Got APPROVED for FMLA benefits - when will ESD deposit to my ReliaCard?

congrats on getting approved! when i was on pfml last year they usually deposited my $ about 3-4 days after showing approved. the card takes like 7-10 business days to arrive but they'll still send the $ to it even if u dont have it yet. u can activate it when it comes

I think you might be confusing terminology a bit here. FMLA is the federal unpaid leave protection, while Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is Washington's program that provides the actual benefit payments. Just want to clarify that so you're using the correct terms when dealing with ESD. As for your question, in my experience, they typically process payments on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Once your weekly claim shows as "approved," you should see the deposit within 24-48 hours on those processing days. The ReliaCard typically arrives within 7-10 business days after your first payment is processed, but as the other commenter mentioned, the funds will be on the card waiting for you once you activate it.

THE ESD SYSTEM IS COMPLETELY UNRELIABLE!!! Just because it says approved DOESNT MEAN U WILL GET PAID ON TIME!!! I was on paid leave in march and they said approved but then took TWO MORE WEEKS to actually put money in my account!!! Don't count on any regular schedule with them!!!

Have you been able to check your benefit calculation? Make sure they got your wages right. My first PFML claim they somehow missed one of my jobs and calculated my benefit at like 60% of what it should have been. Had to call and get it fixed. That might explain why some people see delays too.

Just a heads up about the ReliaCard - make sure you activate it as soon as it arrives. Also, be aware there are some fees associated with certain types of transactions. You get free ATM withdrawals at U.S. Bank ATMs, but there may be fees at other ATMs or for certain types of transfers. Check the fee schedule that comes with the card so you don't lose any of your benefit money to unnecessary fees.

I was in your exact situation back in January! Once my claim showed approved, the money was on my ReliaCard the next business day (it was a Wednesday approval, had money Thursday). But then I had trouble when I tried to reach someone at ESD to ask about transferring money from the card to my bank. Had to wait on hold for hours and got disconnected twice. I finally tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me so much frustration when I needed to ask questions about my card and benefits.

my sister just went on leave last month and she said her benefits hit the reliacard every wednesday like clockwork. maybe they do different days for different people?? idk the system is weird

Waiting week is required for all new PFML claims in 2025. Glad to hear your second week is approved! My experience with PFML last summer was that I got my ReliaCard about 10 days after filing my first claim, but they didn't tell me they'd mailed it so it just showed up randomly. The payment hit the card about 3 days after approved status. Oh and dont forget u still gotta file weekly even on PFML!

Just wanted to add my recent experience - I started PFML in February and had a similar timeline. My ReliaCard arrived exactly 8 business days after my first approved week, and the funds were already loaded on it when I activated it. One thing I didn't realize at first is that you can check your card balance online at reliacard.com even before the physical card arrives, as long as you have your SSN and the card gets issued. That helped me know the money was there while I was waiting for it in the mail. Also, if you're planning to transfer money to your bank account regularly, consider setting up the free transfer option through the ReliaCard website rather than using ATMs - it takes 1-2 business days but saves on fees.