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Bottom line seems to be file your weekly claim consistently, expect payment 2-3 business days later, and don't panic if it takes an extra day sometimes due to bank processing.
This is really reassuring to read everyone's experiences! I'm new to unemployment benefits and was getting worried when my first payment didn't show up exactly when I expected. Sounds like the 2-3 business day window after filing is normal, and I just need to be patient with the banking side of things. Thanks for sharing all the details about timing patterns - it helps set realistic expectations for someone just starting out with the system.
UPDATE: I was able to file my claim without any problems! I just went to the weekly claim section directly instead of waiting for the alert. Everything processed normally and I got my confirmation number. Seems like it's just an issue with the alert system, not the actual filing process. Thanks everyone for your quick responses and help!
I'm new to filing unemployment claims and this thread is super helpful! I just started receiving benefits last week and was wondering if I should rely on those Sunday alerts. Sounds like I should just set my own reminder and file manually each week. Thanks for sharing your experiences everyone - it's reassuring to know the filing system itself works even when the alerts don't!
UPDATE: Just got my payment this morning (Wednesday)! So it took exactly 2 business days from when I filed on Monday. Thanks everyone for your help!
Awesome news on getting your payment! That 2-day timeline seems to be pretty standard from what I've seen. Just a heads up - make sure to keep filing every Sunday even if you find work, because you might be eligible for partial benefits if your hours are reduced. I made the mistake of stopping my claims when I got a part-time job and then had to restart the whole process later when those hours got cut. ESD is much easier to deal with when you keep everything current!
That's really good advice about continuing to file even with part-time work! I had no idea you could get partial benefits. Thanks for sharing that tip - definitely something to keep in mind as I start looking for work again. The last thing I'd want is to have to restart this whole process if I end up with reduced hours somewhere.
Bottom line: unemployment insurance is exactly that - insurance. Your employer paid premiums (taxes) to cover you in case you lost your job. Just like health insurance or car insurance, you're using benefits that were pre-paid. Nothing to feel guilty about at all.
Your neighbor is completely wrong and spreading misinformation. Unemployment benefits in Washington state are funded entirely through employer payroll taxes (SUTA - State Unemployment Tax Act), not through individual taxpayer funds. Every employer pays quarterly unemployment taxes based on their payroll and claim history. This money goes into a trust fund that pays out benefits to eligible workers. You earned these benefits through your work history, and your employer already paid the premiums for this insurance. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty for using a benefit system that was specifically designed to help workers like you during temporary unemployment periods.
Paolo Moretti
my cousin works at ESD and says they have a huge backlog rn so even if theres an issue with your claim youll prrbaly get approved with how short staffed they are lol
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Keisha Jackson
•This is dangerous advice. While ESD is certainly busy, their automated systems flag issues regardless of staffing. They can and do issue overpayment notices months later if they discover problems. Always follow the rules exactly to avoid future headaches.
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Noah Ali
Congrats on getting the standby status approved so quickly! That's a huge relief. Just a heads up - when your 4-week standby period is getting close to ending, you can potentially request an extension if you're still actively job searching and haven't found anything yet. The extension process is similar to the initial request. Also, make sure to keep track of when your standby expires so you can seamlessly transition back to regular weekly claims with job search activities if needed. The last thing you want is a gap in your claim filing. Good luck with the job hunt - the tech market is picking up again!
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