How long does it take to get unemployment after you file with Washington ESD?

That's not too bad. Do I need to do anything while I'm waiting or just sit tight?

You need to file your weekly claims every week even while waiting for approval. If you don't file them, you won't get paid for those weeks later.

What's adjudication? Should I be worried about that?

Adjudication is when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim - like if there's a question about why you left your job or if your employer disputes something. It adds time to the process.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They don't ask for any personal info or passwords, just your phone number so they can connect you when they get an agent on the line. The value is definitely worth it when you're stuck waiting for answers about your claim.

8 weeks sounds like there might be an issue with your claim that needs to be resolved. Have you received any letters from Washington ESD explaining the delay?

Just keep getting form letters saying my claim is 'under review' whatever that means. No one will tell me what the actual problem is.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr to get through to an agent. Sometimes you need to actually talk to someone to find out what's holding up your claim instead of just waiting.

This is really helpful, thank you! So even if it takes 3 weeks to get approved, I'll get paid for all 3 weeks at once?

Exactly, as long as you file your weekly claims every week and meet all the requirements like job searching.

That gives me hope! Did you have any complications or was it pretty straightforward?

nope no issues. just made sure to file my weekly claims on time and kept track of my job search activities

Where do I log the job search activities? Is there a form or website for that?

You can use WorkSourceWA.com to track your job searches, or just keep your own detailed records. Washington ESD might ask to see them during an audit.

I thought it was 5 job searches per week? Or did that change?

It's 3 per week for most people, but can be different depending on your situation. Check your determination letter for your specific requirements.

I only had one main job for the past 2 years, but I did some DoorDash on weekends. Will that be a problem?

The gig work might require additional verification since you were technically self-employed. Just be prepared for possible delays if they need to review that income.

Same thing happened to my neighbor. She finally got through to someone using that Claimyr service and found out they never received her ID verification documents. Got it sorted out in one phone call.

Wish I had known about that when my cousin was dealing with his mess. Would have saved him months of stress.

Thanks for the reassurance. I'm trying not to panic but money is tight right now.

I totally understand that anxiety. Maybe look into local food banks or assistance programs while you're waiting, just to help stretch what you have.

Good tip! I've been checking it obsessively already but good to know that's the right thing to do.

Payments are weekly if you file your weekly claims on time. They usually process payments on Tuesday/Wednesday and deposit by Thursday, but it can vary by bank.

Okay that makes sense. So I need to file every single week to keep getting paid?

Yes, you must file a weekly claim every week to receive payment for that week. If you skip a week, you lose that week's benefits.

Yeah I'm definitely guilty of checking my account way too often already. Need to find other things to focus on.

Oh wow, I should double check that. How do I verify the banking info in my account?

Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and look for the payment preferences or direct deposit section. You can update it there if needed.

This whole thread has been super helpful. I feel much more prepared for what to expect now. Thanks everyone!

Good luck with your claim! Most people get through the process just fine, you've got this.