How long to receive unemployment benefits after filing with Washington ESD?

Usually takes 2-3 weeks from when you first file to get your first payment. The 'processed' status is good - means they've reviewed your initial application and you're approved. Keep filing those weekly claims though, that's super important.

There's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start, then it takes a few business days for the payment to actually hit your account. So if you filed 10 days ago and have been doing weekly claims, you should see something soon.

I had the same anxiety when I first filed. Took about 18 days total before I saw money in my account. The hardest part was not knowing if I was doing everything right. If you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone to check on things, I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a video demo showing how it works at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made it so much easier than trying to call over and over.

Mine took forever because they had to verify my identity or something. Like 5 weeks total. Hope yours goes faster!

Washington ESD is so slow with everything. I swear they make it as difficult as possible on purpose. THREE WEEKS just to get your first payment is ridiculous when people are struggling to pay rent.

just keep filing weekly even if you dont see money yet thats the most important thing

One thing to watch out for - make sure you're meeting the job search requirements. You need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and log them in your WorkSource account. If you're not doing that, it could delay your payments.

I'm on week 4 and still haven't gotten anything. Starting to think I should try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

For what it's worth, Washington ESD typically processes payments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so if you're expecting money, those are the days to watch your account.

The whole system is a mess. I had to wait almost a month because they said I quit my job when I was actually laid off. Took forever to get that straightened out.

At least you got processed status. Mine has been stuck on 'under review' for 2 weeks now with no explanation.

Don't forget you have to be actively looking for work and available for work to keep getting benefits. Washington ESD can ask for proof at any time.

I remember my first time filing, I was so paranoid I was doing something wrong. Turns out it just takes time and you have to be patient with the process.

Just to clarify for everyone - Washington ESD benefits are paid weekly but you file your weekly claim for the previous week. So there's always a bit of a lag between when you certify and when you get paid for that week.

If it helps, I just got my first payment yesterday and I filed my initial claim 16 days ago. So you're probably close!

Make sure your direct deposit info is correct in your account. I delayed my own payments by a week because I had an old bank account number in there.

The waiting is tough but hang in there. Once your first payment comes through, the rest should be more regular as long as you keep filing your weekly claims on time.

Update us when you get your first payment! Always nice to hear success stories.

One more thing about that Claimyr service I mentioned - if you do end up needing to talk to Washington ESD about your claim status or any issues, it's way less stressful than trying to get through on your own. Just thought I'd mention it again since a few people seemed interested.

Good luck OP! The first payment is always the most nerve-wracking but it sounds like you're doing everything right.

I went through the exact same thing last year! Filed my claim, saw "processed" status, but then had to wait what felt like forever for actual money. In my case, it was about 14 days from filing to first payment hitting my account. The "processed" status is actually a good sign - it means they've approved your initial claim and you're in the system. Just keep doing those weekly claims religiously because if you miss one, it can really mess things up. I know the bills piling up part is stressful, but based on your timeline you should see something very soon. Hang in there!