Do I get paid for my waiting week on Washington ESD unemployment claim?

That really sucks, I was hoping I'd get it eventually. So that week is just completely lost?

Yeah, it's gone. Washington ESD uses it as a way to reduce costs I think. Most states do this now.

Good to know, I did file for it. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

Wait, so we have to file claims for weeks we don't get paid? That seems pointless.

It's not pointless - Washington ESD needs that first week on record to calculate your benefit year and track your eligibility properly.

That's such BS though. People filing for unemployment are already desperate for money.

I agree it's frustrating, especially when you're already struggling financially. But at least after that first week, payments should come regularly if you keep filing.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for reaching Washington ESD?

Yeah it works great. I was able to talk to an actual Washington ESD rep within a few hours instead of spending days trying to call.

How much does something like that cost? Seems too good to be true.

It's worth it when you really need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Way better than the alternative of never getting through.

Thanks for the official explanation. Still frustrating but at least I understand the reasoning now.

Do other states do this too or is it just Washington?

Most states have some version of a waiting week, though the specifics vary. Washington's is pretty standard.

I feel you, it's really tough when you're already struggling financially.

Hang in there, at least after this week you should start getting regular payments if everything goes smoothly.

Same! I kept checking my account thinking maybe there was a delay or something.

That's exactly what I was hoping for - that maybe they'd pay it at the end or something.

Unfortunately not. It's just one of those things you have to accept about the Washington ESD system.

Good reminder, I'll make sure to stay on top of the weekly filings.

What happens if you accidentally skip a week? Asking for a friend...

You might be able to request a late filing but it's a hassle. Better to just set a reminder and file every week.

Exactly! If they really cared about fraud they'd have better verification systems, not just make people wait.

That's a frustrating perspective but probably accurate. Feels like punishment for being unemployed.

That's the second mention of that service in this thread. Might be worth looking into if I have more questions.

I'm skeptical of any service that charges to help with government benefits. Seems like it should be free.

I get the skepticism, but when you can't get through to Washington ESD any other way, it's worth it for the peace of mind.

Thanks for emphasizing that, I made sure to file mine even though I won't get paid.

Good point, I almost didn't file for mine thinking it was pointless.

I totally agree, it feels like adding insult to injury when you're already struggling.

It's especially hard when you have bills due and were counting on that first week's payment.

Exactly! The timing couldn't be worse when you're already in a financial crisis.

That's a helpful way to think about it, thanks for the simple explanation.

So basically we're working for free that first week by filing the claim?

Not really working, just establishing your eligibility. But yeah, you're doing the paperwork without getting paid for that week.

That's the third recommendation for that service in this thread. Must actually be helpful.

I might try it too, I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for over a week with no luck.

Yeah, I've accepted that it's just lost money at this point. At least now I know what to expect.

It's such a small amount compared to what you'll get over the whole claim period, but it still stings when you need every dollar.

That's reassuring to hear. Looking forward to getting past this first week hurdle.

Yep, the waiting week is the worst part. After that it's just the regular weekly routine.

Exactly. The waiting week is like a hazing ritual - once you're through it, the rest is much smoother.

Thanks everyone for all the explanations. Definitely helped me understand what to expect going forward.

Good luck with your claim! The waiting week is the hardest part mentally.