How long after filing Washington ESD unemployment claim should I expect first payment?

Thanks! So I should be filing weekly claims already even though my claim isn't approved yet?

Yes, definitely file your weekly claims. You can't get paid for weeks you don't claim, even if your initial claim gets approved later.

6 weeks?? That's terrifying. Did they tell you why it took so long or did you have to keep calling to find out?

had to call a bunch of times. kept getting told different things. finally got through to someone who explained they were waiting for my employer to respond to some verification request

What would cause a claim to go into adjudication? I was laid off due to store closure, seems pretty straightforward.

Even straightforward layoffs can trigger adjudication if there are questions about your work history, if you had any disciplinary actions, or if your employer contests the claim. Store closures are usually pretty clear-cut though.

My claim got stuck in adjudication because I had worked two part-time jobs and they had to verify both. Took 4 extra weeks just for that.

Is this legit? I've never heard of them before. Do they charge for this service?

Yes it's legitimate. They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an agent. Much better than sitting on hold for hours. The demo video explains everything.

I was skeptical too but ended up trying it when I couldn't get through to ESD for weeks. Actually worked and I got my claim issue resolved same day.

I get the frustration but the waiting week has been a federal requirement for decades. Most states have it, not just Washington.

Doesn't make it any less stupid. Other countries don't make people wait like this when they lose their jobs.

The waiting week is supposed to encourage people to find work quickly rather than rely on benefits. Whether it actually works is debatable.

Wait, I have to do job searches during the waiting week too? I thought that started after I was approved.

Yes, job search requirements start immediately. You need to register with WorkSource within 7 days of filing and start your job search activities right away.

Correct. The job search requirement begins with your first claimable week, which includes the waiting week. Keep detailed records of your search activities.

This is exactly what I'm worried about. How did you finally get through?

kept calling first thing in the morning right when they opened. also tried that claimyr thing someone mentioned and it actually worked better than calling myself

So I never get paid for that first week unless I use up all my benefits? That seems unfair.

That's correct. The waiting week payment is held until the end of your benefit year. It's always been this way with Washington unemployment.

Unless you find a job quickly and don't use all your benefits, then you lose that waiting week payment entirely. Another reason the system is frustrating.

Good tip. Should I be checking daily or is there a notification system?

I'd check at least every other day. The notification system isn't great so don't rely on it to tell you when something new is posted.

47 times in one day?? That's insane. There has to be a better way.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. They handle all the calling and waiting so you don't have to deal with that frustration.

Yeah I saw your post about that. Might have to try it if I can't get through soon. Getting desperate here.

This is really helpful, thank you. I'll make sure to stay on top of the weekly claims and job search stuff.

Perfect summary. The key is being proactive about requirements even during the waiting period.

Good to know! Did you get direct deposit or debit card?

direct deposit. the debit card option might be faster but i already had my bank info set up

This is getting confusing. So I file weekly claims every Sunday for the previous week?

Exactly. Weekly claims are filed on Sunday for the week that just ended (Sunday-Saturday). Your first weekly claim would be filed the Sunday after your first full week.

How often should I check? Daily seems excessive but I don't want to miss anything important.

I'd say every 2-3 days during the first few weeks, then weekly once things are established. Better safe than sorry.

8+ weeks would be devastating. Is there anything I can do to speed things up if issues arise?

Respond to any requests for information immediately and completely. If you need to reach ESD about delays, try the services mentioned earlier or call during off-peak hours.

I'm definitely going to look into this if I run into problems. Thanks for the recommendation.

Same here. I've been trying to call ESD for days with no luck. Going to try this service tomorrow.

So if I forget to file one week I just lose that week's payment entirely?

Unfortunately yes. There's no make-up option for missed weekly claims. Set a recurring reminder on your phone for Sunday mornings.

5 weeks even with no complications? That's longer than what others are saying.

yeah it varies a lot. some people get lucky and get paid in 2-3 weeks, others wait much longer. depends on workload and which office processes your claim

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Feeling more prepared for what to expect now.

You're welcome. Remember that most claims do get approved eventually, it's just a matter of following the process correctly and being patient with the timeline.