How long does Washington ESD unemployment decision take after filing?

Thanks! I haven't gotten any requests for additional info yet, so hopefully that's a good sign.

Mine took exactly 3 weeks last year. Just be patient, they're pretty backed up most of the time.

Yeah I'm definitely checking way too often! Good to know the online account updates first.

LOL same here, I was obsessed with checking every few hours. Drove me crazy.

Interesting, I haven't heard of that before. Did they charge you anything for helping you get through?

Yeah there's a fee but honestly it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of getting the busy signal all day.

Hmm, not sure I trust paying someone to make a phone call for me, but I guess if you're desperate...

That makes sense. I worked for a pretty big company so hopefully their HR responds quickly to Washington ESD.

Big companies are usually faster with this stuff. Small businesses sometimes take forever to respond.

I feel you on the rent anxiety. Hopefully we both hear back soon!

Try calling Washington ESD directly if you're past the 3 week mark. Sometimes there are issues that need to be resolved.

I've tried calling but can never get through. Their phone lines are always busy.

Wait, I can file weekly claims before my initial claim is approved? I thought I had to wait.

Yes definitely! Log into your account and you should see the option to file weekly claims. It's important to keep filing to maintain your eligibility.

This is crucial advice. I made the mistake of not filing weekly claims while waiting and lost out on 2 weeks of benefits.

That's discouraging to hear. What kind of issues have you had?

Overpayment notice that took 2 months to resolve, adjudication that lasted 6 weeks, you name it. They're just understaffed and overwhelmed.

5 weeks sounds awful! I really hope mine doesn't take that long.

Yeah hers was a special case though. The employer was being difficult about her reason for leaving.

Good point, I'll double check that. I did upload my driver's license when I filed but maybe they need something else.

Yeah sometimes they want additional documents. Should show up in your account if they need anything.

That's the second person who's mentioned them. Maybe I should look into it if I don't hear back soon.

Can you tell me more about how that worked? Did they just call for you or what?

They basically handle the calling and waiting on hold, then connect you when they get through to an agent. Saved me a lot of time and frustration.

What triggers adjudication? I'm hoping to avoid that.

Usually happens if there are questions about why you left your job, or if your employer disputes your claim. Could also be wage issues or other eligibility questions.

That's encouraging! I'm at about 2 weeks now so hopefully soon.

Yeah you're probably getting close. I remember the relief when I finally saw that approval in my account.

I've been applying to jobs but wasn't keeping a formal log. Should I start one?

Absolutely! Keep track of where you apply, when, and what type of job. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities.

Yes, you need to be doing at least 3 job search activities per week and keep records of everything.

Thanks for the reassurance! The back pay is definitely important since bills don't stop coming.

Exactly. As long as you keep filing your weekly claims, you'll get paid for all those weeks once approved.

That's three people now who've mentioned good experiences with them. I might have to try it if I don't hear back this week.

Yeah, check out their video demo first to see how it works. Made me feel more comfortable about using them.

Good advice. I've been checking online but should probably keep an eye on my mailbox too.

Definitely. Sometimes they send important stuff by mail that doesn't show up online right away.

18 days seems reasonable. I'm trying to stay patient but it's hard when you're worried about money.

I totally understand. The financial stress makes the waiting so much worse. But hang in there!

That's a good way to think about it. I haven't gotten any requests for additional docs so hopefully that means things are moving along normally.

Exactly! When there are issues, they're usually pretty quick to ask for clarification or documentation.

That's reassuring. I was worried I'd be waiting months based on some of the older posts I've seen online.

Those were mostly from the pandemic era when everything was completely overwhelmed. Things are much more normal now.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much better about the timeline now. Will keep filing weekly claims and being patient.

You're welcome! Come back and update us when you get your decision.

Good luck! You should be hearing back any day now based on your timeline.