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

It depends on whether your claim goes into adjudication or not. If everything is straightforward, you'll do your waiting week, then file your first weekly claim, and get paid about 2-3 business days after that weekly claim is processed. So roughly 2 weeks total from filing if no issues.

It depends on whether your claim goes into adjudication or not. If everything is straightforward and Washington ESD doesn't need to verify anything, you could see your first payment within 2-3 weeks after filing. But if there are any issues with your claim - like questions about why you left your job or earnings verification - it could take 4-6 weeks or longer.

I just went through this process 3 weeks ago. Filed on a Tuesday, did my waiting week, filed my first weekly claim the following Sunday, and got paid that Wednesday. So exactly 2 weeks from filing to payment for me. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims every Sunday!

took me 3 weeks to get my first check but that was back in 2023. seems like it might be faster now

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

The waiting week is such BS honestly. Like we're already stressed about losing our job and they make us wait an extra week before any money comes in. Other states don't do this anymore but Washington still does.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. I was stuck trying to call for weeks before I found them.

One thing to watch out for - make sure you're doing your job search activities right away even during the waiting week. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you need to log them in your WorkSourceWA account. Don't wait until you start getting paid to begin the job search requirement.

The Washington ESD website says processing takes up to 21 days, but in reality it's usually closer to 2-3 weeks if there are no complications. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims even before you get paid - that's really important.

Mine took 3 weeks because they had to verify my identity. Apparently having moved recently flagged something in their system. Just be patient and keep checking your secure messages for any requests for additional info.

OMG I'm in the same boat! Filed 10 days ago and still nothing. This is so stressful, I have rent due next week and I don't know what I'm going to do if this takes another month???

The whole Washington ESD system is a joke. I waited 6 weeks for my first check last year because they said they needed to verify my employment, even though I provided all the documentation they asked for.

took me 4 weeks cuz they said i quit voluntarily even tho i was laid off... had to appeal and everything. washington esd is so slow with everything

For anyone reading this thread later - the key is to file your weekly claims every single week even if your initial claim is still pending. You can't get paid for weeks you don't claim, so don't skip filing weekly claims thinking you'll catch up later.

same here waiting 2 weeks so far

The direct deposit usually comes on Wednesday if you file your weekly claim by Sunday night. At least that's been my experience for the past 6 months. Very consistent timing once you get in the rhythm.

Just remember that your first payment might be a little less than your full weekly benefit amount because they prorate it based on when you filed during the week. Scared me the first time because I thought they calculated my benefits wrong.

Just to clarify the timeline for everyone: Washington ESD has up to 21 days to process your initial claim. If approved, your first payment typically comes 2-3 days after approval via direct deposit, or 5-7 days if you're getting a debit card. The key is making sure there are no red flags that trigger adjudication.

I got my first check exactly 14 days after filing. No issues, just a straightforward layoff from my manufacturing job. The direct deposit hit my account on a Tuesday morning.

Check your email and Washington ESD account regularly. They'll notify you if they need additional information, and responding quickly can prevent delays.

If your claim gets stuck in adjudication like mine did, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually helped me get through to find out what was holding things up. The agent was able to tell me exactly what documents they needed.

Update: Just checked my account and there's a message saying they need to verify my last employer. How long does that usually take??

I used Claimyr when I was having issues getting through to Washington ESD about my claim status. It was super helpful - they got me connected to an agent who could actually tell me what was going on with my claim. Way better than spending hours on hold.

Pro tip: Set up direct deposit if you haven't already. The debit card takes longer to arrive and then you have to wait for it to be activated. Direct deposit is much faster.

been waiting 3 weeks now and getting really anxious about this whole thing

My sister works for Washington ESD and she says most claims are processed within 2-3 weeks unless there's an issue. The system is much better than it was during COVID.

Don't forget you also have to complete your job search requirements starting right away, even before you get paid. That's 3 job search activities per week in Washington.

Update from the OP: Just got an email that my claim was approved! First payment should hit my account Tuesday. Took exactly 16 days from when I filed. Thanks everyone for the advice and reassurance!

Great news! For anyone else waiting, just remember that even if it takes longer than expected, you'll get paid for all the weeks you've been filing claims once it's approved.

For future reference, I found that checking the Washington ESD website in the early morning (around 6-7 AM) is when they usually update claim statuses. That's when I found out mine was approved.

Final update: Got my first payment today! $412 after taxes. Not a ton but it'll help until I find another job. The whole process took 18 days total.

Check your payment method too - if you don't have direct deposit set up it takes longer to get a debit card mailed to you. Direct deposit is definitely faster.

Been on unemployment twice in the past 5 years and both times it was exactly 2 weeks from filing to first payment. Washington ESD is actually pretty reliable once your claim is approved, it's just getting through the initial approval that can be tricky sometimes.

Don't forget you can check your payment status online in your account. It will show pending, paid, or if there are any issues. Way better than wondering and waiting.

One more tip - if you're really strapped for cash while waiting, check if you qualify for emergency assistance programs. Some counties have programs that can help with rent or utilities while you're waiting for unemployment to kick in.

The whole process stressed me out so much when I first filed. But honestly once you get that first payment it becomes pretty routine. File weekly claims on Sunday, get paid Wednesday. Just hang in there through the initial waiting period.

I'd recommend calling Washington ESD if you don't hear anything after 10 business days from filing. Sometimes claims get stuck and need a nudge. That's when services like Claimyr come in handy since the phone lines are always busy.

Update us when you get your first payment! Always nice to hear success stories and it helps other people know what timeline to expect.