How long after ESD approves Paid Family Leave claims will money arrive?

Congrats on getting approved! In my experience, it typically takes 5-7 business days from when you file the weekly claim until the money arrives. Make sure you've set up direct deposit correctly in your PFML account - if you haven't, they'll mail a check which adds another 3-5 days. Also, keep in mind the first payment sometimes takes longer because they're setting everything up in their system.

mine took 13 days for the first payment back in january... subsequent ones were faster like 4-5 days. they dont tell u this stuff anywhere on the website which is SO annoying!!!

Just to clarify, Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) is administered by ESD but it's a different program than Unemployment Insurance (UI). The payment timelines are different as well. For PFML, the first payment typically takes 10-14 days after your first weekly claim is processed, as there's additional verification that happens. Subsequent payments are usually faster (3-5 business days after filing your weekly claim). If you need to check on your payment status or have specific questions about your claim, I'd recommend contacting the PFML customer service directly. They can give you exact information about your specific claim.

GOOD LUCK calling them!! I tried for TWO WEEKS straight when I had a payment issue and could never get through. Always "high call volume" then disconnect. So frustrating!!

when i was on pfml my payments were all over the place. first one came in 8 days, second one took 2 weeks for some reason, then back to about a week after that. i think they're just really backed up and inconsistent

I received PFML benefits earlier this year, and here's what I learned about their payment schedule: - First payment: 7-14 business days after your first weekly claim is processed - Subsequent payments: Usually 3-5 business days after filing each weekly claim - Potential delays: If there are holidays, system issues, or they need to verify something, it can take longer If you're worried about making rent, you might want to call your landlord and explain the situation. Many landlords will work with you if you show them your approval letter and explain that payment is just delayed. The good news is that you WILL get paid for all approved weeks, even if there's a delay.

btw did u know they take taxes out?? i was shocked when my payment came and it was way less than i expected bc they took out like 20% for taxes!!! make sure ur budgeting for that

Update from my earlier comment: I just remembered that you can actually check the status of your payment in your PFML account. Go to the portal, log in, and under the "Payments" tab, it will show if your payment has been processed and when it was sent. That might give you a better idea of where things stand with your specific claim.

That's a good sign! "Payment Processing" typically means they've approved your weekly claim and are calculating your benefit amount. You should see it change to "Payment Sent" within the next 2-3 business days, and then it usually takes 1-2 more business days for the direct deposit to appear in your account. So based on that status, I'd estimate you'll see the money in about 3-5 days.

Hey Mei Lin! I'm going through a similar situation right now - just got approved for PFML last Friday and filed my first weekly claim on Monday. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful! I'm in the same boat with rent coming up and was worried about the timing. It sounds like having that "Payment Processing" status is actually a really good sign that things are moving along. Thanks for posting this question - you've helped more people than just yourself! I'll keep checking my portal for status updates and will definitely talk to my landlord about the situation if needed. Fingers crossed we both see our payments soon! 🤞

I went through PFML earlier this year and wanted to share my experience to help ease your worries! My first payment took exactly 9 business days from when I filed my weekly claim to when it hit my bank account. The "Payment Processing" status you mentioned is definitely a good sign - that's exactly what mine showed before it switched to "Payment Sent." One thing that really helped me was setting up text alerts in my banking app so I'd know immediately when the deposit came through. Also, just a heads up that the payment might come through at odd hours - mine arrived at like 3 AM on a Wednesday! It sounds like you're doing everything right, and the fact that your status changed to "Payment Processing" means you should see the money within the next few days. Hang in there!

I just went through this process in February and wanted to add my experience! My first PFML payment took 11 business days from filing my weekly claim to receiving the direct deposit. What really helped me was calling my bank to confirm they had my account set up to receive ACH transfers from Washington State - apparently some banks have extra security measures that can delay government payments by a day or two. Also, I noticed that PFML payments often come through on Wednesdays or Thursdays, so don't panic if you don't see it on Monday/Tuesday. The "Payment Processing" status you mentioned is exactly what mine showed for about 4 days before switching to "Payment Sent." Once it switches to "Payment Sent," you should see the money within 1-2 business days max. One last tip: make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the first payment! I almost forgot to file my second weekly claim because I was so focused on waiting for the first payment, and that would have delayed everything even more. Good luck!

I'm currently waiting for my first PFML payment too and this thread has been incredibly informative! I submitted my weekly claim on Tuesday and it's showing "Claim Submitted" status. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I should expect to wait about 7-14 business days for that first payment. One thing I wanted to mention that might help others - I called the PFML customer service line early this morning (around 7:30 AM) and actually got through after only 15 minutes on hold! The representative confirmed that first payments do take longer because they have to verify everything is set up correctly in their system. She also mentioned that if you have any banking changes or issues with direct deposit, it's better to resolve them now rather than after a payment fails. For anyone still waiting like us, she said the best times to call are right when they open (7 AM) or during lunch hours (12-1 PM) when call volume tends to be lower. Hope this helps someone avoid the frustration others mentioned about not being able to get through!