How long for Washington ESD unemployment benefits to kick in after filing?

Thanks! What kind of adjudication issues are we talking about? I reported everything accurately on my application.

Could be anything - they might need to verify your separation reason with your employer, or check your work history. Sometimes it's random quality control stuff too.

Did you get back pay for the weeks while it was being reviewed?

Yes, once approved I got all the back weeks paid out in one lump sum. Just had to keep filing my weekly claims even while it was pending.

That's key - you HAVE to keep filing those weekly claims or you lose those weeks even if you get approved later.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to our own state agency.

I hear you on that frustration, but honestly it was worth it to get actual answers about my claim instead of just wondering and waiting. The peace of mind was huge.

I might try this if my claim gets stuck. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely brutal to deal with.

I see that option but wasn't sure if I should file weekly claims before my initial claim was approved. Good to know I should be doing them.

Definitely start filing them now. Even if your claim is still processing, you want to establish those weekly claims so you don't lose any weeks of benefits.

3 weeks isn't unusual unfortunately. If there are any complications with your employer verification it can stretch longer. Have you tried calling to check your status?

Tried calling dozens of times, just get busy signals or get disconnected after waiting on hold for 2 hours. The system is completely broken.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - the regular phone system at Washington ESD is nearly impossible to get through on your own.

Wait, so even if I file immediately after getting laid off, I just lose that first week of benefits entirely?

Correct - the waiting week is unpaid. It's Washington state law. You still need to file a weekly claim for that week, you just won't receive payment for it.

That's such BS. Like people getting laid off don't need money right away...

Good point! I did set up direct deposit when I filed. How long does it usually take for the money to show up in your account?

Usually 1-2 business days after Washington ESD processes your weekly claim. Much better than waiting a week or more for a check.

Is there a specific way I need to document the job searches? Like do I need to keep proof?

Yes, keep detailed records - company name, contact person, date, method of contact. You can use WorkSourceWA to track everything officially.

And make sure they're genuine job search efforts, not just random applications. Washington ESD will verify if they audit you.

That's reassuring to hear! Hopefully mine processes that smoothly too.

Yeah if it's a straightforward layoff with no complications, Washington ESD usually processes pretty quickly.

That's a great idea! I'll send my former HR manager a heads up email so they know to expect the contact from Washington ESD.

Smart move. Employer delays are one of the biggest reasons claims get held up in adjudication.

Good to know! I've been checking like 5 times a day and getting worried when nothing changes.

Ha, we've all been there! Once a day is plenty unless you get a notification that something changed.

Good luck getting through on the phone though. I've been trying for days with no success.

That's where Claimyr really helped me out. Worth checking out if you keep hitting dead ends with the regular phone system.

That timing always confuses me. So if I file this Sunday, I'm claiming for this past week?

Exactly. Each weekly claim covers the week that just ended, from Sunday to Saturday.

What happens if I forget to report some work? Can I go back and fix it?

You can usually call and make corrections, but it's much easier to just report everything accurately from the start. Honesty is always the best policy with Washington ESD.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Feeling much better about the process now.

Good luck with your claim! Hope it processes smoothly and quickly.