UPDATE: I followed several suggestions here - tracked all my expected payments in a spreadsheet, checked ReliaCard's website (not just the app), and called ReliaCard customer service directly. Turns out there were two payments being held for "unusual activity verification" and one payment scheduled for tomorrow. The agent released the held payments immediately, and I should have everything within 48 hours. Thanks everyone for your help!

Wow, this whole thread is incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my ESD portal shows $3,200 in backpay processed on Feb 15th, but I've only received about $1,800 so far in weird random amounts. Reading everyone's experiences makes me feel so much better that this is apparently "normal" (even though it's super stressful when you're waiting for money you desperately need). I'm definitely going to try calling ReliaCard directly tomorrow and check for any verification holds. It's crazy how many hoops we have to jump through just to get our own money! Thanks for sharing the update about your resolution - gives me hope that mine will work out too.

Washington ESD really needs to improve their communication about these timelines. I had no idea about the 10 day rule until I found this thread.

One thing to remember - even if your employer contests your claim, it doesn't mean you won't get benefits. Washington ESD makes the final decision based on all the information, not just what your employer says.

One more thing I remembered - while your Training Benefits application is pending, make sure you answer "No" to the question "Were you in school or training?" on your weekly claim until you're officially approved. Sounds counterintuitive but that's what ESD told me to do. After approval, you'll answer "Yes" to that question.

I'm currently going through the same situation - just submitted my Training Benefits application two weeks ago for a healthcare certification program. Based on what I've learned from calling ESD multiple times, here's what you need to do: 1) Keep filing your weekly claims as normal, 2) Continue doing your 3 job searches per week and document them properly, 3) Answer "No" to the school/training question on your weekly claims until you're officially approved. The key thing is don't stop filing - you'll get regular UI benefits during the review process. My case worker also told me that if there are any delays or issues with your application, you'll still get backpay for any weeks you filed correctly. The whole process is nerve-wracking but you should be okay financially if you keep up with the weekly filings!

For clarity, here's the official position: You must report any day you are not able and available for work. For a day trip to Canada, you would: 1. Answer "No" to the question asking if you were able and available for work every day of the week 2. On the calendar that appears, select the specific day you were in Canada 3. Your benefit for that week will be reduced by 1/7th of your weekly benefit amount for that one day This is much better than risking an overpayment notice later if they discover you weren't available. And as others mentioned, crossing international borders does create records that ESD can access during eligibility reviews.

Just wanted to add my experience - I took a day trip to Victoria, BC last year while on unemployment and followed the advice here about reporting it. Lost about $85 for that one day (my weekly was around $595) but had zero issues with ESD. The key is being proactive about reporting it rather than hoping they don't find out. Also, I made sure to check my emails and voicemails frequently that day just in case any employers reached out. The peace of mind from being honest was worth way more than the small benefit reduction. Hope you have a great trip with your sister!

Whatever you decide, make sure to keep looking for work and filing your weekly claims on time. Don't let financial stress derail your job search. There are solutions out there, you just have to find the right one for your situation.

Another option to consider is checking with your bank about an overdraft line of credit if you have direct deposit set up for your unemployment benefits. Some banks will extend a small credit line based on regular deposits, even if it's unemployment income. The rates are usually better than personal loans and you only pay interest on what you use. Also, if you're comfortable with it, you could try a GoFundMe or ask friends on social media - sometimes people are willing to help with specific needs like car repairs when they can see exactly what the money is for.