How long is waiting period for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

So I need to file for that first week even though I won't get paid for it? That's confusing but thanks for clarifying.

Yeah it's weird but you have to file every week including the waiting week or you could mess up your whole claim

2-3 weeks total? That's longer than I hoped. Did you have any issues with your claim or was that normal processing?

That was normal processing time. No issues with my claim, just takes time for everything to get approved and set up in their system.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Try calling right at 8am when they open. Sometimes you can get through on the first try.

Good reminder, I'll make sure to file every Sunday. When do the weekly claims usually become available?

Weekly claims are available starting Sunday morning for the previous week. You have until Saturday night to file but don't wait that long.

Still feels like punishment when you're already stressed about money though

I get that, but imagine if there was no waiting period - people might file claims every time they had a bad day at work

Job search activities? What counts as an activity? I've been applying to jobs but I don't know if I'm tracking it right.

Job applications, networking events, job fairs, career workshops, even creating profiles on job sites can count. Keep detailed records with dates, company names, and what you did.

Don't forget you can use WorkSourceWA to track your job search activities. It integrates with your unemployment claim.

That sounds like your claim might be in adjudication. Check your account for any pending issues or requests for information.

How do I check for pending issues? I log into my account but it just shows my weekly claims.

Look for an 'Issues and Determinations' section or anything that says 'Pending' next to your claim status. If there's an adjudication issue, it can take weeks or even months to resolve.

What kind of things would trigger an investigation? I was laid off due to budget cuts, seems pretty straightforward.

Layoffs are usually pretty clear cut. Issues come up more with quits, terminations, or if there's any question about your work history or wages.

This is so important! I accidentally answered one question wrong on my first weekly claim and it took an extra 2 weeks to get it sorted out.

The questions are confusing though. Like when it asks if I'm able and available to work - I assume I should say yes even during the waiting period?

Yes, you should answer that you're able and available to work. The waiting period doesn't change your job search requirements or availability.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already tight on money waiting for benefits.

It's worth checking out their site to see current options. For me, getting actual answers was better than weeks of uncertainty and stress.

So if I'm eligible for 26 weeks of benefits, I only get paid for 25 weeks because of the waiting period?

Exactly. The waiting week is part of your 26 weeks, you just don't get paid for that first week.

That seems really unfair when you think about it. You're unemployed for 26 weeks but only get paid for 25.

Did they help you understand the waiting period better or just general claim stuff?

Both actually. The agent walked me through exactly where I was in the process and when to expect my first payment. Much clearer than trying to figure it out from the website.

Good point, I filed on a Tuesday so hopefully that helps with timing.

Yeah definitely file early in the week if you can. Weekend filings always seem to take longer to process.

That's a good way to look at it. I guess I should use this time productively instead of just worrying about when the money will come.

Exactly! Plus keeping busy with job searching makes the waiting time go by faster.