How long does it take for unemployment to be approved through Washington ESD?

That's helpful to know. I was laid off due to company downsizing so hopefully that won't complicate things. Do they contact your former employer directly?

Yes, Washington ESD will send a separation notice to your employer asking them to verify the reason for your separation and other details. Most employers respond within 10 business days, but some take longer which can delay your claim.

Yes I've been filing weekly claims every Sunday. The system lets me file them but shows $0 for payment amounts. Is that normal?

That's exactly what it should look like until your initial claim is approved. Once they approve you, all those weekly claims will get processed and you'll get back payments.

Thanks for the info! What kinds of things would cause it to go into adjudication? I'm worried I might have done something wrong on my application.

Common reasons include issues with your separation from work, questions about your availability, or if you had multiple employers. Don't panic - most adjudication issues get resolved, they just take extra time.

That gives me hope! Did you get backpay for those weeks you were waiting?

Yes, once approved you get paid for all the weeks you were eligible, starting from when you first filed. Just make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for approval.

That's reassuring about the backdating at least. Did you have to do anything to speed up the process or just wait?

I tried calling but could never get through. Eventually I used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to someone at Washington ESD. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - saved me hours of trying to call.

OMG yes the phone situation is impossible! I tried calling like 50 times and either got busy signals or got hung up on after waiting forever.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them on my own. They have some kind of system that keeps calling until they connect you with an agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to call myself.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point.

I check my account every day but I don't see any requests for additional info. Should I be worried that it's taking this long?

Not necessarily. Washington ESD processes thousands of claims and they're still dealing with higher volumes than pre-2020. Just keep filing your weekly claims and be patient. If it goes over 3 weeks, then I'd start trying to contact them.

I was laid off due to company downsizing so hopefully that helps. I check my account daily but the status hasn't changed from pending.

That's exactly what happened to me - laid off due to downsizing. Still took 3 weeks because they had to verify my work history with multiple employers from the past 18 months.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I discovered it when I was having trouble reaching Washington ESD agents by phone. It's a service that helps you get through to actual people at the unemployment office. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

I've never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. Does it actually work?

It worked for me. I was able to speak with someone about my adjudication issue within a couple days instead of calling for weeks. Check out claimyr.com - they handle the calling and waiting for you.

I feel your pain. The waiting is the worst part, especially when you have no income coming in.

If you've been waiting 3 weeks, definitely try to get in touch with them. That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier worked for me - check out claimyr.com. It's specifically designed to help people get through to Washington ESD when the normal phone lines aren't working.

I feel your frustration but try to stay patient. The system is definitely overloaded but most claims do get processed eventually.

Easy for you to say when you're not watching your savings disappear while waiting for bureaucrats to do their job!

I feel you on this. The uncertainty is terrible. Have you looked into any emergency assistance programs while you wait? Some counties have rent assistance.

I applied for a few things but those have waiting lists too. Everything seems to take forever when you actually need help.

Good to know there's an actual timeline. I'm at day 10 so I guess I still have some time left in their window.

21 days seems like forever when you're broke and waiting for benefits!

I've been checking both but nothing yet. I'll keep watching for mail though.

Yeah I missed an important notice once because I was only checking online. Always check both!

Wait, really? So even after approval there's another delay?

Yes, Washington has a one-week unpaid waiting period for unemployment benefits. It's standard across most states. You won't get paid for your first week of unemployment.

That's reassuring. I have the layoff letter from my employer so I hope that helps speed things up.

Having documentation definitely helps! Keep that layoff notice handy in case they ask for it.

That gives me hope! Did you get any notification when it was approved or did you just have to keep checking?

got an email notification and then could see the payment in my account a few days later

I understand the frustration, but most claims are processed within the standard timeframe. Complex cases that require investigation do take longer, but that's to ensure benefits go to eligible claimants.

sure but when youre about to be evicted, 'standard timeframe' doesnt help much

Do I need to start the job search stuff right away or only after I'm approved?

You should start right away. The requirements apply from the date you file your claim, not from when it's approved. You need to log your job search activities in WorkSourceWA.

This is important! I know people who got disqualified later because they didn't start their job search early enough.

Wait, there's a waiting period AFTER approval? I thought the waiting period was just the processing time.

Yes, Washington ESD has a one-week waiting period that serves as your 'waiting week' - it's basically an unpaid week that you have to serve before benefits begin. It's standard across most states.

This is why I hate the unemployment system - surprise waiting periods nobody tells you about until you're already desperate.

I double-checked everything when I filed but I'll log in and review it again. Thanks for the tip.

That's a common issue. Any work during your base period needs to be reported accurately, even if it was minimal hours or pay.

Yeah he learned that the hard way. Now he tells everyone to be super thorough when filling out the application.

How much does something like that cost?

They don't require any upfront payment or personal financial info. The value is really in not having to spend hours every day redialing busy phone lines. Check their site at claimyr.com for details.

Is there a way to request priority processing or do they just decide that internally?

It's mostly internal, but if you have extreme hardship you can try contacting them to explain your situation. No guarantees but sometimes it helps.

Appeals do take additional time, usually 4-6 weeks for a hearing to be scheduled after you file the appeal. But if you have a valid case, it's worth pursuing.

yeah she won her appeal eventually but the wait was brutal

Yeah it's nerve-wracking not knowing when you'll hear back. Hang in there!

The waiting is definitely the hardest part. Try to stay positive - most claims do get approved eventually.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash.

I can't remember the exact cost but it was worth it for me to get answers instead of wondering what was happening with my claim. Check their website for current pricing.

I've tried calling multiple times but always get a busy signal or get disconnected. Any tips for actually getting through?

I had the same problem until someone recommended Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get connected to unemployment offices. Worked great for me when I needed to check on my adjudication status.

Is that legitimate? I'm always nervous about third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's legit - they just help you get through the phone lines, they don't handle your claim or anything. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll try to be more patient and just keep doing what I'm supposed to do.

That's the right attitude. Stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements and you should be fine.

That gives me hope! 15 days would put me at next week so maybe I'll hear something soon.

Yeah once they approve you, the payments come pretty quickly. The waiting for the initial decision is the longest part.

Good advice. I've been taking screenshots of my weekly claim submissions just in case.

Smart thinking! Always good to have proof of what you did and when you did it.

That's encouraging. I filed mid-month so hopefully timing works in my favor too.

Yes, I've been doing that every Sunday. The system lets me file them even though my claim isn't approved yet.

Perfect, that's exactly what you should be doing. Those weekly claims will all get processed once your initial claim is approved.

While there's always room for improvement, the verification process is important for preventing fraud and ensuring benefits go to eligible individuals.

I get that but there has to be a better balance between fraud prevention and actually helping people who need it

Good point, I'll make sure to check spam too. Haven't received any emails yet but I'll keep watching.

That's exactly what happened to me. Spent 3 weeks calling constantly and getting nowhere. Claimyr got me through to someone who was able to explain exactly what was holding up my claim.

This is really helpful to know. If I don't hear anything by next week I might try that service.

Thank you for the encouragement. It's hard not to worry but hearing from people who've been through it helps.

That's amazing news! Congratulations and thanks for updating us. Gives me hope that mine will come through soon too.

Awesome! The waiting is tough but it's such a relief when it finally comes through.

Good point about the weekly claims! I've been filing those every week even though I'm still pending. Want to make sure I don't mess anything up.

Smart move - I know someone who forgot to file weekly claims during their waiting period and had to jump through hoops to get those weeks restored later.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm trying to stay positive but it's hard when bills are due and I don't know when money will come in.

I totally get it. Are you eligible for any emergency assistance programs while you wait? Sometimes local food banks or utility assistance can help bridge the gap.

A month total is longer than I hoped but at least it's a realistic timeline. Did you have any issues or was it straightforward?

Pretty straightforward - I was laid off from a single employer so no complications. The payment delay was just normal processing time for the debit card.

How do you know if your claim is in adjudication? Will it show that status on the website?

Yes, if you log into your Washington ESD account it will show 'adjudication in progress' or similar language. You might also get a letter explaining what information they need.

5 weeks is definitely longer than average. You should try to contact Washington ESD to check on your claim status. There might be an issue that needs your attention.

yeah I've been trying to call but can't get through, might try that claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier

I agree the system could be better, but complaining doesn't help the people who need benefits right now. The current system is what we have to work with.

Fair point, just frustrated that people are struggling while bureaucracy moves at a snail's pace.

That's good to know! I'm hoping once this initial hurdle is over, the weekly process will be smoother.

Yeah, filing weekly claims is pretty quick and straightforward once you get into the routine. The hard part is just this initial waiting period.

Good reminder! I've been applying to jobs but haven't been keeping detailed records. Should I be documenting everything?

Yes, keep a log of your job search activities - where you applied, when you applied, etc. Washington ESD can audit your job search at any time.

You're right, I should try to stay productive instead of just constantly checking my claim status. Any recommendations for free online courses?

WorkSource Washington has some free resources, and there are tons of free courses on LinkedIn Learning if your local library gives you access

Good catch! I should double-check that everything is current. Thanks for all the helpful advice everyone.

This thread has been really helpful - nice to know I'm not the only one dealing with the waiting game!