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2020 was when I learned that 'pending' doesn't mean it will be processed soon, it means it could sit there for months with no movement at all.
At least your sister is filing now when there are better resources available. Back in 2020 we were all figuring it out as we went along with no help.
Just to summarize what everyone said: 2-4 business days is typical for first payment, make sure your bank info is correct, and don't panic if it takes the full week. You should see your money soon!
One last tip - if you do need to contact Washington ESD for any reason, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work well. Saved me hours of calling and getting nowhere.
Back in 2016 the biggest complaint about Washington ESD was maybe waiting a week or two longer than expected. Now people wait months in adjudication with no updates. The system has definitely gotten worse over time.
To answer your original question - yes, 2016 was much better for unemployment benefits in Washington. Lower unemployment rate, faster processing, and you could actually reach customer service. We're dealing with the aftermath of system overload that never got fixed.
One more thing - start applying for jobs immediately even if your claim is still processing. The job search requirement starts right away and you need to be able to show you're actively looking for work.
Just remember that even though it's not your full salary, unemployment benefits are there to help you through a difficult time. Use the opportunity to maybe find an even better job than the one you lost.
LunarLegend
The key is to stay proactive. Don't wait until your last payment to start figuring out next steps. Sounds like you're already on the right track by asking now.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Yeah, I figured it was better to prepare ahead of time rather than scramble at the last minute. This thread has been really helpful!
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Sofia Martinez
Final tip - document everything. Keep records of when you applied for extensions, new claims, or any other benefits. It'll help if there are any issues later.
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Dylan Mitchell
•Great advice! I'll start a file with all my unemployment-related paperwork and dates.
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