After filing unemployment how long to get paid - Washington ESD timeline?

It depends on whether your claim goes into adjudication or not. If everything is straightforward with no issues, you should get paid within 2-3 weeks after filing your first weekly claim. But if Washington ESD needs to verify anything about your employment or reason for separation, it can take much longer.

took me 3 weeks to get my first payment last year but that was because they had to verify my wages with my employer. if your employer responds quickly to washington esd it goes faster

The standard timeline is usually 2-3 weeks for the first payment if there are no complications. However, I've been seeing more delays lately due to increased claim volume. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims every week even if you haven't been paid yet - you need to maintain those to get back payments once your claim is approved.

I had the worst time getting through to Washington ESD to check on my claim status. Spent literally hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent in like 10 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Honestly saved my sanity because I was getting nowhere with the regular phone system.

HONESTLY THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE!!! I've been waiting 6 weeks now and still nothing. They say they're processing but no one can tell me what that actually means. Meanwhile bills are piling up and I'm about to lose my apartment. This is supposed to be UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE that we pay into!

From what I remember, there's also a waiting week that doesn't get paid. So even if your claim is approved quickly, the first week you file doesn't get compensation. Then after that it's usually about a week processing time for each weekly claim.

I got my first payment exactly 18 days after filing my initial claim. No issues with my employer verification and I was laid off due to company downsizing so it was pretty straightforward. Make sure you set up direct deposit if you haven't already - that speeds up the actual payment once it's approved.

The timeline really depends on your specific situation. If you were fired for cause or quit voluntarily, expect delays while they investigate. If you were laid off or your hours were reduced, it should be faster. Also make sure you're meeting the job search requirements - 3 job contacts per week in Washington.

ugh this brings back memories of when I filed in 2023. took almost a month because my previous employer disputed my claim saying I was fired for attendance issues (which was BS). had to go through an appeal hearing and everything

Just to clarify the process: After you file your initial claim, Washington ESD has up to 21 calendar days to make a determination. If approved, payments usually start within a week after that. But this assumes no complications. Adjudication for eligibility issues can add weeks or even months to the process.

Pro tip: make sure your bank account info is correct in your Washington ESD profile. I had an old account number in there and it delayed my first payment by another week while they sorted it out.

The waiting is the hardest part honestly. I remember checking my account every day multiple times. Once it does start though, as long as you keep filing weekly and meeting requirements, the payments are pretty reliable.

If you're really struggling financially while waiting, look into local food banks and assistance programs. Most communities have resources to help bridge the gap until unemployment kicks in.

I used that Claimyr service too when I couldn't get through to check on my adjudication status. Actually got connected to someone who explained exactly what documents they needed from me. Probably saved me weeks of waiting for a letter in the mail.

Keep in mind that even after you get your first payment, subsequent weekly payments can still have delays if Washington ESD needs to verify your continued eligibility or job search activities. The first payment is just the beginning.

For what it's worth, most people I know got their first payment within 2-3 weeks. The horror stories you hear online are usually the exception, not the rule. Try not to stress too much while you wait.