How do I know if I got approved for unemployment benefits in Washington?

Check your account under 'Your Claim' section. If approved, you'll see your weekly benefit amount listed and it will show your next filing date. You should also receive a determination letter in the mail within 7-10 business days explaining your eligibility.

You'll get a monetary determination in the mail that shows your benefit amount and how long your claim lasts. Mine took about 2 weeks to arrive but I could see my benefit amount online before that.

I had trouble figuring this out too when I first applied. Washington ESD doesn't make it very clear on their website. If you're having trouble reaching them by phone, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me hours of calling.

Look for three things in your account: 1) Weekly benefit amount showing a dollar figure 2) Claim balance showing total benefits available 3) Next filing date. If all three are there, you're approved.

ugh the washington esd website is so confusing, took me forever to figure out where everything was located

Also check your messages in the system - they sometimes send notifications there about your claim status. And make sure you file your first weekly claim on time once you're approved, even if you haven't received the letter yet.

I'm in the same boat! Filed 8 days ago and keep refreshing my account page. At least now I know what to look for instead of just staring at 'processed' status.

One thing that confused me was the difference between being approved and actually getting paid. Even if you're approved you still have to serve a waiting period for your first payment in Washington.

The determination letter will have all the important info - your weekly amount, how many weeks you can claim, and your job search requirements. Keep that letter safe!

If you need to talk to Washington ESD about your claim status and can't get through on the phone, definitely try Claimyr. I used it last month when I had questions about my determination and got connected to an agent in minutes instead of calling all day.

Check under the 'Payment Information' tab too - that's where you'll eventually see your payment history once benefits start coming through.

Just remember that even if you're approved, you have to keep filing weekly claims and doing your job search activities. The approval is just the first step.

Sometimes there can be delays if they need to verify your employment history or if there are issues with your separation from your last job. If it's taking longer than expected, that might be why.

Pro tip: sign up for direct deposit if you haven't already. Much faster than waiting for checks in the mail.

I was approved but then got a letter saying I had to do a phone interview. Anyone else have that happen? Kinda freaking out about it.

Make sure you understand all the requirements before you start collecting. There's a lot of rules about reporting work and income that can trip you up later.

The whole process is stressful but once you figure out the system it gets easier. Just stay on top of your weekly filings and job search requirements.

Washington ESD really needs to improve their communication. Half the stress comes from not knowing what's happening with your claim.

Keep checking both your online account and your mailbox. Some notifications come electronically, others still come as physical mail.

Good luck with your claim! The waiting and uncertainty is tough but sounds like you're on the right track if you're seeing benefit amounts in your account.