Washington ESD should really make this clearer on their website. I was confused about the payment methods too when I first filed.

Just wanted to add that if you're still waiting for your first payment to process, you can check the status in your eServices account under "Payment Information." The debit card usually ships within a few days of your first payment being issued, not when you're approved. So there might be a bit of a delay between approval and actually getting the card. Also, if you move during this time, make sure to update your address with both Washington ESD AND KeyBank separately - they handle different parts of the process.

just want to say good luck with the coding bootcamp! my cousin did one last year and now makes like $95k at Amazon. totally worth it even if ESD gives you a hard time about CATS

I actually got approved for CATS for a data analytics bootcamp back in December! Took about 6 weeks to hear back, which was nerve-wracking but worth the wait. A few things that I think helped my application: 1) I included documentation showing the bootcamp was accredited and had partnerships with local employers, 2) I wrote a detailed explanation of how the skills would help me find work in my previous field (marketing) plus open up new opportunities, and 3) I made sure to emphasize that data analysis is listed as a high-demand occupation in Washington. The waiting period was stressful but my benefits continued normally while they reviewed everything. Once approved, not having to do job searches was such a relief since the bootcamp is pretty intensive. One thing to note - they do check in periodically to make sure you're making satisfactory progress, so keep your grades/completion records handy. Really hoping it works out for you too! The tech field definitely qualifies as in-demand so you should have a good shot.

the 26 weeks went by so fast for me too. feels like i just started filing and now its over. back to the drawing board i guess

Just want to echo what others said about Claimyr - I was skeptical at first but it really does work. Used it to get clarification about my benefit calculation and the ESD agent was able to explain everything clearly. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person.

One more thing - some property management companies have specific policies about unemployment income. Call ahead and ask before wasting time on applications. Saves everyone time and frustration.

I went through this exact situation about a year ago in Tacoma. What helped me was creating a "rental package" with all my documents organized in a folder: monetary determination letter, 3 months of bank statements showing UI deposits, my job search log from WorkSource, and a brief cover letter explaining my situation and timeline for finding work. Most landlords appreciated the transparency and organization. Also consider looking at smaller, independent landlords rather than big property management companies - they tend to be more flexible about income sources. Don't get discouraged if a few places say no, there are definitely landlords out there who understand that unemployment benefits are reliable government income.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm sure this thread will help other people who get similar confusing determination letters from Washington ESD. The 'denied with relief' wording really is terrible - sounds like bad news when it's actually good news.

Congrats on getting a favorable determination! I went through something similar last year and the whole process was so stressful. The wording on these letters is absolutely terrible - I remember panicking when I saw "denied" even though it was actually good news. Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims while you wait for the payments to start processing. In my case, it took about 10 business days after getting the determination letter for the first payment to hit my account, and then I got all the back pay for the weeks I'd been waiting. The relief you'll feel when you see those deposits is amazing after all that uncertainty!