How long does unemployment take to process in Washington ESD - still waiting after 2 weeks

Two weeks is actually pretty typical for initial processing. Washington ESD has to verify your employment history and wages with your previous employer. The whole process usually takes 2-4 weeks if there are no complications.

I've been going through the same thing and it's been 3 weeks for me. The waiting is the worst part, especially when you have bills due. From what I've read, if it goes into adjudication it can take even longer.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I was stuck in processing limbo. They basically handle the phone calls for you since it's impossible to get through on your own. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

ugh this system is so broken. took me 6 weeks to get approved and that was WITH calling every single day. washington esd is a joke

The processing time really depends on your specific situation. Simple layoffs usually process faster than voluntary quits or terminations for cause. Since you mentioned it was a layoff, you're probably in the faster track.

Just wanted to chime in that mine took exactly 3 weeks and then I got approved all at once. The waiting is terrible but try not to stress too much if you know you qualify.

I'm on week 5 and still nothing. Been trying to call Washington ESD every day but can never get through. Starting to think I should have applied somewhere else... oh wait, this is the only option lol

Processing times got way better after they updated their systems post-COVID. Used to be 6-8 weeks regularly, now it's usually 2-4 weeks for straightforward cases.

Make sure you're continuing to file your weekly claims even while waiting for initial approval. That's a common mistake that can delay your first payment.

Two weeks isn't bad at all. My brother in law works at Washington ESD and says they're actually processing faster than their target times right now. You should hear something soon.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but if your claim is taking longer than 3 weeks, there's probably an issue. Could be something simple like they need to verify your identity or something more complex like a question about your separation from work.

Check your correspondence in your SecureAccess Washington account. Sometimes they send requests for additional information that people miss, which can delay processing significantly.

The manufacturing sector layoffs are usually pretty clean cut for Washington ESD. Unless there was some weird circumstance around your separation, you should be fine. Just takes time.

I tried calling Washington ESD for 3 weeks straight before someone told me about Claimyr. Got through to an actual person within 2 days and found out my claim was approved but stuck in the payment system. Sometimes you need that direct contact to get things moving.

For what it's worth, my processing took exactly 2 weeks and 3 days. Got my determination letter on a Friday and first payment the following Tuesday. The waiting is anxiety-inducing but the system does work.

honestly the whole system needs an overhaul. why does it take weeks to process something that should be automatic? other states do it way faster

The key is to stay on top of any requests for information and keep filing your weekly claims. Most delays I've seen are because people miss something in their correspondence or stop filing weekly claims during the waiting period.

Two weeks is still within normal range. I'd give it another week before getting seriously worried. The anxiety is real though - I remember checking my account like 10 times a day when I was waiting.

Update us when you hear something! I'm always curious about how these turn out and it helps other people in similar situations.