How often does Washington ESD unemployment pay you - weekly or biweekly?

Washington ESD pays weekly, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday after you file your weekly claim on Sunday. The payment goes to whatever method you chose - direct deposit or the debit card they send you.

Just to add - you have to file every single week to get paid. Miss filing your weekly claim and you won't get paid for that week.

The payment schedule is definitely weekly, but getting through to Washington ESD when you have questions about payments can be impossible. I spent hours trying to call them when my payment was delayed. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an actual agent - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

wait i thought unemployment was every 2 weeks like most jobs? that's weird that its weekly

Be prepared for your first payment to potentially be delayed. Mine took almost 2 weeks because they had to verify my employment history with my previous employer.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS MESSED UP! I've been waiting 3 WEEKS for my first payment even though I was approved. Every time I call Washington ESD I get hung up on or they tell me to wait longer!

For budgeting purposes, remember that your weekly benefit amount is calculated based on your highest earning quarter in your base period. So it's a fixed amount each week, not variable.

I've been on unemployment for 2 months now. Payments come like clockwork every Tuesday morning via direct deposit as long as you file your weekly claim on time.

Don't forget you also need to do your job search activities each week or they can stop your payments. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week.

Quick question - do they pay on holidays? Like if Tuesday is a holiday do they pay Monday or Wednesday?

One thing I learned the hard way - if you start working part-time while on unemployment, make sure you report those earnings accurately on your weekly claim. They'll adjust your benefit amount but you can still get partial benefits.

I remember being so anxious about my first payment. It's normal to worry but Washington ESD is pretty reliable once you get in the system.

Does anyone know if they ever do direct deposit on Mondays? I swear I got a payment on Monday once but maybe I'm remembering wrong.

The debit card option is actually pretty convenient if you don't want to wait for direct deposit setup. They mail it to you automatically.

My sister had issues with her payments getting delayed because she forgot to update her address after moving. Make sure all your info is current in your account.

For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD about payment issues, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. I was skeptical at first but it really works for getting through to someone who can actually help with your account.

Bottom line - file every Sunday, expect payment every Tuesday/Wednesday, keep your job search log updated, and report any work accurately. That's the weekly routine.

I always file my weekly claim right at midnight on Sunday when it becomes available. Probably doesn't matter but makes me feel better lol

Thanks everyone for all the helpful info. This thread has been more useful than the Washington ESD website for understanding the payment schedule.