Thanks everyone for the detailed explanations. I had no idea there were so many economic factors involved. It makes sense now why some unemployment is actually necessary for a healthy economy, even though it's tough for individuals going through it.

This is such a helpful discussion! As someone currently navigating the Washington ESD system myself, I appreciate learning about the economic theory behind unemployment rates. It's fascinating that what seems counterintuitive - that some unemployment is actually good - makes perfect sense when you break down frictional, structural, and seasonal unemployment. I never realized that 0% unemployment could indicate an overheated economy or lack of job mobility. While I'm still frustrated waiting for my adjudication to complete, understanding that unemployment benefits serve as a bridge during these natural economic transitions makes the system feel more purposeful rather than just bureaucratic hassle.

Bookmarking this thread for future reference. And that Claimyr service sounds useful - I'm going to check out their demo video.

I'm dealing with the same issue right now - my payment was supposed to come yesterday but still nothing. Reading through all these comments is really reassuring though. It sounds like Washington ESD is just having system delays this week and everyone's payments are slowly coming through. I'll keep checking my account and wait until Monday before getting too worried. Thanks for starting this thread - it's so helpful to know we're not alone in this!

btw when u do ur weekly claims make sure u check ur eServices inbox every week too. sometimes they send u important messages there and dont email u about them. my friend almost got her benefits cancelled cuz she missed some questionnaire they sent

Great job applying, Mei! You're doing exactly the right thing. One more tip from my experience - keep detailed records of everything. I created a simple spreadsheet tracking my weekly hours worked, gross earnings, and benefit payments. It saved me when ESD questioned something months later. Also, if your employer ever gives you a written notice about potential hour increases or changes, save those emails/documents too. They can be helpful if you need to request standby status later or if there are any disputes. The $435 weekly benefit should definitely help bridge the gap while you're dealing with reduced hours!

One last thing - if you're approved for SNAP while on unemployment, you might also qualify for reduced-cost utilities through LIHEAP. It's worth looking into all the assistance programs available, not just food and unemployment.

This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation and have been hesitant to apply for SNAP because I wasn't sure how it would interact with my unemployment benefits. Reading everyone's experiences has given me the confidence to move forward with the application. It's reassuring to know that so many people have successfully received both types of assistance without any issues. Thank you all for sharing your knowledge and experiences - it really makes a difference for those of us navigating these systems for the first time.

One last thing for the original poster - make sure you apply as soon as you become unemployed if you think you might qualify. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file your claim, so don't wait around trying to figure out every detail first.

Just wanted to add that if you're still confused about whether your work history qualifies, you can also visit a local WorkSource office in person. They have staff who can help you understand the base period requirements and even help you apply if needed. Sometimes it's easier to get these questions answered face-to-face rather than trying to navigate the website or phone system. Plus they can help you explore other resources if unemployment doesn't work out.