How long does it take for you to get approved for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Thanks for the info! I've been doing my weekly claims but wasn't sure if I should. Good to know I'm on track.

This is exactly right - keep filing those weekly claims or you'll lose those weeks even if you get approved later.

I was laid off due to budget cuts, so hopefully that's straightforward. They eliminated my entire department.

That should be pretty clear cut then. Layoffs due to lack of work are usually approved without much delay.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Interesting, never heard of that before. How does it work exactly?

It basically handles the calling and waiting for you, then connects you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold all day.

6 weeks?! That's crazy. Did you ever find out why it took so long?

Never got a real explanation. They just kept saying it was 'in process' whenever I managed to get through to someone.

That's definitely longer than normal. There might have been some complication in your case that caused the delay.

Good point, I'll double check that. How did you find out there was an error?

I finally got through to someone on the phone and they told me. Wish they had contacted me sooner about it.

That makes sense. Is there anything I can do to speed it up?

Not really, just make sure all your information was accurate when you applied. The process pretty much runs on its own timeline.

You can try calling but good luck getting through. The wait times are insane.

3 weeks is getting into the longer side but not unheard of. Have you checked your account online to see if there are any issues that need to be resolved?

Nothing shows up that I need to do. It just says pending review like the OP.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an agent. Sometimes there are issues they don't show you online and you need to talk to someone to find out what's really going on.

Wait, there's a waiting period even after approval? I thought once you were approved the payments would start right away.

Yeah, it's called the waiting week. It's built into the system - you don't get paid for your first week of unemployment.

That's so frustrating when you're already struggling financially.

That gives me hope! Did you get any updates along the way or did it just suddenly change to approved?

It just switched to approved one day when I checked online. No advance notice or anything.

Makes sense. I wonder if the manufacturing layoffs in our area are causing delays since a lot of people probably applied around the same time I did.

That's very possible. When there's a big employer layoff, Washington ESD usually gets flooded with applications all at once.

What kind of job search activities? I've been looking for work but haven't been tracking it formally.

You need to keep a log of your job search efforts and be able to provide details if asked. Check the Washington ESD website for the specific requirements.

This is important - I know someone who got disqualified for not keeping proper records.

I've definitely been checking too often! It's hard not to when you're worried about money.

I totally get it. The financial stress makes every day feel like forever.

A few people have mentioned this service. Might be worth trying if I don't hear anything soon.

I was skeptical at first but it actually worked. Got connected to an agent the same day.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll try to be more patient.

Yeah, the waiting is brutal but most people do get approved eventually if they qualify.

What causes a claim to go into adjudication?

Usually when there's a question about why you left your job or if there's conflicting information somewhere in your application.

Since you were laid off due to budget cuts, adjudication is unlikely unless there's some other issue.

That's really rough. Have you tried the Claimyr service that others mentioned? Might be worth it at this point to get some answers.

I'm willing to try anything at this point. The stress is killing me.

That's reassuring. I set up direct deposit when I applied so hopefully that will speed things up.

Yeah, direct deposit is definitely the way to go. Much faster than waiting for a check in the mail.

Good advice. I'll start keeping better records of my job search efforts starting today.

Smart move. Being prepared is the best thing you can do while waiting.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information and support. Feeling a bit less anxious about the wait now.

Glad we could help! Keep us posted on how it goes.

I'll definitely look into that if I don't hear something in the next week or two.

Hope everything works out for you soon!