How do unemployment checks work in Washington ESD system?

Congrats on getting approved! You'll need to file a weekly claim every week to get paid. It's basically telling Washington ESD that you're still unemployed and looking for work. You can do this online through your SecureAccess Washington account. As for payment, they usually do direct deposit if you set it up, otherwise they mail debit cards.

The weekly claims are due every Sunday for the previous week. You'll answer questions about whether you worked, looked for work, and if you were available for work. Make sure you keep track of your job search activities because Washington ESD requires at least 3 job search contacts per week.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about your payments, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a real person. They have this demo video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

The payment timing can vary. Usually it takes 2-3 business days after you file your weekly claim for the money to show up. But sometimes there are delays, especially if there are holidays or if Washington ESD is reviewing something on your claim.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! I've been trying to figure out my payments for weeks and keep getting different answers from different people. Why can't Washington ESD just make this simpler?

Don't forget you might have to pay taxes on unemployment benefits. Washington ESD can withhold federal taxes if you request it, but you'll probably owe something at tax time if you don't.

I got my first payment on the ReliaCard debit card they sent me. You can also transfer money from the card to your bank account if you want, but there might be fees depending on how you do it.

Make sure you report ANY work you do when filing your weekly claim, even if it's just a few hours. Washington ESD will find out eventually and if you don't report it upfront, they'll say you committed fraud and make you pay everything back.

The key thing is to file your weekly claims on time every week and be honest about everything. The system is automated for the most part, so as long as you don't trigger any red flags, your payments should come regularly.

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your payments or have questions, seriously consider using Claimyr. I've recommended it to several people now and everyone's had success reaching agents quickly.

Pro tip: set up direct deposit ASAP and file your weekly claims on the same day each week so you don't forget. I do mine every Sunday morning with my coffee.

been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and let me tell you, the system hasn't gotten any better. Still takes forever to get payments sorted out and good luck reaching anyone for help

Remember that you have to be actively looking for work to keep getting benefits. Keep detailed records of your job search because Washington ESD can ask for proof at any time.

The whole WorkSourceWA requirement is annoying but you gotta do it. Make sure your profile is complete and you're logging your job search activities there too.

If your claim gets put into adjudication for any reason, that's when you really need to be able to talk to someone at Washington ESD. The automated system can't help with those issues.

Just remember unemployment benefits are temporary. The system is designed to help you while you look for new work, not as a long-term solution. Make sure you're actively job searching!

thanks for asking this question OP, I'm in the same boat and these answers are really helpful!

One thing nobody mentioned - if you move to a different state while collecting Washington unemployment, you need to notify Washington ESD. The rules can get complicated for interstate claims.

Bottom line - file your weekly claims on time, keep looking for work, report any earnings, and keep good records. The payments will come as long as you follow the rules.