How long do you have to wait for Washington ESD unemployment benefits to start?

There's a one-week waiting period for regular unemployment in Washington. So you won't get paid for your first eligible week, but after that it should be weekly payments if your claim is approved. The processing time depends on whether your claim needs adjudication or not.

What determines if it needs adjudication? My claim just says 'pending' right now.

Things like if you quit vs were laid off, if there are questions about your work history, or if your employer contests the claim. If it's straightforward you might hear back in a week or two.

I filed mine 3 weeks ago and still waiting... it's been in adjudication the whole time. Tried calling Washington ESD but can never get through to anyone. This is so frustrating when you need the money to pay bills.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it last month when I couldn't reach anyone and it actually worked. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - they basically handle the calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. I was skeptical too but it got me connected to an agent who cleared up my adjudication issue.

The waiting period is still one week but that doesn't include the time it takes them to actually process your claim. If everything goes smoothly and there are no issues, you're looking at maybe 2-3 weeks total from when you file to when you get your first payment. But if there are complications it can be much longer.

That's not too bad if it's really only 2-3 weeks. I was worried it might be months.

Don't count on 2-3 weeks... mine took 6 weeks and I had a pretty straightforward layoff situation. Washington ESD is just overwhelmed right now.

ugh the whole system is such a mess. I've been waiting 5 weeks now and every time I call they just say 'it's still being processed' with no timeline. How are we supposed to survive without any income??

I feel you on this. The uncertainty is almost worse than not having the money. At least if they gave you a real timeline you could plan around it.

Exactly! Even if they said 8 weeks I could at least make arrangements with my landlord or whatever. But this limbo is killing me.

For what it's worth, the waiting week only applies to regular UI benefits. If you're on standby status through your employer, the waiting period might be different. Also make sure you're filing your weekly claims even while your initial claim is pending - you need to keep certifying to get paid for those weeks once it's approved.

Yeah I've been doing the weekly claims religiously. Good to know about the standby thing though - I'm not on that but good info for others.

Just wanted to add that the one week waiting period is unpaid - so even after your claim is approved, you won't get benefits for that first week. A lot of people don't realize that and think they're missing a payment.

Wait so I lose a whole week of benefits permanently? That seems harsh when you're already struggling.

Yeah it's basically a penalty week. It's supposed to encourage people to find work quickly but it just hurts people who really need the help.

It's been that way for years unfortunately. One of those bureaucratic things that doesn't make sense when you're actually unemployed.

Update: I tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned and holy crap it actually worked! Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of the usual busy signal. Turns out my claim was held up because of some paperwork issue that should be resolved now.

Wow really? I might have to try that if my claim doesn't move soon. How much does it cost?

Honestly I don't even care what it costs at this point - being able to actually talk to someone was worth it. My claim should start moving now.

The timeframes really vary based on your situation. Simple layoffs tend to go faster, while quit situations or if there's any dispute with your employer can take much longer. I had a friend who waited 8 weeks because his employer initially contested the claim.

My situation was a straightforward layoff so hopefully that helps. No disputes or anything like that.

That should help a lot. Just keep filing your weekly claims and hopefully you'll hear something soon.

Don't forget you have to meet the job search requirements too once your claim is active. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week. Make sure you're keeping track of those or your benefits can get cut off.

Yeah I've been applying to jobs already. Do I need to log those somewhere specific or just keep my own records?

You need to keep your own detailed log with employer names, dates, how you applied, etc. They can audit you at any time and ask for proof.

Something else to consider - if you have any questions about your claim status or need to update information, don't waste time trying to call the regular Washington ESD number. I've had good luck with that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier for getting through to actual agents who can give you real answers.

I'm gonna try this too. Been calling for weeks with no luck. How quickly did they get you connected?

Usually within an hour or so. Way better than sitting on hold all day or getting hung up on constantly.

Thanks everyone for all the info. Sounds like 2-4 weeks is probably realistic for my situation. I'll keep filing weekly claims and hopefully hear something soon. Really appreciate all the advice!

Good luck! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Yeah definitely update us when you hear something. Always good to know current processing times.

Just for reference, I filed in early January and got my first payment 3 weeks later. No complications, just a regular layoff situation. So it can happen relatively quickly if everything goes smoothly.

That's encouraging! Fingers crossed mine moves that fast.

make sure your direct deposit info is set up correctly too. I had a friend whose claim got approved but then the payments got delayed another week because her bank info was wrong

Good point - I double checked that when I filed but I'll verify it again just in case.

Update from my situation - used Claimyr like others mentioned and finally got through to someone! Turns out I had been missing one piece of documentation. Agent said once I submit it my claim should process within a few days. Wish I had known about this service weeks ago.

That's awesome! What documentation were you missing if you don't mind me asking?

Something called a separation notice from my employer. I thought they had sent it automatically but apparently not. Easy fix once I knew what was needed.

The key thing is to not panic if it takes longer than expected. I know it's hard when you need the money but the system is just slow. Keep filing weekly claims and eventually it will go through.

Yeah trying to stay patient but it's definitely stressful not knowing when money will come in.

One more tip - if you end up needing to appeal anything or deal with overpayment issues down the road, don't wait. Those have even longer timelines and strict deadlines. But hopefully you won't need to worry about that!

Hopefully not! But good to know just in case. Thanks for all the help everyone.