How long it takes to receive unemployment benefits from Washington ESD after filing?

It typically takes 2-3 weeks for your first payment after filing if there are no issues with your claim. Since you filed two weeks ago, you should see something soon. Make sure you're completing your weekly claims and job search activities.

took me almost a month to get my first check last year, but that was because they needed to verify my previous employer info. if everything is straightforward it should be faster

The waiting period can be really stressful! I had the same anxiety when I first filed. If you're not seeing any red flags in your account and you've been doing everything correctly, it's probably just normal processing time. Washington ESD has to verify employment history with your former employer.

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

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! Two weeks is nothing, I waited SIX WEEKS for my first payment and they never even told me why. Called hundreds of times, sent messages through the secure portal, NOTHING. This state doesn't care about unemployed people.

Don't panic yet! Two weeks is still within the normal timeframe. I work in HR and deal with unemployment claims regularly. Washington ESD usually processes straightforward claims within 14-21 days. The fact that your claim shows as 'active' is a good sign.

check if you have direct deposit set up correctly, that can delay things if there are banking issues

Same boat here! Filed three weeks ago and still waiting. At least I'm not alone in this frustrating process.

For what it's worth, Washington ESD has been pretty consistent with their processing times lately. Most people I know have been getting their first payment within 2-3 weeks if there are no complications. Hang in there!

if you really need to talk to someone about your claim status, that claimyr thing actually worked for my brother last month. he was stuck in some kind of verification loop and they helped him get through to figure out what was needed

hang in there! the waiting is the worst part but it does come through eventually

One thing to remember is that when your first payment does come through, it should include back pay from your waiting week. So you'll get a larger payment that covers multiple weeks.

just make sure you keep doing those weekly claims even if you havent gotten paid yet. missing one can mess up your whole timeline

I remember when I first filed, I was checking my account like 10 times a day hoping to see a payment. The anxiety is real! But once it starts, it's pretty reliable.

Final advice: if you hit the three-week mark with no payment and no communication from Washington ESD, that's when I'd recommend reaching out directly to check if there are any issues with your claim.

Update us when you get your first payment! Always like to hear success stories to give hope to others waiting.

been through this process multiple times unfortunately. two weeks is still early, dont stress too much yet. washington esd is slow but they do pay eventually

also make sure your mailing address is correct in case they need to send any paperwork. sometimes they mail stuff instead of putting it in your online account

The whole process is designed to be as stressful as possible I swear. But you're doing everything right by staying on top of the weekly claims.

Quick clarification for anyone reading this thread: Washington ESD's current processing time for initial claims is typically 14-21 business days for straightforward cases. Complications like identity verification, wage disputes, or employment eligibility issues can extend this timeline significantly.