One last thing - keep copies of everything. Print out or screenshot your application confirmation, any correspondence from ESD, and keep your own records of your weekly claims. If there are ever any issues, you'll be glad you have the documentation.

Hope it goes smoothly for you! The system isn't perfect but it does work once you get through the initial setup. Just remember to file those weekly claims on time.

One last thing - if you get any kind of separation pay, vacation payout, or severance from your employer, make sure to report it accurately when you file. That stuff can affect your benefit timing but won't necessarily disqualify you completely.

This thread has been super helpful! I'm in a similar situation and was completely lost. Going to file my claim today after reading through all this advice.

For future reference, if you ever need to contact Washington ESD and can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually works. Used it last month when I had a question about my claim status.

Bottom line for OP - you should get paid for your first week if you're eligible. File your weekly claims on time, do your job search, and you should be good to go. Washington doesn't have a waiting week anymore.

honestly the whole unemployment system is confusing but at least washington esd pays pretty well compared to other states. just focus on filing your weekly claims correctly and the amount will sort itself out

If you're still confused after checking your monetary determination, I'd recommend using a service like Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. Having an agent explain your specific benefit calculation can clear up a lot of confusion.

One more thing - if you're doing your job search activities, you can use the card to pay for things like printing resumes or travel to interviews. Just keep your receipts in case ESD asks for documentation.

The card should work internationally too if you travel, but there will probably be foreign transaction fees. Check with the card company about their international policies if you need to use it outside the US.