How long does it take to get first unemployment check after filing with Washington ESD?

Usually takes about 2-3 weeks total from when you first file. You have the one week waiting period plus time for them to process everything. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims every week even during the waiting period!

The waiting week is always the first compensable week after you file. So if you filed last Tuesday, your waiting week would be the week ending this Sunday. Assuming your claim gets approved without any issues, you'd potentially see payment for the week after that. But it can take longer if there are any flags on your account that need review.

I've been through this process a few times and honestly the hardest part is getting through to talk to someone at Washington ESD if there are any issues with your claim. Their phone lines are constantly busy. I discovered Claimyr recently which has been a lifesaver - it's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

took me almost 4 weeks to get my first check last year and that was with no complications on my claim. the system is just slow. make sure you have your job search activities logged because they'll ask for that info

The key thing to remember is that even if your first payment takes a while, you'll get paid retroactively for all the weeks you were eligible (minus the waiting week). So if it takes 3 weeks to process but you were eligible from week 1, you'd get 2 weeks worth of payments when it finally comes through.

I'm in a similar situation but filed 3 weeks ago and still haven't seen anything. My claim status just says 'under review' and I can't get through to anyone on the phone. Getting really frustrated with this whole process.

For what it's worth, I filed in early January and got my first payment exactly 14 days later. No complications though - straightforward layoff situation with all my paperwork in order. The timeline really depends on your specific circumstances.

MAKE SURE YOU FILE EVERY SINGLE WEEKLY CLAIM!!! I cannot stress this enough. I missed one week early on thinking it didn't matter and it screwed up my whole timeline. Had to call and get it fixed and it delayed everything by another two weeks.

The waiting period is honestly the worst part psychologically. You're already stressed about losing your job and then you have to wait even longer for any financial relief. But once it kicks in, the payments are pretty reliable if you keep up with the weekly filings.

One thing that might speed up your processing - make sure all your employer information is accurate on your claim. I had a small mistake in one of my previous employer's addresses and it held up my claim for an extra week while they verified everything.

Another option for getting help is trying to use that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it last month when my claim got stuck and it actually worked - got connected to an ESD representative within a few hours instead of spending days trying the regular phone lines.

From my experience filing in Washington state, the 2-3 week timeline is pretty accurate for straightforward cases. The biggest variable is whether you need to talk to someone for verification or if your claim gets flagged for any reason. Keep filing weekly and try to be patient - it will come through.

Just want to add - if you're worried about paying bills while waiting, see if any of your creditors offer hardship programs. Many utilities and credit card companies will work with you if you explain you're waiting for unemployment benefits to start.

btw make sure you're doing your job search requirements too. they can ask for that info at any time and if you don't have it documented you could lose benefits even if everything else is in order

One more thing - direct deposit usually takes a few days to set up initially, so even once your payment is approved it might take an extra 2-3 business days to hit your account if you haven't used ESD before. Paper checks take even longer.

Keep your chin up! I know the waiting is stressful but you'll get through it. The unemployment system in Washington works, it's just not fast. Focus on your job search and taking care of yourself while you wait for the benefits to kick in.