How long do unemployment payments take from Washington ESD after approval?

I checked and it shows 'payment issued' but nothing in my bank account yet. Maybe it's just the bank processing time?

Yeah if it shows payment issued then it's on its way. Banks can take 1-2 days to process ACH deposits.

That's frustrating but good to know I'm not the only one waiting this long

8 days seems excessive though. Most people I know get it within 3-4 days max.

That makes sense. I filed my weekly claim Wednesday morning so hopefully I'll see something by end of week.

I had issues with my bank not accepting the Washington ESD direct deposit at first. Had to update my banking info and it delayed everything by another week.

Oh no, how did you know your bank rejected it? Did Washington ESD notify you?

Interesting, I might need that if my payment doesn't show up soon. Getting through to Washington ESD by phone is impossible.

Never heard of that service but anything that helps with the Washington ESD phone system sounds useful. I've wasted so many hours on hold.

I think so? I've been doing my job searches and logging them. Where can I check if there are other requirements I missed?

Log into your Washington ESD account and check under 'Eligibility Issues' or 'To Do List' - sometimes there are additional forms or verifications needed.

Just checked and don't see anything outstanding. Guess I just need to be patient.

That's exactly the kind of thing that drives me crazy about this whole system. They should notify people about these issues.

How did you finally get through to them? I can never reach anyone at Washington ESD.

Kept calling at 8am sharp when they open. Took dozens of attempts but eventually got through.

Yes I have direct deposit set up from when I first applied. That should make it faster right?

yeah definitely faster than the debit card route

Exactly! I've probably checked my account 20 times today alone.

Same here. The financial stress while waiting makes everything worse.

Good to know about holidays. I don't think that's affecting mine but useful for others to know.

The verification thing is so true. My first payment took a week but after that they were pretty consistent at 2-3 days.

Yeah someone else mentioned that too. Might be worth looking into if I don't see payment by Monday.

How much does a service like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to reach our own unemployment office.

You're right it's frustrating that we need third-party help, but honestly it saved me so much time and stress that it was worth it for me.

Good suggestion, let me double check that now.

Just verified it's set to direct deposit with my correct bank info, so that's not the issue.

Thanks, trying to stay patient but bills don't wait unfortunately.

I feel you on the bills situation. The timing of unemployment payments never seems to match up with when you actually need the money.

That sounds really helpful. Did they charge you for that kind of basic information?

They focus on getting you connected to the right person rather than charging based on what you ask about. Much better than spending hours trying to get through the regular way.

I use a credit union so hopefully that helps speed things up.

Credit unions are definitely better for this stuff. My big bank would sometimes hold unemployment deposits for 'verification' which was super annoying.

You're absolutely right. I should be grateful the adjudication finally finished. The payment will come when it comes.

Yeah I was in adjudication for 12 weeks. Would have loved to only wait a month like you did.

Will do! Hopefully I'll have good news to report soon.

Yeah please update us, this info helps other people who are in the same situation.

Completely agree. Even just a text saying 'payment processed and sent to your bank' would help so much.

Some states have better communication systems than others. Washington could definitely improve in this area.

Awesome! Glad it worked out. 7 days is pretty typical from what I've seen.

Wait that's not me posting the update - I'm still waiting! But good to know 7 days is normal.

Oh sorry, thought you were the OP! Hope yours comes through soon too.

Thanks for the summary. That matches what most people have been saying here.

Agreed, and if calling doesn't work, those third-party services like Claimyr that people mentioned seem like a viable option for getting through to someone.