Filed for Washington ESD unemployment - what happens next and how long does it take?

First off, don't panic - you did the hardest part by getting your initial application submitted. Now Washington ESD needs to process your claim, which usually takes 2-3 weeks for a decision. You should get a letter in the mail (or electronically if you signed up for that) explaining whether your claim was approved or denied. In the meantime, you need to start filing weekly claims every Sunday for the previous week. Even if your claim isn't approved yet, you still need to keep filing these weekly claims to maintain your eligibility.

Make sure you have all your documentation ready in case they need it. They might ask for proof of your wages, your separation notice from your employer, or other paperwork. Also start keeping track of your job search activities because Washington requires you to look for work and keep a log of your efforts.

Just went through this process myself a few months ago. One thing that really helped me was using Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD. The phone lines are absolutely brutal - I was spending hours trying to get through. Claimyr (claimyr.com) basically calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration when I had questions about my claim status.

ugh the waiting is the worst part! I filed 3 weeks ago and still haven't heard anything back. My claim just says 'under review' or something like that. Is this normal?? I'm starting to freak out because rent is due next week and I have no idea when I'll get my first payment

Here's what typically happens after you file: 1) Washington ESD reviews your application (2-3 weeks), 2) They send you a monetary determination letter showing your benefit amount, 3) They may also send requests for additional information, 4) Once approved, you'll get your first payment for any weeks you've already claimed. The key is to keep filing those weekly claims even while waiting for approval.

Also make sure you register with WorkSource Washington if you haven't already. It's required for most unemployment claimants and helps with the job search requirement. Plus they have some decent resources for finding work.

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure you're available for work and actively seeking employment. Washington ESD can ask you to prove this at any time. I know someone who got in trouble because they went on vacation during their claim period without reporting it properly.

The biggest mistake people make is not filing their weekly claims on time. You have to file every week, even if you haven't heard back about your initial application yet. Missing weekly claims can cause you to lose benefits for those weeks permanently.

just want to say hang in there - the system is confusing but you'll figure it out. took me forever to understand all the requirements but once you get into the routine it's not too bad

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone using that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier. Turns out my claim was held up because my former employer disputed it, so now it's in adjudication. At least I know what's going on now instead of just wondering.

The Washington ESD system is such a mess. I've been trying to get through to them for 2 months about an overpayment issue and it's like they don't want to help anyone. At least when I was unemployed the first time around the process seemed smoother.

For what it's worth, most claims do get approved if you were legitimately laid off. The system just takes time to process everything. Keep filing your weekly claims, keep looking for work, and try to be patient. You should hear something within the next week or two.

Make sure you keep checking your account online regularly. Sometimes they'll request additional information and if you don't respond quickly it can delay your claim even more. Also check your mail/email for any correspondence from Washington ESD.

been unemployed 3 times in the last 5 years (construction work is unpredictable) and every time the process gets a little different. but the basics are always the same - file weekly claims, look for work, be patient with the bureaucracy

One more thing - if you do get approved, your first payment might be larger than expected because it will include back pay for all the weeks you've already claimed. Don't spend it all at once thinking that's your normal weekly amount!

The worst part about all this is the anxiety of not knowing. Like you file and then you just... wait. And worry. And check your account obsessively hoping for an update.

Quick question - what happens if I need to update my address or contact information after filing? Can I do that online or do I need to call?

Does anyone know if there are income limits or restrictions on unemployment? Like if my spouse works full-time, does that affect my eligibility?

I'm in week 4 of waiting and finally got my approval letter yesterday! First payment should hit my account in 2-3 business days. Just wanted to give you hope that it does eventually work out, even though the waiting is brutal.

Just want to circle back on the Claimyr thing since a couple people asked about it. I used it twice during my claim - once to check on my initial application status and once when I had questions about my job search requirements. Both times I got connected to an agent within a few hours instead of spending my whole day trying to call. The video demo I mentioned (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) shows exactly how it works if anyone wants to check it out.