How long does unemployment application take to process in Washington ESD?

Thanks! Should I be filing weekly claims already even though I haven't heard anything back yet?

Yes, absolutely file your weekly claims starting the week you became unemployed. You can't get paid for weeks you don't claim, even if your application gets approved later.

Oh no, what caused the delay? Was there something wrong with your application?

they said it was because my employer contested it but i never got any notice about that until way later

How much does that service cost? I'm already broke waiting for unemployment to kick in.

The value is definitely worth it when you consider how much time you save not calling hundreds of times. Plus you get to talk to a real person who can actually check your claim status.

I was skeptical about using a third party service but honestly after three weeks of not being able to get through to Washington ESD, I tried Claimyr and got connected within an hour. The agent was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my claim.

This is really helpful! What exactly is a monetary determination?

The monetary determination tells you how much your weekly benefit amount will be based on your past earnings. It's usually the first letter you get from Washington ESD.

I never got a monetary determination letter but I can see my weekly benefit amount in my account online. Is that normal?

Have you tried calling to find out what specific issue is causing the delay? Sometimes there's a simple document they need that they haven't told you about.

I've called probably 200 times over the past month and either get a busy signal or get disconnected after waiting on hold for hours.

This is exactly why I recommend Claimyr - you don't have to waste time with the busy signals and disconnections. They handle getting you through to an agent.

They start processing immediately. The waiting period is separate from the application processing time. You still need to file weekly claims during the waiting period even though you won't get paid for that first week.

Got it, thanks! I was confused about whether I should wait to file my first weekly claim.

Good tip! How often should I be checking? Daily?

I'd check every couple days at least, especially in the first few weeks after applying. The notifications don't always work properly.

Mine was a layoff due to company downsizing so hopefully it's straightforward like yours was.

yeah you should be fine then, layoffs usually process pretty quickly unless there's missing wage info or something

Yes, you need to register with WorkSourceWA within a certain timeframe. It's part of the job search requirements even while your claim is processing.

I did register but wasn't sure if I needed to start looking for jobs already or if I should wait until my claim is approved.

You should start your job search activities immediately. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week from the very first week you claim benefits.

I might have to try this Claimyr thing you keep mentioning. I'm desperate at this point.

Definitely worth trying if you've been stuck for weeks. The peace of mind alone is worth it when you're stressed about money.

This is a good rule of thumb, thanks! I'll give it the full 2 weeks before I start worrying.

Good thinking! I did save the confirmation email but I'll screenshot my account too.

Smart! Also keep track of all your job search activities from day one in case they audit your claim later.

The day you submit doesn't matter for processing speed. Washington ESD processes applications in the order received regardless of when during the week they're submitted.

Thanks, I was overthinking it I guess.

That's encouraging! My situation is similar to yours so hopefully I'll hear something soon.

Yeah keep filing those weekly claims and you should be good. The first payment usually comes about a week after you get approved.

Good to know! At least once you're approved you know the money is coming eventually.

This gives me hope! I'm on day 4 now so hopefully I'll know something in the next week or two.

You should definitely hear something within 2 weeks if it's a straightforward case like yours sounds.

That's reassuring! I was worried I might lose out on benefits if there were delays.

Exactly right. As long as you file your weekly claims and you're ultimately approved, you'll receive payment for all eligible weeks dating back to when you became unemployed.

How did they notify you about the wage verification request? Email or through the website?

It showed up in my SecureAccess Washington messages but I didn't get an email notification. That's why you need to check regularly.

Perfect summary, thanks everyone! This thread has been super helpful for setting expectations.

And remember if you can't get through on the phone, services like Claimyr can save you tons of time and frustration. Sometimes you need to talk to a real person to get answers.