Best day to file for ESD unemployment claim and payment timeline?

There's actually no "best day" to file your initial claim - the system processes applications as they come in regardless of the day of the week. HOWEVER, I do recommend filing as early in the week as possible (Monday or Tuesday) because if there are any issues with your application, you'll have the rest of the week to contact ESD for help. As for payments, once you're approved and start filing weekly claims, you'll typically receive your benefits 1-2 days after your weekly claim is processed. Most people file their weekly claims on Sunday (the first day you can file for the previous week) and then see deposits on Tuesday or Wednesday, but it can vary.

I STRONGLY disagree with the above advice!!! I filed on a Thursday last year and got my first payment wayyy faster than my husband who filed on a Monday. ESD's system gets totally backed up on Mondays because that's when everyone applies!!! File mid-week when their systems aren't overwhelmed. Trust me!!!!

When i filed last month it took 3 weeks to get approved no matter what day you file on. the weekly claims are wat matters more for timing imo. u can file the weekly claim starting sunday for the previous week and i usually get paid by weds but sometimes thursday. there used to be a payment schedule pdf somewhere on the esd website but i cant find it anymore sorry

Let me clear up some confusion: 1. Initial claim filing: No specific day provides faster processing. The automated system processes claims 24/7. 2. Weekly claims: You can file starting Sunday for the previous week (ending Saturday). The earlier you file your weekly claim, the sooner payment processing begins. 3. Payment schedule: There's no published calendar. Once approved, payments typically arrive 48-72 hours after your weekly claim processes successfully. 4. Direct deposit is fastest; debit cards take longer. To maximize efficiency: File your initial claim as soon as you're eligible, file weekly claims every Sunday, and set up direct deposit.

The ESD system is a nightmare to deal with on your own! When I first applied last year, I couldn't get anyone on the phone for WEEKS to ask basic questions like this. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent told me there's no special day to file, but if you have any issues with your claim (which is super common), getting through to an agent quickly is crucial. This service saved me so much time and stress!

lol at everybody arguing about the best day... i applied on a saturday night at like 11pm after putting it off for weeks and still got approved in normal time. dont overthink it just submit the app when you have time to sit down and do it right with all ur work history info and stuff. thats wat matters more than the day imo

To answer your notification question from earlier - ESD doesn't send payment notifications. You'll need to check your bank account or eServices portal to see when payments arrive. I recommend setting up text alerts with your bank for deposits. Also, definitely file your weekly claims on Sunday or Monday. While the initial application timing doesn't matter much, weekly claims are processed in batches, and earlier submissions tend to be in earlier payment batches. I've been tracking mine for months, and Sunday submissions always pay out faster than when I've waited until Tuesday or Wednesday.

One important thing nobody mentioned - if you're applying now in 2025, know that the job search requirements are stricter than they used to be. You'll need to document at least 3 job search activities EVERY week once approved. Missing these or not properly documenting them can delay or stop your payments regardless of what day you filed initially.