How long does it take Washington ESD to approve unemployment benefits?
I submitted my initial unemployment application through the Washington ESD website two weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear back. My account shows the claim is 'under review' but doesn't give any timeline. I've been checking every day but nothing has changed. This is my first time filing for unemployment and I have no idea what to expect. How long does it typically take for Washington ESD to approve a claim? I'm starting to get worried that something went wrong with my application.
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Yuki Yamamoto
It usually takes 2-4 weeks for Washington ESD to process initial claims, but it can vary depending on their current workload and whether they need additional verification. Have you received any correspondence asking for additional documents?
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Ethan Brown
•No, I haven't gotten any letters or emails asking for more info. Should I be worried that it's taking this long?
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Two weeks isn't unusual at all. If they needed something from you, they would have contacted you by now.
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Carmen Ortiz
Mine took almost 3 weeks to get approved last year. The waiting is the worst part but they'll get to it eventually.
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Ethan Brown
•Thanks, that makes me feel better. Did you get any notification when it was approved or did you just have to keep checking?
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Carmen Ortiz
•I got an email notification and then could see the change in my online account. You'll definitely know when it happens.
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Andre Rousseau
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 a live agent. They have a system that gets you through the phone queues - check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Way easier than trying to call yourself.
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Ethan Brown
•That sounds interesting. Is it expensive to use?
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Andre Rousseau
•They focus on getting you connected rather than charging high fees. Worth checking out if you need to speak with someone about your claim status.
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Zoe Papadakis
•I've heard of services like this but never tried one. Does it actually work?
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Jamal Carter
THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I've been waiting 6 WEEKS for my claim and still nothing. They don't care about people who actually need help. Keep calling and maybe you'll get lucky but don't hold your breath.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Six weeks is definitely longer than normal. Have you tried contacting your local WorkSource office? Sometimes they can help with claim issues.
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Jamal Carter
•I've tried everything. The whole system is a joke.
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AstroAdventurer
Two weeks is actually pretty standard. I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. Washington ESD has been processing claims much faster than they did during the pandemic. Most straightforward claims get approved within 3-4 weeks.
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Ethan Brown
•What would make a claim take longer than normal?
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AstroAdventurer
•Usually if there are questions about your employment history, reason for separation, or if you worked in multiple states. Also if they need to verify your identity or wages.
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Mei Liu
mine was approved in like 10 days but that was back in march, maybe they're busier now
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Ethan Brown
•10 days sounds amazing! Did you do anything special to speed it up?
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Mei Liu
•nah just filled everything out completely and had all my employer info ready
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Carmen Ortiz
Just be patient and make sure you're filing your weekly claims even while waiting for approval. You can backdate them once your claim is processed.
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Ethan Brown
•Wait, I should be filing weekly claims already? I thought I had to wait for approval first!
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Carmen Ortiz
•Yes! You need to file weekly claims starting the week you become unemployed. The system will prompt you to do this when you log in.
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Yuki Yamamoto
•This is really important - if you don't file weekly claims you could lose benefits for those weeks.
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Ethan Brown
Oh no, I haven't been filing weekly claims! I had no idea I was supposed to do that before approval. How do I catch up on the weeks I missed?
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Don't panic! You can usually backdate weekly claims. Log into your Washington ESD account and look for the weekly claim filing section. It should let you file for previous weeks.
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AstroAdventurer
•When you file your weekly claims, make sure you answer all questions honestly about any work you did or money you earned during each week.
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Andre Rousseau
This is exactly why having a way to reach Washington ESD directly is so helpful. If you're confused about weekly claims or your approval status, being able to actually talk to someone makes all the difference. That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work for getting through.
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Liam O'Sullivan
•I tried Claimyr last month when I was having issues and it actually got me through to someone in about 20 minutes. Much better than spending hours on hold.
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Ethan Brown
•That's really helpful to know. I might try it if I can't figure out the weekly claims thing.
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Zoe Papadakis
The approval process has definitely gotten better since the pandemic mess. I remember in 2020 people were waiting months. Now it's usually just a few weeks unless there's a specific issue with your claim.
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Jamal Carter
•Tell that to people like me who are still waiting after 6 weeks!
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Zoe Papadakis
•If it's been 6 weeks, there's probably a specific issue that needs to be resolved. Have you checked for any messages in your online account?
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Mei Liu
also make sure all your personal info matches exactly what's on file with social security and your employer, any mismatches can slow things down
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Ethan Brown
•Good point, I'll double check all my information to make sure everything matches.
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Yuki Yamamoto
One more tip - keep documentation of everything. Save copies of your application, any correspondence from Washington ESD, and records of your weekly claim filings. It helps if you need to appeal anything later.
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Ethan Brown
•I'll start doing that right away. Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone!
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AstroAdventurer
•Screenshots of your online account are especially useful since the system sometimes has technical issues.
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Carmen Ortiz
You should get a determination letter once your claim is processed. This will tell you your weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you're eligible for. Keep an eye out for that in the mail.
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Ethan Brown
•How will I know what my benefit amount will be? Is there a way to estimate it?
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Carmen Ortiz
•It's based on your earnings from the past year. Washington ESD has a benefit calculator on their website that can give you an estimate.
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Liam O'Sullivan
I'm in the same boat - filed 2.5 weeks ago and still waiting. At least I know I'm not alone! Thanks for asking this question.
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Ethan Brown
•No problem! This thread has been really helpful for me too. Good luck with your claim!
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Both of you should hear something soon if you're at the 2-3 week mark.
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Andre Rousseau
For anyone who needs to follow up on their claim status or has questions about the process, having a reliable way to reach Washington ESD makes everything so much easier. The phone system is usually overwhelmed but services like Claimyr can get you through when you really need help.
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Ethan Brown
•I'm definitely keeping this in mind if I run into any issues. Thanks for the suggestion!
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AstroAdventurer
Bottom line: 2-4 weeks is normal for approval, make sure you're filing weekly claims, and don't stress too much if you're still within that timeframe. The system works, it just takes time.
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Ethan Brown
•This has been incredibly helpful. I feel much better about the whole process now.
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Mei Liu
•yeah just hang in there, it'll come through
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Ethan Brown
Update: I went ahead and filed my weekly claims for the past two weeks. The system let me backdate them without any issues. Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll stop checking my account obsessively now and just wait for the determination letter!
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Yuki Yamamoto
•Great job getting caught up on your weekly claims! That was the most important thing to do.
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Carmen Ortiz
•You should be all set now. Keep filing those weekly claims and your approval should come through soon.
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Andre Rousseau
•Sounds like you're on the right track! Remember that Claimyr option is there if you need to speak with someone directly about your claim.
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