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

Thanks! I wasn't sure if I should file weekly claims before being approved. I'll make sure to do that this week.

yes definitely keep filing weekly or you'll lose those weeks of benefits

What would cause it to go into adjudication? I was laid off due to lack of work, nothing complicated.

Layoffs due to lack of work are usually straightforward. Adjudication typically happens when there's a quit, termination for cause, or conflicting information between you and your employer.

Mine went into adjudication even though I was laid off and it took 5 weeks. Sometimes Washington ESD just needs to verify things with your employer.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone at Washington ESD.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They basically keep calling until they get through and then patch you in. Saved me hours of redial frustration.

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

That's encouraging! Hopefully mine processes quickly since it's a straightforward layoff.

Mine took 4 weeks in August so I don't think it's gotten much faster unfortunately

Oh I didn't know about that requirement. Do I register at worksourcewa.com?

Yes, that's the site. You'll need to create a profile and start logging your job search activities. Keep detailed records of everything you do.

The job search requirement doesn't kick in immediately though - you have a brief grace period when you first start collecting.

Check if you qualify for emergency assistance programs while you wait. Some food banks and utility companies have programs for people waiting on unemployment.

also make sure your direct deposit info is correct in your account so there's no delay when payment does come

Part of the delay is intentional - it's called a 'waiting week' and gives employers time to respond to claims. But yes, the overall processing could be more efficient.

I understand the waiting week concept but there's no excuse for 4-6 week adjudication delays when people need money for basic necessities.

Ugh, more delays. This whole system seems designed to make it as hard as possible to get help.

Once you're in the system regular payments are usually pretty reliable. It's just that initial approval process that's slow.

Good point. I have my final pay stub and the layoff notice email. Should I upload those somewhere or wait until they ask?

Wait until they ask. They'll send you a message through your online account if they need anything specific.

Did they help resolve your adjudication issue or just explain what was going on?

The agent was able to see that they were waiting for something from my employer and expedited the process. Got approved within a week after that call.

I think I answered everything correctly but now I'm second-guessing myself. Can I go back and check my answers somewhere?

You can log into your eServices account and review your claim details. If you made an error, you should contact Washington ESD to correct it rather than letting it cause problems later.

easy to say be patient when it's not your rent that's due lol

I get it, I've been there. Just trying to provide realistic expectations so people don't panic if it takes the full 3 weeks.

That's a great idea! I'll set that up right now. Thanks for the tip.

Yes the text alerts are super helpful. Otherwise you're constantly logging in to check for updates.

I've tried calling at 8am sharp multiple times and still can't get through. The volume is just insane.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Even the 'best' times to call weren't working for me.

How do I check if they have the right wage information? I only worked for one company but want to make sure it's all there.

You can see your wage information in the monetary determination section of your eServices account once it's processed.

Thanks for the encouragement. I really needed to hear that today.

Same here. It's easy to catastrophize when you're stressed about money.

Good to know! I'll set a reminder on my phone to file every week.

Actually you can file weekly claims from Sunday through Saturday, not just on Saturday. But definitely don't let it roll over to the next week.

Claims are processed centrally now, not by individual offices. The variation is more about claim complexity than location.

Ah, good to know. I was going off outdated information then.

That's great news! Gives me hope that mine will be processed soon too.

Congrats! How much was your weekly benefit amount if you don't mind sharing?

It was about 60% of what I was making weekly at my job, which is what I expected based on the calculator on Washington ESD's website.

Okay, multiple people have mentioned this now so it must actually work. I might give it a try.

Yeah I'm convinced at this point. If my claim doesn't process in the next week I'll probably try it too.