How do you know if you were approved for unemployment by Washington ESD?

Thanks! Should I be checking my eServices account daily or just wait for the letter?

Check both your eServices correspondence section and your regular mail. Sometimes one comes before the other.

The phone system is definitely overloaded. I had success using Claimyr to get through to an actual agent. It's at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

never heard of that before, does it actually work? im desperate at this point

Yes, it worked for me last month. They handle the calling and wait time, then connect you when an agent picks up. Way better than sitting on hold for 3 hours.

That's reassuring, thanks. I was worried I did something wrong since I haven't heard anything yet.

yeah definitely keep filing weekly claims, i made that mistake and lost 2 weeks of benefits

I feel you. The uncertainty is the worst part. At least we're not alone in this.

If it's been 3 weeks with no determination letter, you might want to call Washington ESD to check if they need additional information from you.

I don't see any adjudication notices, just the pending status. Is that good or bad?

No adjudication is usually good - means it's just normal processing. Adjudication adds extra time because they need to investigate something.

what does adjudication even mean? im so confused by all this unemployment terminology

oh no, mine shows adjudication in progress. does that mean im probably getting denied?

Not necessarily! Adjudication just means they're doing their due diligence. Many claims in adjudication still get approved.

What kind of documents did they ask for? I'm worried they might ask me for stuff I don't have.

Driver's license, Social Security card, and my last pay stub. Pretty standard stuff.

That's smart! I'll set that up right now.

how do you set up notifications? i cant find that option anywhere

Login to eServices, go to 'Manage Account' then 'Communication Preferences'. You can choose text, email, or both.

That gives me hope! What was your weekly benefit amount if you don't mind me asking?

I get $435 per week, which is based on my previous job's salary. Washington ESD calculates it automatically.

Every state has different processing times. Washington actually improved a lot since the pandemic backlog.

The volume is still really high. I think that's why services like Claimyr exist - to help people actually reach agents when they need help.

Congratulations! That gives me hope. Did you get the letter in the mail or online first?

Online first, then mail 2 days later. The online version had all the same info.

awesome news! how long until you actually got your first payment?

A few people have mentioned Claimyr now. Is it worth it just to check status?

For peace of mind, absolutely. The agent I spoke with could see exactly where my claim was in processing and what was holding it up.

Good to know! I'm right at that 2 week mark so hopefully soon.

mine came exactly at 3 weeks. hang in there!

Sorry to hear you got laid off again. That must be really stressful.

yeah it sucks but at least i know the process now. washington esd is slow but they do eventually get through everything

I tried that but it just says 'claim is being processed' which isn't much help.

Yeah the automated system is pretty basic. Real agents have much more detailed info.

Thanks for the reassurance. I'm definitely filing weekly claims even though nothing's been approved yet.

Smart move. Those weekly claims are like your place in line - don't lose your spot.