Do unemployment checks come weekly from Washington ESD?

So I have to do something every week to get the money? I thought it was automatic once approved.

Yes, you have to certify every week that you're still unemployed and looking for work. It's not automatic - you log into your Washington ESD account and file your weekly claim.

What happens if you miss filing for a week?

you can usually file for the missed week later but it delays your payment and sometimes they ask questions about why you missed it

I signed up for direct deposit during my application. Should I expect it Wednesday then?

If you filed your first weekly claim this past Sunday and have direct deposit set up, yes you should see payment by Wednesday. But your first payment might take a little longer.

My first payment took like 5 days even with direct deposit, so don't panic if it's not there Wednesday

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days and can never get through.

Yeah it's real. They basically call for you and conference you in when they reach an agent. Way better than sitting on hold forever.

Sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point

I understand the frustration, but the weekly filing requirement helps prevent fraud and ensures you're still eligible. It's been this way for decades.

Well it's stupid and makes everything harder than it needs to be

What if I worked one day during the week? Do I still get benefits?

You can work part-time and still get partial benefits. You just report the gross wages from that week and Washington ESD calculates your reduced benefit amount.

You should file your first weekly claim for the week ending after your approval date. Log into your Washington ESD account and you should see the option to file a weekly claim.

Found it! Thanks, I was looking in the wrong section of the website.

Good point. I'll try to remember to do it on Sundays.

I always do mine Sunday morning with my coffee. Made it part of my routine.

Usually 5-10 minutes. They ask about job search activities, any work performed, and if you were able and available for work that week.

That's not too bad. I was worried it would be as complicated as the initial application.

Your weekly benefit amount stays the same unless you report earnings from work. If you work part-time, your benefit gets reduced based on how much you earned.

Makes sense. Thanks for clarifying that.

That's reassuring to hear. I'm still waiting for my first payment.

Your first one might take a bit longer but after that it should be regular. Hang in there!

Payments may be delayed by a day or two during federal holidays when banks are closed, but you can still file your weekly claim on the normal schedule.

Good to know, thank you!

I might have to try that. Been calling for 3 days straight with no luck.

Yeah the regular Washington ESD phone line is impossible. This actually works though.

Yes, you'll get a confirmation screen after you submit, and many people get an email confirmation as well. Make sure to keep track of when you file each week.

perfect, just wanted to make sure it went through

That makes me feel better. I was worried it would be complicated every time.

Nah, it's the same questions every week. You'll have it memorized after a few times.

3 job contacts every single week? That seems like a lot.

It's the requirement to stay eligible. Keep a log of where you applied, when, and any responses you got.

I use a simple spreadsheet to track mine. Makes the weekly filing much easier.

You can file late claims for missed weeks, but Washington ESD will ask why you missed the deadline. Valid reasons include illness, emergencies, or technical issues with their website.

Good to know there's a backup option. I was worried about losing money if I forgot.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! I feel much more confident about the process now.

You're welcome! Once you get into the rhythm it becomes second nature.

How much does that service cost? Sounds expensive.

It's not free but honestly worth every penny when you consider how much time and frustration it saves. Plus they only charge if they actually get you connected.

Perfect summary! That's exactly what I needed to know.