How long until unemployment is approved in Washington ESD system?

Thanks, that's helpful. Do they contact the employer directly or just check their records?

They send a separation notice to your employer asking about the reason for separation. Most employers respond within a few days.

What triggers adjudication? I'm worried mine might get stuck there.

Things like quit vs fired disputes, availability issues, or if there's conflicting info between you and your employer.

How much does that cost? I'm already tight on money waiting for my claim.

It's worth checking out their site for pricing details. For me it was worth it to get actual answers instead of being on hold forever.

I used Claimyr too when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Got through to an agent same day who explained exactly what was holding things up.

5 weeks?? That's terrifying. What was the holdup?

never really found out, just kept saying processing then one day it was approved

I've been filing weekly claims but they all show pending. Should I be worried about that?

No that's normal. The weekly claims will stay pending until your initial claim is approved, then they'll all process at once.

This is correct. Don't skip any weekly filings or you could lose those weeks of benefits.

Right?? I'm considering picking up some gig work just to have something coming in.

Just be careful with gig work - you have to report any earnings on your weekly claims which could affect your benefits.

Good tip! I'll start checking daily. What kind of documents do they usually ask for?

Sometimes proof of identity, work authorization, or clarification about your last day of work if there's confusion.

That's reassuring at least. Do they pay everything at once or spread it out?

All at once for the backpay, then weekly going forward if you keep filing claims.

That's exactly why I recommend Claimyr - no need to waste time with 47 calls when they can get you through efficiently.

might have to try that if my next claim gets stuck

21 business days would be about a month then. I guess I need to be more patient.

Exactly. And that's just their goal - some take longer especially if there are complications.

The day you file doesn't really matter. It's more about when your employer responds and whether any red flags come up in your claim.

Ok good to know. I was overthinking it.

I did set up direct deposit during filing. Hopefully that helps when the time comes.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'll keep filing weekly and try not to panic.

You got this! The waiting sucks but it does end eventually.

I might look into that if I don't hear anything by next week. Thanks for mentioning it.

Will do! Hoping it's sooner rather than later.

Good to know what to expect. This whole process is so overwhelming when you're doing it for the first time.

It is overwhelming but you'll get through it. The system works, it's just slow sometimes.

Thank you, that really helps put my mind at ease. I'll try to be patient and keep doing what I'm supposed to do.

Agreed! Good luck with your claim too.

We're all in this together. The waiting is hard but it gets better once things start moving.

Smart advice. I'll start a folder with all my unemployment paperwork.

Exactly! Organization saves headaches down the road.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice and support. I'll definitely update when I hear something!