How long to start receiving Washington ESD unemployment benefits after filing?

Thanks! Do I need to wait for that letter before I can file my first weekly claim?

Yes, you need the monetary determination before you can file weekly claims. But once you get it, you can backdate to when you first became unemployed.

Six weeks?? That's terrifying. What made them need to verify her employment?

she had worked for a small company that didnt report wages correctly or something like that

I found something called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent in like 10 minutes. It's at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Worth checking out if you're stuck in phone hell.

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It basically calls for you and waits in the queue, then connects you when an agent picks up. I was skeptical too but it actually worked.

What exactly is adjudication? Should I be worried about that?

Adjudication is when Washington ESD needs to investigate something about your claim before approving benefits. Since you were laid off, you probably won't go into adjudication unless there's missing wage information or other documentation issues.

I've been in adjudication for 5 weeks now and nobody can tell me what's taking so long. The system is broken.

Exactly! I'm already behind on my car payment and it's only been two weeks since I lost my job.

I know it's frustrating but try to be patient. The benefits will be backdated to when you first filed, so you won't lose money if it takes a few extra days.

Wait, I need to be doing job searches already? Nobody told me that when I filed!

Yes, the job search requirement starts immediately when you file your claim. You need to log into WorkSourceWA.com and track your activities there.

This is news to me too. The website is so confusing about what you need to do when.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. But everyone says calling is impossible.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and actually got through to talk to someone. Turns out my claim was missing some wage information from my previous employer. Would have waited forever if I hadn't called.

Two months?! How is anyone supposed to survive that long without income?

That's why I always tell people to apply for food assistance and other emergency programs while waiting. Don't just sit there hoping unemployment comes through quickly.

What kind of extra info did they need from you?

second time they wanted pay stubs, third time they needed verification of my last day worked because my employer reported wrong date

So even after approval there are more delays? This is getting overwhelming.

Don't panic! Once the system knows you, payments usually come within 2-3 business days. The first one is always slower.

Good point! I did set up direct deposit when I filed. Hopefully that speeds things up.

Yes! Direct deposit is the way to go. The debit card option is terrible - fees everywhere and takes forever to get.

You're probably right. I need to stop obsessing over it and focus on job searching.

That's the right attitude. Use this time productively and the benefits will come when they come.

Easier said than done when you have bills due! But yeah, stressing about it won't make it happen faster.

I've tried calling at 8am but always get the busy signal. Maybe I'll try that Claimyr service.

The 8am thing worked for me too but you have to call right at 8:00:00. Even 8:01 and you're out of luck.

When do I file the weekly claims? Is there a specific day?

You can file anytime during the week for the previous week. Most people do it on Sunday for the week that just ended. Don't wait too long though.

Thanks for the encouragement. I really needed to hear that right now.

We've all been there. The uncertainty is almost worse than not having the money yet.