How often do you get paid unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks! So I need to keep filing weekly claims every Sunday to keep getting paid?

Exactly. You have to file your weekly claim every week to continue receiving benefits, even if the amount stays the same.

Is there any way to check the status of your payment? I've been waiting 3 weeks for my first one.

If you're waiting 3 weeks, something might be wrong with your claim. Have you tried calling Washington ESD to check? I know the wait times are horrible though.

I've tried calling dozens of times but can never get through. It's so frustrating!

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm willing to try anything at this point.

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Much better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Might be worth checking out if the regular phone lines aren't working.

Good to know about the debit card delay. I chose direct deposit so hopefully Wednesday it is!

Yeah the debit card option is slower. Direct deposit is definitely the way to go if you have a bank account.

No, you definitely have to file every single week. It's called a 'weekly claim' and you have to certify that you're still unemployed and looking for work.

oh crap i might have missed a week then... what happens if you forget to file?

If you miss filing a weekly claim, you won't get paid for that week. But you can sometimes file late claims if you have a good reason for missing the deadline.

3 weeks?! That's terrifying. Did you call them or just wait it out?

I tried calling but never got through. Eventually it just showed up without any explanation.

It should be the same amount each week unless you report earnings from part-time work. Any income you report will reduce your weekly benefit amount.

Ah okay, that makes sense. Good to know it's consistent if I don't work.

How do you set up direct deposit? Is it in the online account somewhere?

Yeah, when you log into your Washington ESD account there should be a payment method section where you can add your bank info.

What time on Sunday is the deadline? I usually file Sunday evening but want to make sure I'm not cutting it too close.

I think it's midnight Sunday night, but I always file by 6pm Sunday to be safe. No point risking it.

Totally agree! The confirmation emails don't really explain when to expect payment either.

Yeah their communication could definitely be clearer about timing and next steps.

Did they actually help you resolve your payment problem or just get you connected to someone?

They got me connected to an actual agent who was able to explain why my payment was delayed and fix the issue. Took about 20 minutes total instead of days of failed calling.

That's reassuring to hear from someone with longer experience. Hopefully mine will be just as consistent.

Same here, very reliable once you get into the routine of filing every Sunday.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits? Is there a threshold?

I think you can earn up to a certain amount (maybe $100-200?) before it reduces your benefits, but don't quote me on the exact number. Best to report any earnings to be safe.

Good tip! I'll check that section to track my first payment.

Yeah the payment history is pretty detailed. Shows exactly when each weekly claim was processed and paid.

Good point about holidays. Banks don't process ACH transfers on federal holidays so that makes sense.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Feeling much more confident about the process now.

Yeah this thread was super helpful. Wish I had found info like this when I first started collecting.

Good to have that as a backup option. The regular phone lines are basically useless most of the time.

Agreed, anything that helps you actually talk to someone at Washington ESD is worth knowing about.