How long does it take to get unemployment approved in Washington ESD?

That's reassuring, thank you. I haven't worked anywhere that would dispute my claim so hopefully it goes smoothly.

mine took exactly 3 weeks last year, no issues

Thanks! Do I need to do the job search stuff even during the waiting period?

Yes, you need to start job searching immediately. Keep detailed records because they can audit your job search log at any time.

Thanks, that's reassuring. I was getting nervous it was taking too long already.

Mine took exactly 2 weeks and 3 days when I filed in March. No complications though.

What kind of issues would cause delays? I think I filled everything out correctly.

Things like if your employer contests the claim, if there are questions about why you left your job, or if they need to verify your work history. Also if you worked in multiple states recently.

Oh I didn't realize I should be filing weekly claims already! I thought I had to wait for approval first.

Yeah, common mistake. You need to file every week starting from when you became unemployed, even during the review period.

Thanks for the info! I've been keeping up with the weekly filings. Just nervous about bills coming due.

Yeah definitely keep doing those weekly claims or you'll lose those weeks permanently

Thanks! I wasn't sure if I should file weekly claims before getting approved. I'll start doing that this week.

yeah definitely file those weekly claims or you'll lose those weeks even if you get approved later

What kinds of things would trigger adjudication? I left my job because my hours were cut to almost nothing.

Reduced hours can sometimes trigger a review, especially if Washington ESD needs to verify the circumstances. As long as you reported everything accurately, you should be fine, but it might add some processing time.

What kind of things cause adjudication? I'm worried there might be issues I don't know about.

Common things are disputes about why you left your job, questions about your availability to work, or if you have any recent employer separations they need to investigate.

Oh no, 6 weeks? How do I know if mine will go to adjudication? Is there any way to check?

You'll get a notice if it goes to adjudication. Usually happens if there are questions about why you left your job or if your employer contests the claim.

Check your SecureAccess Washington account regularly. Any issues that need resolution will show up there with specific instructions.

What does adjudication mean exactly? I keep seeing that word but don't understand it.

Adjudication is when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim - like verifying the reason you left your job or checking your eligibility. It's basically a review process.

My claim went into adjudication and it took 5 weeks! Was so stressful not knowing what was happening.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents automatically. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked - got connected to a real person in about 20 minutes instead of calling for hours. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Try calling first thing at 8am when they open. That's the only time I've ever gotten through without waiting forever.

Did you have any complications or was it pretty straightforward?

pretty smooth, just had to wait for them to verify my wages with my previous employer

What would cause it to go into adjudication? I was laid off, not fired.

Layoffs are usually straightforward, but sometimes employers contest claims or there are discrepancies in the information. As long as your employer reports it as a layoff due to lack of work, you should be fine.

That's reassuring to hear! Did you get any updates during those 3 weeks or did it just suddenly get approved?

I got one letter asking for verification of my last employer info around week 2, then approval came the following week.

Did you have to do anything special or just wait?

just waited it out, tried calling but never got through. eventually got a big back payment for all the weeks

What would cause it to go into adjudication? I was laid off, not fired.

Could be anything - discrepancy in wages reported, need to verify your layoff with the employer, or even just random quality control checks. Don't panic if it happens.

I was laid off due to company downsizing so hopefully that helps speed things up. They gave us official notice and everything.

yeah that should be pretty straightforward then. make sure you have all your separation paperwork saved just in case

Wait, there's a waiting period even after approval? So it's really more like 3-4 weeks minimum?

Exactly. The waiting period is built into the system - it's the first week you file for benefits. You don't get paid for that week but you still need to file the claim.

This is so confusing! Why don't they explain this stuff clearly on the website?

How much does that cost? I'm already broke waiting for unemployment.

It's worth checking out their site for details, but honestly it was worth it for me to get answers instead of sitting in limbo for weeks not knowing what was happening with my claim.

Interesting, never heard of that service before. Did they actually help resolve your issue?

Good point. Do I need to start job searching immediately or only after I start receiving benefits?

You should start job searching right away. Washington ESD expects you to be actively seeking work from the time you file your claim.

That's exactly why I need to talk to someone there! There's probably something simple holding up my claim too.

That's another reason Claimyr was so helpful for me. I was able to get connected and find out exactly what was holding up my claim instead of just waiting and wondering.

I found this service called Claimyr that actually helped me get through to Washington ESD. They handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to actually talk to someone.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm unemployed, I don't have money for extra services.

It's worth checking out their pricing. For me it was worth it just to get answers instead of wasting hours calling myself.

Have you tried calling to find out what's causing the delay?

I've tried calling Washington ESD probably 50 times. Either busy signal or I get disconnected after waiting on hold for hours.

Is this legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days and can never get through.

Yeah it's real - they don't ask for personal info or anything sketchy. Just helps you get connected to an actual person at ESD when you need to talk to someone about your claim.

Honestly anything that helps with those phone lines is worth trying. I spent 4 hours on hold last week just to get disconnected.

Oh I didn't know about filing weekly claims while pending! Do I do that through the same Washington ESD website?

Yes, same site. You should file every week even if your claim isn't approved yet. They'll pay you retroactively.

I was laid off due to company downsizing, so hopefully that's pretty straightforward.

Yeah layoffs usually process faster than quits or terminations. You should be fine.

Wait, I need to be job searching already? I thought there was like a waiting period or something.

Nope, job search requirements start immediately. You need to register with WorkSourceWA and log 3 activities per week. Activities can be applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, etc.

this is why the system is so confusing, they dont explain any of this upfront

Have you tried calling? Sometimes there's an issue they need to resolve but they don't always notify you right away.

I've tried calling probably 50 times. Can never get through. The phone system is designed to keep you out.

I used Claimyr to get through when I was stuck like that. Took about 2 hours but I finally got to talk to someone who told me what the holdup was.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call but can never get through.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Saved me from sitting on hold for hours.

Interesting, I might have to try that. I've been calling every day with no luck.

Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? That's usually the best time to get through.

I've tried everything - early morning, lunch time, different days of the week. The phone system is completely broken.

You might want to try Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Basically they call for you and get you connected to an actual person.

Good point about the weekly claims. I'll make sure to do those even while waiting.

Wait, you have to file weekly claims before your initial claim is even approved? That seems weird.

Yes, you need to keep filing weekly claims to maintain your place in line. If you don't file them, you won't get paid for those weeks even after approval.

How much does something like that cost? Seems too good to be true

It's definitely worth it when you need to get through. Way better than spending your whole day redialing the same busy number.

I might try this if I don't hear back soon. The phone lines are impossible.

Week 4?? That's way longer than what others are saying. Did something go wrong with your claim?

They're reviewing my work history because I had 3 different jobs in the past year. Apparently that's 'complicated' according to the one agent I finally reached.

Oh good point! I need to make sure I don't miss those weekly filings.

Yes, definitely keep filing your weekly claims. Even if you're not approved yet, you need to maintain that filing schedule to be eligible for back pay.

I understand the frustration, but 3 weeks isn't unusual unfortunately. The system is still catching up from all the changes over the past few years.

Well it's not fair when bills don't wait for Washington ESD to get their act together.

I understand the anxiety, but try to stay positive. Many claims do get processed within the standard timeframe. Just make sure you're doing everything correctly on your end.

look into local food banks and assistance programs while you're waiting. most communities have resources to help bridge the gap

Good point, I'll double check that. Where exactly do I look for messages?

In your eServices account under 'Correspondence' or 'Messages'. Check it weekly.

That gives me hope! My situation sounds similar to yours. Fingers crossed mine goes as smoothly.

Did you do anything special or just wait it out?

Just followed all the instructions, filed weekly claims religiously, and kept checking my account for updates. Nothing special really.

Yeah, they basically handle all the calling and waiting for you. When they get an agent on the line, they transfer you over. Saves you from sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

Sounds too good to be true. What's the catch?

No catch really, they just charge a fee for the service. But if you're desperate to talk to someone and have been trying for weeks, it might be worth it.

That gives me hope! My situation is pretty straightforward too.

Wow that's fast. Mine took a month but I had some complications with my previous employer disputing it initially.

Easy to say be patient when you're not the one worried about rent

I've been there too, just trying to provide some reassurance that it does work out

Is this legit? I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point.

Yeah it's totally legit. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got connected to an agent who could see exactly what was holding up my claim.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke waiting for unemployment.

That's exactly what I'm doing! Checking constantly and getting more worried each day.

Same here! The stress of not knowing is almost worse than being unemployed.

Right? And when you try to call Washington ESD it's impossible to get through. The phone system is terrible.

What exactly is adjudication? I keep seeing that term but don't understand it.

Adjudication is when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim - like if you quit, were fired for misconduct, or there's conflicting information. They have to determine if you're eligible for benefits.

My claim went into adjudication and took 6 weeks! They had to contact my former employer to verify why I was terminated.

Have you tried checking if there are any pending issues in your eServices account? Sometimes there are requests for information that people miss.

I check every single day. Nothing pending, just says 'under review' forever.

Same situation here. The system is a joke.

At this point I'll try anything. The regular phone system is useless.

Just watched that demo video - this actually looks like it could work. Going to try it tomorrow.

Yes, I have the layoff notice and my final paystub. Should I upload those somewhere?

Keep those documents handy. Washington ESD might request them during the review process. You can usually upload documents through your online account if they ask for them.

I filed on a Tuesday, so hopefully that helps with timing.

Glad it worked out for you! It's amazing how much time you can save when you can actually talk to someone who knows what's going on.

Good to know about the work history verification thing. I've had several jobs in the past few years so hopefully that doesn't complicate mine.

How much did the Claimyr thing cost? I might need to try it too if my claim takes much longer.

That's encouraging! Did you get the full backpay for all the weeks you were waiting?

yep got paid for every week I filed claims for during the waiting period

That's exactly what I'm worried about. Did you try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned?

Actually yes, I just used it yesterday and finally got through to someone. Turns out there was a simple verification issue holding up my claim. The agent fixed it in 10 minutes. Wish I had known about it weeks ago.

My hours were reduced to like 8 hours a week so I had to find other work. Hoping that doesn't complicate things too much.

That should be fine as long as you documented everything properly. Reduced hours is a valid reason for unemployment benefits.

I understand the frustration, but 3 weeks isn't unusual unfortunately. The system is definitely overwhelmed.

OVERWHELMED for 3+ years now? At what point do we admit the system just doesn't work for regular people?

Have you tried that Claimyr thing someone mentioned? Might be worth a shot if you really need to talk to someone.

Wait, I can file weekly claims before my initial claim is approved? I thought I had to wait for approval first.

Nope! You should start filing weekly claims as soon as your account is set up. It's required to establish your continued eligibility.

This is super important - I made this mistake and lost 2 weeks of benefits because I didn't file claims while waiting for approval.

That makes me feel better. I have all the paperwork from my employer about the layoff.

Keep those documents handy just in case they ask for them during the process.

This is super helpful, thank you! I'm going to make sure I'm doing all of these things.

good list. i'd add register with WorkSourceWA too since that's required now

Excellent point about WorkSourceWA registration - that's definitely required for ongoing eligibility.

4 weeks is rough. Have you tried calling them at all?

Tried calling dozens of times. Either get disconnected or sit on hold for hours. It's like they don't want to help people.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. The regular phone system is basically useless.

How would I know if they contested it? Would Washington ESD notify me?

Yes, you'd get a notice in your SecureAccess account and probably by mail too. They'd schedule a hearing if it gets contested.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I feel much better about where I stand now.

Yeah this thread was really helpful. Good luck with your claim!

That gives me hope! Did you do anything special or just wait it out?

just filed weekly claims on time and waited. didn't try calling since i heard it was pointless

8 weeks sounds terrifying but I guess it's better to know it could take that long than be surprised by it.

Yeah setting realistic expectations is important. I made the mistake of assuming it would be quick and then got really stressed when it wasn't.

Oh that's really good to know! I was worried I'd lose money if the approval took too long.

wait really? so if it takes 4 weeks to approve I'd get 3 weeks of back pay?

exactly! as long as you filed your weekly claims during that time you'll get the back pay

That's reassuring to hear from someone who sees this from the employer side. Do employers usually contest claims?

Most employers don't contest legitimate layoff situations. They're more likely to contest if someone was fired for misconduct or quit without good cause.

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

so happy for you! did you end up needing to provide any additional documentation?

Just that work history verification I mentioned. Once that was sorted out everything moved pretty quickly.

That's so frustrating! Have you tried reaching out to your state representative?

I did but they just sent me the same generic response about high call volumes and being patient.

6 weeks seems excessive even for adjudication. Something specific must be holding it up.

Good to know! I was wondering about that waiting period.

Wait really? I thought there was still a waiting week you don't get paid for.

Nope, Washington eliminated the waiting week. You get paid for your first week of unemployment as long as you file your weekly claim.

That's good to know. Do they pay you for all the weeks you were waiting?

yeah they backdate it to when you first filed, so you get all the weeks you were eligible for

So theoretically I could get approved in 3 weeks and then get paid for all 3 weeks?

Exactly, as long as you filed your weekly claims each week and met all the requirements.

What kind of details should I pay attention to when filing?

Make sure your employer name matches exactly what's on your paystubs, be very specific about your last day worked and why you're unemployed, and double-check all your personal information.

Oh wow, good to know! I was wondering about that. So file every Sunday no matter what?

Yes, every single Sunday. Even if your claim is pending or under review, you still need to file weekly to preserve those weeks.

Did they charge you for that or is it free?

There is a cost but honestly it was worth it just to get answers and move my claim forward. Saved me weeks of frustration.

A waiting week? So even after approval I have to wait another week?

The waiting week is the first week of your claim. You file for it but don't get paid for it. It's a one-time thing, not every week.

Okay that makes more sense. Thanks for clarifying!

This is exactly why I started using Claimyr. Their phone system connects you directly without having to deal with the busy signals and endless hold times.

I'm definitely going to check that out. This is ridiculous.

Yeah it's good to know this is normal timing. I was starting to think something was wrong.

Same here. The waiting is the worst part when you're already stressed about money.

Thanks for the encouragement! Did you have to provide any additional documentation during the process?

They asked for my separation notice from my employer but that was it. Pretty straightforward overall.

That's a good point. The delays aren't always on Washington ESD's end.

You need to start your job search activities immediately, even while your claim is pending. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week.

Ugh okay, I better get started then. Thanks for clarifying.

Make sure to log everything in WorkSourceWA too - that's where Washington ESD verifies your job search compliance.

I filed on a Wednesday so hopefully that helps with timing.

Glad you got some answers! How long until your hearing?

They scheduled it for next week. The agent said these hearings usually take 30-45 minutes and as long as I can prove I was laid off due to lack of work, I should be fine.

Exactly! That's what's making me so anxious. Rent is due and I have no idea when I'll see any money.

Have you looked into any emergency assistance programs while you wait? Some counties have rental assistance.

Good idea, I should check what's available locally.

Good point! I've been so focused on checking online that I haven't been watching my mailbox as carefully.

Yes! I almost missed a verification request because it came in the mail and I was only checking online.

Oh no, now you're scaring me even more! What kind of overpayment issue?

They say I was overpaid from last year but won't explain how or why. Just want their money back with no explanation.

Overpayment issues are usually separate from initial claim processing. Don't let that worry you about your current claim.

Wow 10 days would be amazing! What do you think made yours go so fast?

probably because i had a really clear cut case - obvious layoff with documentation and no complications

You're right, I need to try to stay calm. It's just hard when you're worried about basic expenses.

Also make sure you're documenting your job search activities. Washington ESD requires work search activities and you'll need to report them.

Good reminder! I've been applying to jobs but haven't been keeping detailed records.

That's actually helpful to hear. At least I know they're not just ignoring claims.

Understaffed is no excuse for the terrible customer service though. People need help.

I agree the system needs improvement. Just trying to give some perspective on why things take so long.

That sounds really helpful. The not knowing what's happening is the worst part.

How did you find out about Claimyr? I've never heard of it before this thread.

My neighbor had used it and said it was a game changer. You can see how it works at claimyr.com - they have a demo video that explains everything.

Good tip! I'll make sure to check email more frequently.

Also check your junk mail folder. Sometimes Washington ESD emails end up there.

That's reassuring at least. I'll try to be patient with the process.

Yeah, once you're in the system and approved, the weekly payments are pretty reliable.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. Feeling a bit better about the wait now.

When do I need to register with WorkSource? Right away or can I wait?

You should do it within the first week of filing your claim. It's part of the job search requirements.

What caused them to flag your account? I want to avoid that if possible.

I had changed addresses recently and worked for a couple different employers in the past year. They wanted to verify everything.

Good advice! I'll set up a weekly reminder right now.

I was able to create my account and file the claim online, so hopefully that part is working correctly.

That's really helpful to know. It sounds like getting actual information about what's causing delays is half the battle.

Exactly. The not knowing is almost worse than the waiting. At least when you know what's happening you can take action if needed.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more prepared now for what to expect.

That's really helpful to know. I was worried I'd lose out on benefits for the waiting period.

Exactly, as long as you keep filing those weekly claims you won't lose anything.

I might give that a try if it's still pending next week. Thanks for the tip!

That's encouraging! Hopefully mine will be similar timing.

Good reminder, I should start keeping a log of where I'm applying.

Yes, you need to be actively seeking work and keep records. They can ask for your job search log at any time.

4 weeks is getting long. Have you checked if there are any issues flagged on your account that need attention?

I can't even get through to anyone to ask! The phone system is useless.

That's reassuring. I just need to get through this waiting period.

Congrats! That gives me hope that mine will be soon too.

Great to hear! Was it just the normal processing or did you have to provide any additional info?

Just normal processing, no extra documents needed. The waiting was the hardest part.