After waiting week, when will ESD process my first unemployment payment?
I just completed my waiting week with ESD and I'm planning to file my first actual claim this Monday. I'm trying to budget and figure out when I'll actually see money hit my account. Does anyone know the typical timeline between submitting that first post-waiting-week claim and when the payment actually processes? My rent is due on the 15th and I'm getting nervous about timing. Will the money be there within a few days or does it take longer for the first payment compared to regular weekly payments? The ESD website just says processing times "vary" which isn't helpful at all.
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Victoria Charity
If your claim is already approved and you've completed the waiting week, your first payment should arrive 2-3 business days after you file your weekly claim. Make sure you file early Monday morning! The system sometimes gets bogged down later in the day. Also double-check that your payment method is set up correctly in your ESD account - direct deposit is fastest, the debit card takes a bit longer.
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Evan Kalinowski
•Thanks for the quick response! So if I file Monday morning, I might see the payment by Wednesday or Thursday? That would be a huge relief. Do they ever process payments on weekends or is it strictly business days?
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Jasmine Quinn
mine took like 5 days after the waiting week so dont count on it being super fast. depends on if theres any issues with ur claim
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Oscar Murphy
•Same! And my first payment actually took longer than the later ones. Something about "additional verification" even though they'd already approved my claim. 🙄
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Nora Bennett
The timeline depends on several factors: 1. How you're receiving payment - direct deposit is 2-3 business days, debit card can take 5-7 days for the first payment 2. Whether your claim has any issues requiring adjudication (which it doesn't sound like you do) 3. The day of the week you file (Monday is best) If you submit Monday morning and have direct deposit, you should see the funds by Thursday. If you're using the ESD debit card, it might be the following Monday. One important note: make sure you report ANY work/earnings for your claim week accurately. Even a small reporting error can delay your payment while they investigate.
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Evan Kalinowski
•I've set up direct deposit so it sounds like I should be okay for the rent deadline. I didn't work at all during this period so there shouldn't be any earnings to report. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly!
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Ryan Andre
I WOULDN'T COUNT ON IT BEING FAST!!! My first payment took TWO WEEKS even after the waiting week because they randomly decided to put me in adjudication for no reason!!! Then they never told me and I had to call 47 TIMES to find out what was happening!!! The system is COMPLETELY BROKEN and they DON'T CARE that people have bills!!
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Lauren Zeb
•I understand your frustration, but if the OP has already completed their waiting week and their claim is approved without issues, they shouldn't experience the same delays. The adjudication process usually happens before or during the waiting week if there are questions about eligibility. Based on what they've described, they're likely past that point.
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Daniel Washington
when i did my claim last year i always filed sunday night right after midnight and usually had the money by tuesday or wednesday morning. the first payment came same time as all the others for me. but ya like others said if theres any little issue it can get held up
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Oscar Murphy
Have you tried calling ESD to confirm everything is good with your claim? That might give you peace of mind. Although good luck getting through to them... I spent three days trying to reach someone last month.
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Lauren Zeb
•If you're having trouble reaching ESD by phone, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a system that helps you get through the ESD phone queue without having to call repeatedly. I was skeptical but it worked for me when I had an adjudication issue. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It's especially helpful for checking on payment status when you're in a time crunch like you are with rent coming up.
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Jasmine Quinn
make sure u answer all the job search questions right or they can hold ur payment. u need to list 3 job contacts each week
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Evan Kalinowski
•Good reminder! I've been keeping track of all my job applications. Do they immediately verify those or do they just spot-check occasionally?
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Nora Bennett
•They typically spot-check job search activities, but they can audit any week randomly. Always keep detailed records of your job contacts including company name, position, date of contact, method of application, and any contact information. This will protect you if you're selected for verification.
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Victoria Charity
Just to answer your weekend question from earlier - ESD's systems process claims 24/7, but payments only initiate on business days. So if you file on Saturday or Sunday, the payment wouldn't start processing until Monday anyway. Monday morning is still your best bet.
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Evan Kalinowski
•That's helpful to know, thanks! I'll be sure to file first thing Monday morning then. Really appreciate everyone's advice here.
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