How long does it take Washington ESD unemployment benefits to start paying?

Usually takes 2-3 weeks from when you first file your claim for the first payment to hit your account. The waiting week is built in, plus they need time to verify your employment history with your former employer.

Check your account on the Washington ESD website to see if there are any issues holding up your claim. Sometimes they need additional documentation or there's an adjudication issue that delays everything.

I had the same anxiety when I filed last year. If you're really worried about getting through to check on things, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me actually reach a human at Washington ESD. They have agents who can call for you - check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The timeline really depends on your specific situation. Regular UI claims typically process faster than claims that require additional verification. Since you're at 10 days already, I'd expect to see payment within the next 5-7 business days if everything is straightforward.

UGH the waiting is the worst part!! I remember when I filed it felt like forever and I was checking my bank account every hour lol. But yeah it does come through eventually, just feels like an eternity when you need the money.

One thing to double-check - make sure you selected direct deposit when you filed your claim. If you chose the debit card option, there's additional processing time to get the card mailed to you, which can add another week.

Also remember that even after your first payment comes through, there might be slight delays in future payments if you have any job search requirement issues or if you work any hours during a week. The system is pretty automated but hiccups do happen.

Just be patient, it really does work out in the end. I know it's stressful but the money will come. Focus on your job search and keep filing those weekly claims.

If you end up needing to call Washington ESD for any reason and can't get through (which happens A LOT), that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is actually pretty solid. My sister used it when her claim got stuck in adjudication and it saved her weeks of trying to call on her own.

The system is so backed up these days, I swear it takes longer than it used to. But hang in there!

To give you a more specific timeline based on what you've shared: You filed 10 days ago, so you've likely completed your waiting week. If your claim shows 'processed' and you've been filing weekly claims, you should see your first payment by next Friday at the latest, assuming no complications.

Make sure you're not working any hours while you wait - even a few hours of work can delay your payment if you don't report it correctly on your weekly claim.

The waiting is brutal but try not to stress too much. Focus on job applications and the money will show up before you know it.

Update us when you get your first payment! Always nice to hear success stories on here.

If you're really tight on money right now, some food banks and churches have emergency assistance programs while you wait for unemployment to kick in. Just a thought.

One more thing about that Claimyr service - I know some people are hesitant about it, but when you're stressed about money and can't get through to Washington ESD yourself, it's honestly a lifesaver. They handle the calling so you don't have to sit on hold for hours.

The first payment is always the scariest but once the system has you in it, future payments usually come like clockwork.

Keep filing those weekly claims even if you don't see money yet. That's the most important thing!

Hope you get good news soon! The uncertainty is the worst part but sounds like you're doing everything right.

Just wanted to add - if your payment doesn't come by Friday like mentioned above, don't panic immediately. Sometimes there are small delays even with straightforward claims. But that would be the time to reach out to Washington ESD or use one of those calling services to check what's happening.