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Another thing to keep in mind - if you're still having trouble after trying the online reset, make sure you're not mixing up your old PIN with a temporary one. Sometimes when you reset it, the system gives you a temporary PIN that you have to change to a permanent one on first login. I got confused by this and kept trying to use the temporary one after I had already changed it. Check your email for any confirmation messages from ESD that might have additional instructions.
That's a really good point about the temporary PIN! I've made that mistake before with other accounts where they give you a temp password that you have to change immediately. It's so easy to get confused about which one you're supposed to be using. Thanks for mentioning the email confirmation too - I always forget to check those for important details.
One more tip that saved me recently - if you've moved since you first filed your unemployment claim, make sure you're using the address that was on file when you originally applied, not your current address. I kept getting locked out during the PIN reset process because I was entering my new ZIP code, but the system was still expecting my old one from when I first set up the account. Once I used the original address info, the reset went through smoothly. Also, if you've changed your phone number, you might need to update that with ESD before the security questions will work properly.
This is such helpful advice! I had a similar issue where I kept using my current info instead of what was originally on file. It's really frustrating that their system doesn't update automatically when you move or change contact details. Do you know if there's a way to update your address info with ESD so future PIN resets use the current information, or do we always have to remember what we originally entered?
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This thread has been absolutely incredible - thank you everyone for sharing such detailed and helpful information! I've been on unemployment for about a month now and was really struggling to understand what activities actually count and how to document them properly. Reading through all these real experiences has been way more helpful than trying to decipher the official Washington ESD website on my own. I'm definitely going to implement the spreadsheet backup system that several people mentioned, and I love the idea of treating job search like a structured job with dedicated hours. One question I have - I've been attending virtual networking events through my professional association, but they're more general networking rather than job-focused. Do these still count as work search activities as long as I'm making connections that could potentially lead to job opportunities? Also, has anyone had experience with whether following up on old applications (like sending a brief check-in email to HR or the hiring manager after 2-3 weeks) counts as a separate networking activity?
Hi Aisha! Great questions! For the professional association networking events, those absolutely count as work search activities even if they're not specifically job-focused. The key is that you're building professional relationships that could potentially lead to job opportunities - that's exactly what networking is supposed to accomplish! Just document them as "Attended [Event Name] virtual networking event through [Professional Association], made X new connections, discussed industry trends and potential opportunities." For following up on old applications, yes that definitely counts as a separate activity! I've been doing this regularly - sending polite follow-up emails 2-3 weeks after applying shows initiative and keeps you on their radar. Document it as something like "Follow-up email to [Hiring Manager/HR] at [Company] regarding [Position Title] application submitted on [Date]." Just make sure the follow-ups are professional and not too frequent (I stick to one follow-up per application). These follow-up activities have actually led to a couple interviews for me even when I thought the initial applications went into a black hole!
This has been such an incredibly helpful thread! I'm just starting my unemployment benefits this week and was completely overwhelmed by the work search requirements. Reading through everyone's real-world experiences and practical tips has made this so much less intimidating. I love the structured approach several people mentioned - treating job search like an actual job with dedicated hours and keeping detailed spreadsheet records as backup documentation. The emphasis on being super specific in documentation (including position IDs, recruiter names, etc.) is really eye-opening. I had no idea about resources like library career services or community college workshops counting as activities either. One thing I'm still wondering about - if I'm working with a career coach (paid service, not through WorkSourceWA), do those sessions count as work search activities? We work on things like interview skills, resume optimization, and job search strategy. Also, does creating profiles on new job sites (beyond the major ones like Indeed/LinkedIn) count as a separate activity each time, or should I lump that into one "online profile creation" activity? Thanks again everyone for making this process feel much more manageable!
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This thread is so helpful! I'm in a similar situation where I just got my PFL approval after weeks of waiting and have 2 weeks to file retroactively. It's reassuring to see so many people confirm that you can file all the back weeks at once. One question though - when you're filing for multiple weeks, do you need to submit separate documentation for each week, or does the original documentation you submitted for approval cover all the retroactive weeks? I want to make sure I have everything ready before I start the process. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences here!
Hey Collins! From my experience and what I've seen others share, the documentation you submitted for your original approval should cover all your retroactive weeks. You typically don't need to resubmit the same medical certs or birth certificates for each individual week - the system references what's already in your file. However, I'd recommend having copies of everything easily accessible just in case the system prompts you for any clarification or if there are any technical hiccups. The weekly filing process is more about confirming your situation for each specific week (like hours worked, income, etc.) rather than resubmitting your core documentation. Good luck with your filing - sounds like you're well prepared!
I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm in almost the exact same situation - just got my PFL approval after a month of waiting and have 3 weeks to file retroactively. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring. It sounds like the process is much more straightforward than I was worried it would be. I especially appreciate all the practical tips about having documentation ready and writing down the specific dates beforehand. One quick question for anyone who's been through this - after you submit all your retroactive weekly claims, do they all get processed at the same time, or do they go through individually? Just trying to set my expectations for when I might see payments. Thanks to everyone who's shared their knowledge here - this community is amazing!
Hey Miles! From what I've seen in my own experience and from others in this thread, the retroactive claims typically get processed individually but usually within a similar timeframe. So you might see one week process and get paid before the others, or sometimes they'll all go through within a day or two of each other. The first week sometimes takes a bit longer (as someone mentioned earlier), but overall most people seem to see their payments within that 5-10 business day window that was mentioned. The nice thing is that once they're all submitted, you don't have to do anything else except wait and keep an eye on your account status. Definitely agree that this community has been super helpful - makes the whole process feel way less intimidating when you can learn from people who've actually been through it!
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I'm new to unemployment benefits and just opened a Gesa account specifically because I heard they were good for direct deposits. This thread is so reassuring! I was worried about timing since I'm also dealing with rent deadlines. Quick question for the Gesa veterans here - does the deposit timing change at all if you're brand new to unemployment? Like, do they hold first-time deposits longer or anything like that? I just filed my first weekly claim on Sunday and ESD shows it as processed, but I want to make sure I have realistic expectations for when it might hit my account. Also, is there any difference between using Gesa's mobile app vs online banking for checking deposits? I want to make sure I'm not missing anything!
Welcome to the unemployment journey! From my experience with Gesa, there shouldn't be any difference in timing for your first deposit versus ongoing ones - Gesa processes ACH transfers the same way regardless. Since you filed Sunday and it shows processed, you should see it follow the same Wednesday night pattern everyone's been describing (around 10:30pm-midnight). As for mobile app vs online banking, they both show the same information in real time, but I personally prefer the mobile app because you can set up push notifications for deposits. That way you don't have to keep checking - you'll get an alert the moment it hits your account. The desktop site is fine too, but the mobile notifications are clutch for knowing exactly when your money arrives. You picked a good credit union! The timing is very consistent once you get into the routine. Good luck with everything!
I've been on unemployment with Gesa for about 6 months and can confirm what everyone else is saying - Wednesday nights between 10pm-midnight is the norm! I file Sunday evenings and it's been incredibly consistent. One thing I'll add that might help with your rent situation: I started using Gesa's "account alerts" feature where they text me the instant any deposit over $100 hits my account. That way I know immediately when my benefits arrive instead of checking obsessively. You can set this up in their mobile app under notifications. Also, for what it's worth, I've found that if I file my weekly claim before noon on Sunday, it seems to process slightly faster than when I file Sunday night. Might just be coincidence, but the earlier filing seems to keep everything on the most predictable schedule. For your landlord, I'd definitely say Thursday morning to be safe, but realistically you should have the funds Wednesday night. The consistency has been one of the few reliable things about this whole unemployment process!
Aria Khan
I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been really helpful. One thing I wanted to add - if you're struggling with basic needs while job searching, don't forget about 211 (dial 2-1-1). They can connect you with local resources for food, utilities, rent assistance, and other emergency help programs that might bridge the gap until you find work. Some of these programs move faster than DSHS and have different eligibility requirements. Also, some churches and community organizations have emergency funds specifically for people transitioning between jobs, even if you're not a member. Worth asking around in your local area.
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Victoria Jones
•This is such great advice about 211! I had no idea that service existed. I'm dealing with the same exhausted benefits situation and have been so focused on ESD and DSHS that I didn't think about community resources. The church/community organization tip is really smart too - I feel awkward asking for help but you're right that it's worth exploring all options when you're in this position. Thanks for adding this perspective to the thread, it gives me some new leads to follow up on.
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Nathaniel Mikhaylov
Just wanted to share another resource that helped me when I was in your exact situation last year - Catholic Community Services and other faith-based organizations often have rapid response emergency assistance programs. I'm not religious but they helped me with a $300 grocery voucher and paid my phone bill for two months while I was between jobs. No religious requirements, just proof that you're actively job searching. Also, if you're a veteran, make sure to check with the VA - they have specific programs for veterans facing financial hardship during job transitions that are separate from regular unemployment benefits. The application process is usually much faster than DSHS. Hang in there - I know how scary this situation feels but there are more safety net options than most people realize.
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Natasha Petrova
•Thanks for mentioning Catholic Community Services - I had heard of them but wasn't sure if they helped non-members. That's really encouraging to know they don't have religious requirements. The veteran resources are a good callout too, even though it doesn't apply to me personally. It's amazing how many programs exist that people just don't know about when they're in crisis mode. I'm definitely going to look into faith-based organizations in my area. Did you have to provide a lot of documentation to get help, or was the process pretty straightforward?
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