How long does it take to get your first payment from Washington ESD unemployment?

What would cause it to go into adjudication? I left my job because my hours were cut to almost nothing, so I'm hoping that's not an issue.

That might actually trigger a review since you weren't technically laid off. They'll want to verify if you meet the criteria for quitting with good cause. It's not automatic denial, but it could add a few weeks to your wait time.

Have you been filing your weekly claims? Even if your initial claim is pending, you still need to keep filing weekly to get paid once it's approved.

Yes I've been filing every week. I just don't understand why it's taking so long.

I had the same issue a few months ago. I ended up using this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. It's at claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. It was honestly the only way I could get someone on the phone to check my claim status.

How many job searches do I need to do per week? I thought I read somewhere it was 3 but I'm not sure.

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum. You can do more if you want but that's the requirement to stay eligible.

That's helpful, thank you. I guess I just need to be patient and keep filing my weekly claims.

At least you can see when it's supposed to be processed. I don't see any payment information on my account yet.

That probably means your claim is still being reviewed. Once it's approved you'll see the payment dates.

That's terrible! Have you tried contacting your state representative? Sometimes they can help push things along.

I hadn't thought of that. I'm desperate at this point so I'll try anything.

Before you go that route, you might want to try Claimyr again. I know I mentioned it earlier but they really helped me get through to someone who could actually check my claim status instead of just giving me the runaround.

Did you have to do anything special when your employer contested it?

I had to provide documentation about why I left and then wait for them to make a decision. It added about a week to the process.

Yeah I'm definitely going to keep doing that. I don't want to mess anything up.

I think I filled everything out correctly but now I'm second-guessing myself. Is there a way to check or update information after you've already filed?

You can call Washington ESD to make corrections but it's sometimes easier said than done getting through to someone.

I've tried calling at 8am and still can't get through. The phone system is overwhelmed.

Yeah it's pretty bad. That's why some people use services like Claimyr to help them get through.

You get back pay from your first eligible week, but only for the weeks you actually filed weekly claims. If you forgot to file for a week, you won't get paid for that week.

Good to know! I've been filing every week so I should be covered.

That makes sense. I think my information is all correct but I guess I'll find out.

I check it every day but haven't gotten any messages yet. Hopefully that means everything is okay.

I really hope I don't have any complications. I need this money soon.

Just stay on top of it. If you don't hear anything by week 3, definitely try to contact them to check on your claim status.

Exactly! The uncertainty is almost worse than the wait itself.

That gives me hope! I set up direct deposit too so hopefully that will speed things up.

That's a good idea. I hadn't thought about looking into other assistance programs.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll try to stay positive and just focus on doing what I need to do.

Congrats! That's great news and gives hope to others waiting.

That's awesome! I'm still waiting but this gives me hope that mine will come through soon too.