How long after waiting week for unemployment benefits to actually start in Washington?

Thanks! So if I filed my weekly claim Sunday I should see something by Wednesday or Thursday?

Yeah that's typically the timeline. Check your payment history on your Washington ESD account to see if the payment is showing as issued.

Glad I'm not the only one! The whole process feels so slow when you need the money.

It's frustrating but pretty standard. The waiting week is federally required and then there's always processing time.

What are the job search requirements? I've been looking but haven't kept detailed records.

You need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. WorkSourceWA activities count too.

Wait I thought you didn't have to do job search during the waiting week?

Interesting, have you actually used it? I've been dreading having to call if something goes wrong.

Yeah I used it last month when my claim got stuck. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

How much does something like that cost though?

I know right? Other states don't even have waiting weeks anymore.

It's a federal requirement in most states, not just Washington. Supposed to reduce fraudulent claims.

Still doesn't make it any less frustrating when you're broke

That's reassuring, thanks! Did you have to do anything special or just wait?

Nope just waited. The hardest part is the anxiety while you're waiting for that first payment.

I did set up direct deposit so hopefully that speeds things up

oh crap I forgot to set that up, am I screwed?

no you can still change it in your account settings, just might delay this first payment

Good to know, I filed mine Sunday morning. That should be okay right?

Yeah you're fine, the deadline is for the week ending Saturday. So you file by the following Saturday.

Wait I'm confused about the timing. Do we file for the week that just ended or the upcoming week?

It's designed to verify you're actually unemployed and looking for work. The requirements aren't that bad once you get used to the routine.

Easy for you to say, some of us are barely keeping our heads above water here

Ugh don't say that! What caused the adjudication?

Something about his separation from his last job, they had to investigate

That's exactly when Claimyr would be helpful - getting through to check on adjudication status

I've been checking that obsessively! Nothing new since Sunday but hopefully soon.

SAW is so slow to update sometimes, drives me crazy

YES! It crashes constantly and the design is from like 2005

Try using Chrome or Firefox, seems to work better than Safari or Edge

I am using Chrome, still garbage lol

Thanks for the encouragement! Just trying to stay patient.

yeah we're all in the same boat here, at least we can help each other figure this stuff out

How do you set that up? I don't see that option in my account.

Should be under notification preferences in your profile settings

I think that feature is only available if you have the debit card, not for direct deposit

Wow that's awful! I guess I should be grateful it's only been 2 weeks so far.

Still doesn't make the waiting week any less stupid though

Yeah I've heard horror stories about trying to call them

That's why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they handle the calling hassle for you and get you connected to an actual person

Might be worth it if you're really concerned about your claim status

Will do! Fingers crossed it shows up tomorrow or Thursday.

same here, we can celebrate together when our payments come through

There are legitimate reasons for the requirements, but I agree the process could be more user-friendly

User-friendly would be a start, how about just functional?

Fair point, baby steps I guess

Good advice, I've been looking but not keeping detailed records. Need to start doing that.

The WorkSourceWA website has tools to help track your activities, might be worth checking out

I can imagine! Just need to get through these next few days.

You got this! Sounds like your claim is processing normally.

Thanks everyone for all the advice and reassurance! This thread has been really helpful.

And remember Claimyr is always an option if you need to reach Washington ESD quickly. Much easier than the regular phone maze.

Good luck OP, hope you see that payment soon!