Do you get unemployment every week in Washington ESD or is it different?

Oh wow I had no idea! So if I don't file the weekly claim I just don't get paid that week?

Exactly. You can usually file for previous weeks if you miss one, but it's better to stay on top of it.

How many job searches do you need to do per week?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week in Washington, but check your specific requirements in your account.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Is that legit? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got connected to an agent within 20 minutes instead of calling for days.

I feel your frustration but there are usually specific reasons claims get flagged. Are you reporting your work search activities correctly?

YES I'm doing everything right! I keep detailed logs of every job I apply to. The system just randomly flags claims.

If your claims are consistently getting flagged, there might be an adjudication issue that needs to be resolved by speaking with an agent.

Thank you! So if I file my weekly claim this Sunday, when would I actually receive the money?

Usually 1-2 business days after filing, depending on whether you have direct deposit set up or if you're getting a debit card.

Mine always comes on Tuesday when I file Sunday night. Been getting unemployment for 4 months now.

Yes, standby status still requires weekly claim filing. The difference is in the job search requirements - you may not need to search for work if you're expecting to return to your job soon.

ok good to know thanks

You can file late weekly claims, but you need to contact Washington ESD to explain the circumstances. Medical emergencies are usually accepted as good cause for late filing.

Good luck getting through to them though. I tried for weeks before using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier.

What's Claimyr exactly? Is it expensive?

It helps you get through Washington ESD's phone system. Way better than trying to call them directly. Check the video demo to see how it works.

Your weekly benefit amount stays the same unless you have earnings from work that week. If you work and earn money, it gets deducted from your benefit amount based on Washington's earnings deduction formula.

What if I only work a few hours? Do I still get some unemployment?

Yes, you can have partial earnings and still receive partial unemployment benefits. You just need to report all your earnings honestly on your weekly claim.

Every state has its own system. Washington ESD requires active weekly participation to continue receiving benefits. It's designed to ensure you're still unemployed and actively seeking work.

Yeah it's annoying but I guess it makes sense. Prevents people from just collecting without looking for jobs.

Good idea! I'm definitely going to do that. Better safe than sorry.

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

Smart. I procrastinated once and ended up stressing about it all week.

Initial claims often take longer to process, especially if your claim needs adjudication for any reason. You should see payment status information in your Washington ESD account.

It just says 'pending' and has been that way for days. Should I be worried?

That's exactly what happened to me. Took forever to get anyone on the phone to explain what was going on. Claimyr was the only thing that worked.

I might have to try that if this doesn't resolve soon. Getting really stressed about bills.

True, but the system could be more user-friendly. Half the questions are confusing and the website crashes sometimes.

I agree the technology could be better, but the concept is sound from a policy perspective.

What kind of records should I keep for job searches?

Company name, position applied for, date, method of application. I keep a simple spreadsheet with all this info.

Screenshots of your online applications are good too, in case websites change or job postings disappear.