Does Washington ESD unemployment pay weekly - confused about payment schedule

OK that makes sense about the waiting period. So I should keep filing every week even if I don't get paid the first week?

Exactly! You must file every single week to maintain your claim, even during the waiting week. Miss a week and you could lose benefits.

What's adjudication? My claim status just says 'valid' right now.

Adjudication is when they review your claim for eligibility issues. If your status says valid, you should be good to go for regular weekly payments.

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 how it works. Made a huge difference for me.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how backed up their phone system is.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to sit on hold all day. Really helped me get answers about my claim status.

No, you file once a week to certify for that week's benefits. The weekly claim covers the entire previous week (Sunday-Saturday). Then you get paid for that week a few days later.

oh ok that makes more sense. so the weekly claim is like telling them I was unemployed that week and then they pay me for it?

That sounds like your claim might be in adjudication. Have you checked your online account to see if there are any pending issues or documents you need to submit?

Yeah I checked and it just says 'under review' with no details. Super helpful right?

When claims are under review it usually means they're waiting for information from your employer or there's a question about your separation. You really need to talk to an agent to get specifics.

Wait, you can't backdate missed weeks at all?

Nope, if you miss filing a weekly claim, that week is gone forever. Washington ESD doesn't let you go back and claim missed weeks except in very specific circumstances.

Do I have to file exactly on Sunday or can I wait until later in the week?

You can file anytime Sunday through the following Saturday, but don't wait too long. If you file later in the week, your payment will be delayed accordingly.

What are the work search requirements? I don't think anyone explained that to me.

You have to apply for jobs and keep a log of your job search activities. In Washington you need to do at least 3 job search activities per week. The agent explained it all to me.

8 months seems like a long time, is there a limit to how long you can collect?

Regular unemployment in Washington is up to 26 weeks, but I had some extended benefits available. It varies depending on your situation and when you filed.

How do I set up direct deposit? I don't see that option in my account.

Log into your Washington ESD account and look for 'Payment Method' or 'Direct Deposit' in your profile settings. You'll need your bank account and routing numbers.

What happens if you work more than a certain number of hours in a week?

If you work too many hours or earn too much, you might not get any unemployment benefits for that week. But you still need to file your weekly claim to report the work.

Is the waiting week just for the very first payment or every time you file a new claim?

Just for new claims. If you have to reopen a claim later, you might have another waiting week depending on the circumstances.

Good to know! I was planning to do it Sunday evening but I'll try morning instead.

Yeah, Sunday evenings the system can be really slow or sometimes crash. Early morning is definitely the way to go.

That's helpful to know the exact timeline. So I should expect payment within 2-3 days of filing?

Exactly, as long as there are no issues with your claim. Holidays might delay it by a day but otherwise it's very predictable.

This is a great summary, thanks! I think I understand the system much better now.

You're welcome! It's confusing at first but once you get the hang of it, it becomes routine. Just don't miss any weeks!

How do you know how much you should be getting each week?

Your weekly benefit amount should be listed in your Washington ESD account. It's based on your previous earnings. Mine shows $547 per week before taxes.

How much do they withhold for taxes if you choose that option?

They withhold 10% for federal taxes. You can set this up in your account settings. I'd recommend it so you don't get hit with a big tax bill later.

What happens if you miss just one week? Do you really have to start completely over?

For just one week, you might be able to get it sorted out by calling Washington ESD, but it's not guaranteed. Better to just never miss a week if you can help it.

That's a good analogy! So it's like clocking in for unemployment benefits each week.

Exactly! You're certifying that you were unemployed and available for work that week, and in return they pay you for that week.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I feel much more confident about the process now. Going to file my weekly claim this Sunday and set up direct deposit.

Good plan! Once you get into the routine it becomes second nature. Best of luck with your job search too.