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

it usually takes 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your claim. make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while its pending

The standard processing time for Washington ESD is typically 21 days from when you file your initial claim, assuming there are no complications. However, if your claim requires adjudication (like if there are questions about why you left your job or eligibility issues), it can take 4-6 weeks or even longer.

I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months trying to get through their phone system when my claim got stuck. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent in like 10 minutes. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and stress.

WASHINGTON ESD IS A JOKE!!! I've been waiting 7 weeks and still nothing. They keep saying 'processing' but no one can tell me what that actually means. The whole system is broken.

Mine took exactly 18 days from filing to first payment. No issues with my claim though - I was laid off due to company downsizing so it was pretty clear cut. The key is making sure all your information is correct when you file.

The timeline really depends on your situation. Regular unemployment claims typically process within 3 weeks, but if you have any complications it can take much longer. Things that can slow it down include: disputes from your employer, questions about your work history, identity verification issues, or if you're claiming benefits for the first time and they need to verify your earnings.

i waited 4 weeks and then found out my employer contested my claim. had to go through the whole appeals process which took another 6 weeks. hopefully yours goes smoother than mine did

Just to add some perspective - Washington ESD has been dealing with extremely high volume since 2020, and while things have improved, there are still delays. The good news is that if your claim is approved, you'll get back-paid from your claim start date, so you won't lose any benefits for the waiting period.

I had a similar experience recently and someone recommended that Claimyr service the other person mentioned. I was skeptical at first but honestly it worked great. Got connected to Washington ESD within minutes instead of hours of calling. Really helped me get my claim status sorted out quickly.

Mine took 2.5 weeks and I didn't have any issues. Just be patient and keep checking your account. The determination will show up there before you get any other notification.

The worst part is not knowing what's happening while you wait. Washington ESD really needs to do better with communication and updates during the process.

Does anyone know if there's a way to check what stage your claim is in? Mine just says 'processing' but that doesn't tell me much.

Just went through this process last month. Took 19 days total from filing to first payment. No complications, everything was straightforward. The key is making sure you file your weekly claims every week even while waiting.

i think the timeline also depends on what day of the week you file. i heard somewhere that filing earlier in the week gets processed faster but not sure if thats actually true

The waiting is definitely the hardest part, especially when you have bills to pay. Just hang in there and try to be patient. Washington ESD will eventually get to your claim.

One thing to watch out for - if Washington ESD needs any additional information from you, they'll send a notice to your online account. Check it regularly because they usually give you a limited time to respond.

Average seems to be 2-3 weeks based on what I've seen here and from my own experience. Just make sure you're eligible and filed everything correctly.

The back pay thing is really important to remember. Even if it takes 4-5 weeks, you'll get paid for all those weeks once it's approved. That helped me feel less stressed about the wait.

Hope your claim gets processed soon OP! The waiting is rough but most people do get approved eventually if they're eligible.

Just to wrap up with some final advice - stay on top of your weekly claims, check your online account regularly for updates, and don't hesitate to call if you have questions (though getting through can be challenging). The Claimyr service mentioned earlier might be worth trying if you can't get through on your own. Good luck!