How long after Washington ESD approval do payments start coming?

Do I need to file for the weeks I was waiting for approval too, or just going forward?

You should be able to file for all the back weeks since your claim start date. Check your account to see what weeks are available to claim.

Thanks! Yeah the waiting was brutal. Did you get back pay for all the weeks you were waiting?

yep got all the back weeks in one big payment, was nice

I've never heard of that before. Is it legit? I'm always nervous about third-party services.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. You can check them out at claimyr.com. They don't ask for any personal info, just help you get connected to Washington ESD agents when the phone lines are crazy busy.

I was skeptical too but used it last month when I couldn't get through to fix my direct deposit info. Worked perfectly and saved me hours of calling.

I have direct deposit set up already. What exactly are the job search requirements? I thought that didn't start until after a few weeks.

In Washington you need to do 3 job search activities per week starting immediately. Check WorkSourceWA for approved activities. Keep detailed records because they audit claims randomly.

wait I thought it was 5 job searches per week?? now i'm confused

It's 3 per week for most people. The 5 requirement might be for certain programs or if you're in a specific category.

Good to know! What's the deadline for filing weekly claims?

You have to file by 11:59 PM Saturday for the previous week. I always do mine on Sunday morning to be safe.

Oh no, that's my fear. How did you resolve it?

Had to call and explain the situation. Took forever to get through though. This was before I knew about services like Claimyr that help you reach agents faster.

Wait, you could file weekly claims while still in adjudication? I wasn't able to do that.

Yeah it depends on the type of adjudication issue. Some people can file weekly claims while waiting, others can't until it's resolved.

That's correct. If it's an identity verification issue you usually can't file. If it's about job separation reasons, sometimes you can still file weekly claims.

Great, another thing to worry about! How do you find out if there's a system issue vs a problem with your claim?

usually they post notices on the washington esd website if there are system-wide issues

That's a good idea! I'm definitely going to set that up.

Yeah I'm definitely overthinking this first payment. Just need to get through this initial period.

Totally understandable. The whole unemployment system is stressful enough without having to wonder about payment timing.

I'll try that if I run into any issues. Though someone mentioned that Claimyr service earlier which sounds easier than trying to time my calls perfectly.

Yeah Claimyr definitely takes the guesswork out of calling. You don't have to worry about timing or getting disconnected after waiting on hold.

I haven't had any work yet so hopefully my first payment will be the full amount.

Good! Just keep that in mind for future weeks if you pick up any part-time work.

That would be amazing! I was approved for benefits starting from my original application date, so I should get about 4 weeks of back pay.

Yeah that sounds right. Just make sure all those weeks show as 'paid' in your account after you file the weekly claims.

I really hope so. This whole process has been incredibly stressful.

Good point, I should double-check that. I moved recently and want to make sure everything is updated.

Several people have mentioned Claimyr now. I might give that a try if I don't see my payment by the end of the week.

It's really worth it when you need answers fast. The peace of mind alone was worth it for me.

Thanks for mentioning that! I need to factor in MLK day next week.

I definitely will! Hoping to have good news to share by the end of the week.

Fingers crossed for you! The waiting is almost over.