ESD weekly claims still processing for 12/24 - normal delay or issue?
I'm pretty new to unemployment (just started filing in December) and I'm noticing both my 12/24 and 12/31 weekly claims are still showing as 'processing' in my ESD account. I was expecting my 12/24 payment by now since I usually get paid on Wednesdays (my first payment came through on schedule). Is this normal for holiday weeks? Should I be concerned that something's wrong with my claim? I know the 12/31 one is recent but the 12/24 one has me worried. Any insight from folks who've been on UI longer would be appreciated!
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Lucas Adams
This is pretty typical for the end of year holiday weeks. ESD gets backed up processing claims during this time. Your 12/24 payment will likely arrive by Friday, and the 12/31 one might be delayed until next week. As long as your claim status doesn't show any alerts or issues requiring action, you should be fine. Just keep filing your weekly claims on schedule.
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Chloe Green
•Thank you! That's reassuring. I don't see any alerts in my account, so I'm hoping it's just the holiday backup. I'll keep an eye out for the payment in the next couple days.
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Harper Hill
omg same here!!! both still say processing and im freaking out cuz rent is due next week. first time on ui and idk whats normal
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Caden Nguyen
•It's normal during holiday weeks, don't panic! ESD always gets slow at year-end. But if you're really worried or need to pay rent, try Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an ESD agent directly. I was in your exact situation last year and used their service to actually talk to someone instead of waiting. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3
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Avery Flores
The ESD system is ALWAYS "delayed" during holidays. They CLAIM it's due to volume but I've been on UI three times in the past 5 years and they ALWAYS have excuses!!! December is the WORST month for getting paid on time!!
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Zoe Gonzalez
•While it's frustrating, there are legitimate reasons for the delays. ESD has year-end processing requirements, holiday staffing shortages, and system maintenance that often happens in December. This isn't unique to Washington - most state UI systems experience similar delays during this period.
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Ashley Adams
To add some clarity here: When a week shows as "processing" it means your claim has been accepted but hasn't been paid yet. For holiday weeks (especially at year end), ESD typically takes 1-3 business days longer than usual. The 12/24 week is likely delayed because of Christmas, and 12/31 because of New Year's. If by this Friday your 12/24 payment still hasn't processed, then you might want to contact ESD. Make sure you've completed all your job search activities (3 per week) and reported them correctly, as that's a common reason for delays this time of year.
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Chloe Green
•Thanks for explaining! I did complete and log all my job search activities so hopefully that's not the issue. If I don't see anything by Friday I'll reach out to ESD. This is really helpful context.
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Alexis Robinson
I've been on UI since October and mine from 12/24 just processed today! It was about 3 days later than normal. I think they're just backed up from the holidays.
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Harper Hill
Wait do we still have to do job search for holiday weeks? I didn't think stores were hiring between xmas and new years so I didnt do anything that week...
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Lucas Adams
•Yes, you absolutely need to do your job search activities EVERY week you claim benefits, including holiday weeks. The requirement is 3 job search activities per week in Washington. If you didn't complete them for the 12/24 or 12/31 weeks, that could be causing your delay - or worse, might lead to a disqualification. I'd recommend completing some activities immediately and updating your job search log if possible.
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Zoe Gonzalez
Holiday processing delays happen every year. Here's a quick breakdown of what to expect with ESD payments: 1. Normal weeks: Processing takes 1-2 business days after you file 2. Holiday weeks: Processing takes 3-5 business days 3. End-of-year weeks: Can take up to a week As long as your claim shows "processing" and not "pending" or "disqualified," you're in good shape. The money will come through, just a bit later than usual. The new 2025 budget year transition also adds some extra processing time.
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Alexis Robinson
•This explains it really well. Mine from 12/24 just processed after being delayed from the usual Wed payment to now (Thurs). Just FYI for anyone waiting.
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