How long does it take to get paid by Washington ESD unemployment?

How do I know if my claim needs adjudication? Is there a way to check that on the Washington ESD website?

You'll see it in your account if there's an adjudication issue. It will show as 'adjudication in progress' or something similar. If you don't see that, you're probably good to go.

Have you tried calling early in the morning? I heard they open the phone lines at 8am and that's your best bet for getting through.

I've tried calling dozens of times at different hours. Either it's busy or I get disconnected after waiting on hold forever.

I had the same problem reaching Washington ESD agents until I found this service called Claimyr. You go to claimyr.com and they basically call for you and get you connected to an actual person. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It saved me so much time and frustration!

So I need to keep filing weekly claims even before my initial claim is approved?

Yes, absolutely! If you don't file your weekly claims, you won't get paid for those weeks even if your claim gets approved later. It's like a weekly check-in that you're still unemployed and looking for work.

Pending usually means they're still processing your initial claim. As long as you don't see any issues flagged in your account, it should move forward soon.

ok thanks. do i need to do anything else while i wait?

Just keep filing your weekly claims and make sure you're doing your job search activities. You need to log your job search contacts in WorkSourceWA.

That's really helpful, thank you! What kind of complications usually cause delays?

Usually things like questions about why you left your job, wage disputes, or if you worked in another state recently. Anything that makes Washington ESD need to investigate further.

That gives me hope! My situation is pretty straightforward too - company laid off half the staff due to budget cuts.

Yeah, that should be quick then. Just make sure you have all your documentation ready in case they ask for it.

That's great news! How much did the Claimyr service cost?

It was worth every penny to finally get answers. I was going crazy not knowing what was happening with my claim.

Glad it worked out for you! Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get things moving.

I'm definitely checking my account multiple times a day! It's hard not to when you're worried about money.

I totally get it. Just try to focus on your job search in the meantime - it'll help pass the time and you need to do it anyway.

Wait, there's a waiting week? Nobody told me about that!

Yeah, the first week of your claim is unpaid - it's called the waiting week. It's been that way for years in Washington state.

Actually, I think they eliminated the waiting week during COVID and it hasn't come back yet. You should get paid for your first week now.

I understand your frustration, but have you tried getting help with your specific case? There might be something specific holding up your claim that can be resolved.

I've tried everything. Called, emailed, even went to the office in person. Nobody can give me a straight answer.

You should try Claimyr - they specialize in getting people connected to Washington ESD agents who can actually help. Check out claimyr.com, they have a demo video that explains how it works.

That's encouraging! Did you get a determination letter before the payment came?

Yes, I got the determination letter about 5 days before the payment showed up in my account.

That makes sense. I've noticed the wait times have gotten longer recently. Probably seasonal layoffs adding to the volume.

yeah she said january is always busy because of holiday layoffs and stuff

I totally feel you on that. The not knowing is so stressful when you're already dealing with job loss.

Exactly! And everyone gives you different timelines so you don't know what to believe.

Good point! I did set up direct deposit when I filed. How long does that usually take to process?

Direct deposit is usually next business day once the payment is issued. Much faster than waiting for a card.

We're in this together! Hopefully we both hear something soon.

Yeah, fingers crossed. Let me know when you get your first payment - it'll give me hope!

That's reassuring to hear. I'm trying to stay patient but it's tough.

I know it's hard. Try to focus on things you can control, like your job search activities.

Yeah, their website has been having issues. I think they're dealing with high traffic volumes.

Makes sense. Probably a lot of people checking their claims constantly like me!

You get paid starting from the week you file your claim, but remember there might be a waiting week depending on current rules.

Thanks! I filed on a Wednesday, so I'm not sure if that counts as a full week or not.

Same here! It's nice to know other people are going through the same thing.

Definitely. Sometimes you just need to know you're not alone in dealing with this stuff.

Congratulations! That gives me hope that mine will come through soon too.

Awesome news! How long was it from filing to getting the determination letter?

About 3 weeks total. Not too bad considering some of the horror stories I've heard.