How long until unemployment kicks in after filing with Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I should start filing weekly claims this Sunday then? Even though I haven't heard anything back about my application being approved yet?

Yes, you need to file your weekly claims every week regardless of your claim status. If you miss filing weekly claims, you could lose benefits for those weeks even if your claim gets approved later.

How do I know if my claim is in adjudication? Where would I see that status?

You'll see it when you log into your eServices account. It'll show your claim status. If it says 'adjudication in progress' that means they're reviewing something about your claim.

Interesting, never heard of that service before. Did it actually work for getting through to ESD?

Yeah it worked great. They called me back within a few hours and had me connected to an ESD agent. Way better than spending my whole day trying to get through on my own.

Wait, I need to start looking for work immediately? I thought I had some time before the job search requirements kicked in.

The work search requirement starts with your first week of filing. You need to be actively looking for work and logging your activities. It's 3 activities per week minimum.

This is exactly why the unemployment system is broken. People just got laid off and they're immediately pressuring them to find new jobs. Sometimes it takes time to even process what happened.

That's actually faster than I expected! Did you have direct deposit set up already?

Yes, definitely set up direct deposit if you haven't already. The debit card option takes longer and has fees.

That's so stupid. People need money most when they first lose their job, not 3 weeks later.

The waiting week is designed to ensure people are genuinely unemployed and not just filing fraudulent claims. It's been part of the system for decades.

I double-checked all my employer info but now I'm second-guessing myself. Is there a way to update it after you've already submitted?

You might be able to update it online but honestly you'd probably need to call ESD to make sure it gets changed properly. Which brings us back to the phone problem everyone mentions.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already stressed about money.

It's actually pretty reasonable considering how much time and frustration it saves. Plus if you need to resolve claim issues quickly, it pays for itself by getting your benefits flowing faster.

While the system can be frustrating, most legitimate claims do get processed within a reasonable timeframe. The delays usually happen when there are questions about eligibility or employment history.

Reasonable timeframe? Tell that to people who can't pay rent because their claim has been sitting in adjudication for 6 weeks.

Pending is good - that usually means they're processing it without any red flags. Keep filing your weekly claims and you should see a determination soon.

That's exactly what mine looked like before it got approved. You're probably on track for the 2-3 week timeline.

What kind of documentation do they want for work search activities?

Screenshots of job applications, contact info for networking contacts, records of career development activities. WorkSourceWA helps track some of it but keep your own records too.

Good point! I'll log in and set that up tonight. Should I have taxes withheld or handle it myself at tax time?

Totally up to you, but having taxes withheld saves you from a big tax bill next year. Unemployment benefits are taxable income.

Yeah the uncertainty is killing me. I keep checking my account multiple times a day even though I know nothing will change that fast.

I did the same thing! Checking obsessively doesn't make it go faster but it's hard not to when you're worried about money.

Can you explain that more? I'm definitely confused about the waiting week timing.

Your claim starts on a Sunday (effective date). Your first week is the waiting week - you file for it but don't get paid. Second week onwards you can get paid if approved. So 'first payment' is actually for your second week of unemployment.

There is information on the ESD website about timelines, but I agree it could be clearer. The handbook explains most of the process if you have time to read through it.

Who has time for a 50-page handbook when they just lost their job? They should make it simple and straightforward.

I might try that if I don't hear anything in the next few days. The uncertainty is really stressing me out.

I totally get the stress. Having an actual person explain your specific situation makes such a difference compared to just guessing from online info.

Thanks for the reminder! I was wondering about that. So I file this Sunday for the week that just ended, right?

Exactly. You file every Sunday for the week that just ended (Sunday through Saturday). Set a reminder so you don't forget.

I'm definitely available and looking. Should I be applying to jobs outside my usual field too, or stick to warehouse work since that's my experience?

Start with your field but if you're not finding opportunities, expand your search. ESD wants to see you're making genuine efforts to find suitable work.

Good idea! I'll give them a call tomorrow to double-check. Better to catch any issues early.

Definitely. It's much easier to fix employer reporting issues before your claim gets processed than after it's been denied for incorrect information.

How will I know when I'm actually approved? Will I get an email or do I need to keep checking the website?

You should get correspondence in your eServices account inbox, and they might send you a paper letter too. Check your account regularly for updates.