How long after filing unemployment does it take to get Washington ESD benefits?

It depends on whether your claim goes into adjudication or not. If everything is straightforward, you could see your first payment in 2-3 weeks after filing. But if there are any issues with your claim, it can take much longer.

took me 4 weeks to get my first payment last month, no issues with my claim either just slow processing

The key thing to remember is you need to file your weekly claims even while waiting for your initial claim to be processed. Don't skip those or you'll lose benefits for those weeks. Most people get their first payment within 14-21 days if there are no complications.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I used a service called Claimyr that helped me reach an agent quickly. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really helped when I was stuck waiting with no updates.

Mine took 3 weeks exactly and I filed in early December. No adjudication issues just normal processing time I guess. The waiting is the worst part because you have no idea if something is wrong or if it's just taking time.

UGH the Washington ESD system is SO SLOW. I've been waiting 5 weeks now and still nothing. Called probably 200 times and can never get through. This is ridiculous when people need money to survive!

just checking - did you file online or by phone? online is supposed to be faster

Another thing to keep in mind is that your first payment will include back pay for all the weeks you've been filing claims, so it might be larger than your regular weekly benefit amount. Don't be surprised by that.

I tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked! Got through to Washington ESD in like 10 minutes instead of calling for hours. Agent was able to tell me my claim was approved and should see payment in 2-3 days.

Make sure you're also doing your job search requirements if you're required to. Some people forget about that part and it can cause issues later.

took forever for me too but eventually came through. hang in there

My experience was weird because I got approved really fast but then there was some issue with the payment system and it took another week to actually receive the money. So even after approval there can be delays.

For what it's worth, Washington ESD processing times have improved compared to the pandemic era. Back then people were waiting months. 2-4 weeks is pretty typical now for straightforward claims.

Don't forget to set up direct deposit if you haven't already. Getting a debit card takes even longer than the initial processing.

I'm in the same boat as you, filed 10 days ago and haven't heard anything yet. At least I know I'm not the only one waiting around!

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD urgently, that Claimyr service really does work. I was skeptical at first but when you're desperate you'll try anything. Got my issues resolved same day.

Just wanted to follow up on this thread since it was helpful to me. Got my first payment today, exactly 3 weeks after filing. No issues or delays, just normal processing time. Hope yours comes through soon OP!

For anyone still waiting, just remember that once you get your first payment the weekly ones come pretty regularly. It's just that initial wait that's brutal.

One more tip - if you do end up needing to call Washington ESD and can't get through, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. The video demo really shows how much time it saves compared to calling manually all day.

Hope everything works out for you OP. Keep us posted on when you finally get your payment!