Do you get paid for unemployment benefits with Washington ESD?

Yes, you definitely get paid! Washington ESD unemployment benefits are weekly payments based on your past wages. You'll get a percentage of what you were earning, up to the state maximum. Right now the max is around $999 per week. You have to file weekly claims to keep getting paid.

Just to add - you only get paid if you're approved. Sometimes claims go into adjudication and that can take weeks. I've been waiting 3 weeks for mine to clear adjudication.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on payments or resolve issues, I found Claimyr really helpful. It's at claimyr.com and they help you actually reach a live agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

The payments come on a debit card called ReliaCard. Don't throw it away when it arrives! That's how you access your money each week.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You have to look for work and report it on your weekly claims or you won't get paid. It's 3 job contacts per week minimum.

The whole system is a nightmare honestly. I've been trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD for days. The phone lines are always busy.

One thing nobody mentioned - there's a waiting week. Your first week of unemployment doesn't get paid. So even if everything goes smoothly, your first payment is for week 2.

Also want to mention - if you quit your job you might not be eligible. You usually have to be laid off or fired for reasons not related to misconduct. If you quit, you need good cause.

Don't forget you have to file your weekly claim every week, even if you worked part time. If you earned money that week, report it. They'll reduce your benefit amount but you might still get something.

The maximum benefit period is 26 weeks in Washington. That's about 6 months of payments if you qualify for the full time. Extensions are rare now.

I finally got through using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Took 2 minutes to connect to an agent instead of 2 hours of busy signals. Worth every penny.

Pro tip: file your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov late at night or early morning. The system is less bogged down then.

Just be prepared for the process to take time. Even straightforward claims can take 2-3 weeks to get your first payment. Have a backup plan for bills.

Make sure you have all your documents ready before you start: Social Security card, driver's license, employment history for the last 18 months with dates and wages.

Update on my adjudication - finally cleared after 4 weeks! Got a big back payment for all the weeks I was waiting. Don't give up if yours takes time.

Final advice - keep records of everything. Save all emails, letters, keep your job search log updated, document all contact with Washington ESD. You might need it later.

One more thing - if you move to another state while collecting, you need to notify Washington ESD immediately. Interstate claims have special rules.

Since you mentioned needing help potentially, that Claimyr service I used earlier really does work well for getting through to Washington ESD agents when you have questions about your claim or payments.

Good luck with your claim! The restaurant industry has been hit hard so you should definitely qualify. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements.

File as soon as possible! Benefits start from when you file, not when you lost your job. Every day you wait is money you're leaving on the table.