How often do you get paid with unemployment from Washington ESD?

Thanks! So if I file on Sunday, I should expect payment by Tuesday or Wednesday?

Exactly. Most people get their deposits on Tuesday if they file Sunday night, but it can vary slightly depending on your bank.

This is so important! I made the same mistake and had to call Washington ESD like 20 times to get it sorted out.

If you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone, try using Claimyr at claimyr.com - they have a service that helps you actually reach an agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that but honestly anything that helps get through to an actual person at Washington ESD sounds worth trying.

What exactly do I need to do for job search requirements? I've been looking but wasn't sure if there were specific things Washington ESD wanted me to track.

You need to do 3 job search activities per week and log them in your WorkSourceWA account. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records.

Same here! Last month I had a payment that was 5 days late because of some "system maintenance" they never announced ahead of time.

If your payment is delayed, definitely call Washington ESD to make sure there isn't an issue with your claim. Sometimes they put holds on accounts for random verification checks.

Oh that makes sense! So there's always like a week delay between when I claim and when I get paid for that week?

Exactly. It's not really a delay, just how the system works. You claim for completed weeks, not future weeks.

How much can you earn before they cut off your benefits completely? I might have a chance to pick up some freelance work.

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they stop your benefits entirely. But they start reducing your payment dollar-for-dollar after you earn more than 25% of your weekly benefit amount.

That's concerning... what kind of random reasons? Just want to know what to watch out for.

Identity verification, job search audits, random eligibility reviews. Sometimes no reason at all - just shows 'pending' in your account for days.

this is accurate. i use chase bank and always get my deposit tuesday afternoon

I have a credit union and mine usually comes Wednesday morning, so the bank definitely makes a difference.

Good to know! I think I set up direct deposit when I first applied but I'll double check in my account.

Yes, definitely use direct deposit. The Washington ESD debit card has ATM fees and other charges that eat into your benefits.

This is where Claimyr really helps - I used their service when I had a payment issue and got through to an agent in like 10 minutes instead of spending hours on hold.

I'm definitely going to try that next time I have an issue. Spent 4 hours on hold last week just to get disconnected.

That's probably why I haven't seen anything yet then. I just filed my first weekly claim Sunday so maybe it'll take a few extra days.

Exactly. Give it until Thursday, and if you don't see anything by then, definitely call Washington ESD to check on it.

Good point! You can have them withhold 10% for federal taxes when you file your weekly claims.

I didn't know that was optional. Should I set that up now or wait until next year to deal with taxes?

I'd set it up now so you don't get hit with a big tax bill next year. Unemployment benefits are taxable income.

This saved me when they tried to say I had an overpayment. I had screenshots of every weekly claim I'd filed.

Thanks for all the advice everyone! This is way more helpful than the Washington ESD website.

Perfect summary, thank you! I feel much more confident about the process now.

just dont get discouraged if there are hiccups along the way. the system isnt perfect but you'll get your benefits eventually

Good addition! Standby is pretty common for teachers, construction workers, and other seasonal employees.

I'm not on standby but good to know for future reference. This thread has been incredibly helpful!