Confused about timing of first ESD unemployment check - used to get paid Wednesdays

The first payment usually takes 2-3 weeks to process even after you're approved. ESD has to verify everything and there's an automatic waiting week that doesn't get paid. If you can see your weekly benefit amount in the system that's a good sign! Payments still typically go out on Wednesdays, but your first one might be delayed. Did you set up direct deposit or are you getting the debit card?

sometimes ur waiting week can take longer than nrmal cuz they gotta verify ur identity and stuff... my first payment took almost 4 wks back in january! but after that it was wednesdays everytime. check if theres any alerts or tasks in ur eservices account that might b holding things up

Empty adjudication section is good news! That means there are no issues requiring additional review of your claim. As others mentioned, the first payment does take longer, but here's what's probably happening: 1. You filed your initial claim (day 1) 2. First week = unpaid waiting week (required by law) 3. Second week = first payable week 4. Payment processes after you file for that second week So if you filed your initial claim 10 days ago, you're probably just waiting for that cycle to complete. Payments do still go out on Wednesdays for most people. Just make sure you're completing your weekly claims and job search activities (3 per week) to keep everything flowing!

Am I the only one who thinks it's INSANE they make us wait so long for our first payment?? People need to pay bills RIGHT NOW not in 3-4 weeks! The whole system is designed to make us suffer I swear. And don't get me started on the "waiting week" - WHY is that even a thing in 2025??

If you're really concerned about the timing of your payment, I'd recommend trying to speak directly with an ESD representative. Unfortunately, their phone lines are notoriously difficult to get through. I was in a similar situation last month and spent days trying to reach someone. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold or getting disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 The agent I spoke with was able to confirm my payment was processing and explained exactly when I could expect it. Gave me peace of mind rather than stressing about rent.

This reminds me of when I applied last spring after my construction job ended. My first payment took exactly 16 days from when I filed my initial claim. I remember because I was counting the days until my car payment was due lol. But after that first payment hit, it was super consistent every Wednesday morning around 9am. One thing that might delay it is if you worked in multiple states in your base year - that can add extra verification time.

Just to clarify something important - make sure you're filing your weekly claims on time even during the waiting week and before you receive your first payment. I've seen people miss this step and it causes even more delays. The weekly certification needs to be done between Sunday and Saturday each week, though Sunday or Monday is best practice.

Update us when your payment comes through! It helps others to know current timeframes. In my experience, direct deposit is definitely faster than the debit card option, so you made the right choice there. The ESD system is actually much better now than during the pandemic years when some people waited months for payments.

lol i remember waiting 3 months for payments during covid and literally had to move back in w/ my parents...so glad those days r over!! the weird thing is sometimes my deposits hit tuesday night instead of wednesday morning. anyone else notice that?

UPDATE: You guys were right! My payment just hit my account this morning (Wednesday). Took exactly 15 days from when I first filed. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!