How do you know if your approved for unemployment in Washington ESD?

You'll get a determination letter in the mail and also see the status change in your online account. Usually takes 2-3 weeks for a decision. The letter will say if you're approved or denied and explain the weekly benefit amount if approved.

mine took forever to get approved, like 6 weeks because they had to verify my employment history. the waiting is the worst part honestly

If you need to check your claim status or speak with someone at Washington ESD, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent. They have a system that calls you back when an agent is available instead of waiting on hold forever. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me get answers about my claim status.

Check your online account under 'Claim Status' - that's where you'll see the most up-to-date information. If it shows 'Pending' or 'Under Review' that means they're still processing. Once approved, it will show your weekly benefit amount and you can start filing weekly claims.

THE WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS SO SLOW!!! I waited 4 weeks for approval and they never even told me why it took so long. Meanwhile bills are piling up and I'm stressed out of my mind.

Make sure you're checking both your online account AND your mail. Washington ESD sends official notifications by mail, but your online account updates faster usually. The determination letter is the official approval document.

i remember when mine got approved it changed from 'under review' to showing my weekly benefit amount. then i got the letter like 3 days later in the mail

If you're really anxious about the status, calling Washington ESD directly can give you more specific information about your claim. When I used Claimyr to get through, the agent was able to tell me exactly what stage my claim was in and if there were any issues holding it up.

Sometimes there can be issues with your claim that require adjudication - like if there are questions about why you left your job or your availability to work. That would delay the approval process while they investigate.

been there! the waiting is torture but try to be patient. most people get approved if they qualify, it's just a matter of time for them to process everything

Once you're approved, you'll need to file weekly claims every week to continue receiving benefits. The system will guide you through that process, but it's important to file on time every week.

My neighbor had to wait 5 weeks because they needed to verify her last employer's information. Sometimes it's not even anything you did wrong, just bureaucratic delays.

Keep checking your account daily! Mine updated on a Wednesday morning and I was so relieved to finally see the approval. The waiting period is awful but most people do get approved eventually.

If you get denied (which hopefully you won't), you have the right to appeal the decision. But most first-time filers who qualify get approved, it just takes time.

i was so paranoid about missing something that i called using that claimyr service too. the agent confirmed my claim was progressing normally and just needed more time. really put my mind at ease

The system is designed to be slow and frustrating unfortunately. But hang in there - you'll get through this process and get the benefits you're entitled to.

Just to summarize for you: Check your online account daily, watch for mail from Washington ESD, and if you need immediate answers about your claim status, consider using a service like Claimyr to speak with an agent. Most claims are approved within 2-4 weeks if there are no complications.

Update us when you hear back! It's always encouraging to hear success stories from people going through the same process.

Rooting for you! The whole process is nerve-wracking but you'll get through it. Most people do get approved if they qualify.