How do I know if I get unemployment benefits approved by Washington ESD?

The typical processing time for Washington ESD is usually 2-3 weeks for straightforward claims like yours. Since you were laid off and worked full-time for 2 years, you should qualify. You'll get a determination letter either by mail or in your eServices account under 'Letters and Documents.' Your weekly benefit amount will also show up there once approved.

You can also check your 'Claim Summary' page - it should show your weekly benefit amount once it's calculated. Mine took about 12 days and then boom, everything showed up at once.

If Washington ESD needs more info they'll usually send you a fact-finding questionnaire or ask for documents. The fact that you haven't gotten one of those is actually a good sign. Also make sure you're filing your weekly claims even while waiting for approval - you can backdate but it's easier to just file them.

ugh I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days to check on my similar situation and I can NEVER get through. The phone just rings and rings or I get a busy signal. Anyone know the best time to call?

The determination letter is what you're waiting for. It'll have your weekly benefit amount and tell you if you're approved or denied. For a layoff situation like yours you should be fine assuming you made enough wages in your base period.

just went through this same thing last month - took exactly 2 weeks and 3 days to get my determination. was approved for $467/week. the waiting is the worst part but hang in there

Make sure you're also registering with WorkSource WA if you haven't already. It's required for most claims and they check that you're doing job searches.

The ESD system is SO confusing. I got my determination but then had to wait another week for the payment to actually show up in my account. And don't even get me started on the job search requirements...

For anyone struggling to reach Washington ESD by phone like that other person mentioned - I used Claimyr recently and it was a game changer. They basically wait on hold for you and call you back when they get an agent on the line. Way better than spending your whole day redialing.

Your situation sounds exactly like mine was - layoff, good work history, no issues. I got approved in 13 days and my first payment came 3 days after that. The hardest part is just waiting and not knowing.

Don't forget that even after you're approved, your first payment might be delayed by the waiting week. Washington ESD makes you serve one unpaid week before benefits start.

I'm in week 3 of waiting and getting really stressed about bills. At what point should I be worried that something's wrong with my claim?

The determination letter will also tell you how long your benefits will last. Usually 26 weeks unless there are special circumstances or extensions available.

Pro tip: once you're approved, set up direct deposit if you haven't already. Checks can take forever to arrive and sometimes get lost in the mail.

been checking this thread because I'm in the same boat - filed 8 days ago and anxiously waiting. at least I know I'm not alone in this limbo period

Just remember that once you start getting benefits, you'll need to file every week by the deadline (usually Sunday) or you'll miss that week's payment. Set up a reminder on your phone.

The Washington ESD website also has a 'Claim Status' page that updates throughout the process. It's not super detailed but it'll show if your claim is pending, approved, or if there are any issues.

OP, based on what you've described (layoff, 2 years employment, no issues), you should definitely be approved. The process just takes time and Washington ESD doesn't give much feedback while they're processing. Hang in there!

One more thing - make sure your contact info is up to date in your account. Sometimes Washington ESD tries to reach people and can't get through, which can delay the process.