How long before you get your first unemployment check - Washington ESD timing?

Usually takes 2-3 weeks after filing your initial claim if everything goes smoothly. The first week is always a waiting week with no payment anyway, then it's another week or two for processing.

Mine took exactly 3 weeks from filing to first deposit. Washington ESD has to verify your employment history with your last employer, and that can add time if they're slow to respond. Check your account to see if there are any pending issues that need to be resolved.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

TOOK ME 6 WEEKS because Washington ESD screwed up my employer information and I had to appeal. Make sure all your employment dates and wages are correct on your claim or you'll be stuck waiting forever like I was!

mine was pretty quick, like 2.5 weeks total but i had a straightforward layoff situation

Don't forget you need to keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the first payment. Miss a week and it can delay everything further. Also make sure you're doing your job search activities - Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week now.

Are you sure your direct deposit info is set up correctly? I delayed mine by like a week because I had the wrong routing number

The waiting is the worst part honestly. Once it starts coming it's weekly like clockwork, but that first payment feels like forever

If you need to check on your claim status and can't get through their regular phone lines, definitely try that Claimyr service I mentioned. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

Check if your claim went into adjudication - that can add weeks to the process. Usually happens if there's something unclear about why you lost your job or if your employer contests the claim.

honestly the whole system is slow as hell but at least washington is better than some other states ive heard about

Make sure you're checking your account online regularly. Sometimes there are things you need to respond to that aren't obvious, and missing those can delay your payment.

Also if you worked in multiple states recently that can complicate things too. Washington ESD has to coordinate with other state unemployment offices and that takes extra time.

The first payment should include back pay for any eligible weeks you've already claimed, so it might be bigger than your regular weekly amount

Are you getting any kind of confirmation when you file your weekly claims? Just want to make sure those are going through properly

One more plug for Claimyr if you do need to call - I used it last month when my payment was delayed and got through to someone in like 15 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. Worth checking out their site at claimyr.com if you hit any snags.

keep us posted on when you get your first payment, always curious about current timing

Just remember that even if there are delays, as long as you keep filing your weekly claims and doing your job search, you'll get back pay for all eligible weeks once it processes. Don't panic if it takes the full 3-4 weeks.

Hope you get it soon! The waiting game is stressful but most people do get their first payment within that 2-3 week window if everything is in order.

And remember if you DO run into problems, don't just sit there waiting forever like I did. Get on the phone or use one of those services to figure out what's going on. Time is money when you're unemployed!

I'm in a similar situation - filed about 2 weeks ago and still waiting for my first payment. My claim shows "approved" but no money yet. It's nerve-wracking when you have bills due! From what I'm reading here, sounds like I'm still within the normal timeframe. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and timelines - helps knowing this is normal and not just me having issues with the system.