to help with employment transition barriers - which could include the gap between starting work and first paycheck. Definitely ask about this specifically when you talk to your specialist.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when I started a state job that paid monthly. It's incredibly stressful! Here's what I found out: once you start working full-time, your UI benefits stop immediately regardless of when you get paid. But there are some things that helped me survive that gap: 1) Many food banks don't require proof of income and can help stretch your grocery budget, 2) Some utility companies have hardship programs that can defer payments, and 3) If you're renting, talk to your landlord ASAP - many are willing to work with you if you're honest about starting a new job and when you'll get paid. Also, see if your new employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - some offer emergency financial assistance or can connect you with resources. The first month is tough but you'll get through it!