How often is unemployment paid by Washington ESD - weekly or biweekly?

Thanks! So I need to file something every single week? What happens if I forget one week?

Yes, every week. If you miss filing your weekly claim, you won't get paid for that week. You might be able to request it later but it's better to just file on time.

So I need to file every single week? What happens if I miss filing one week?

Yes, you must file every week by the deadline (usually Sunday night). If you miss a week, you can sometimes backdate it but it's a hassle and not guaranteed.

How do I find out what day mine will come? Is there a schedule somewhere?

Check your SecureAccess Washington account - it should show your payment schedule under benefit information.

Same problem here! I've called probably 50+ times and only got through once, then got disconnected while being transferred.

It's ridiculous. I found this service called Claimyr that actually helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true but I'm desperate at this point.

Good to know about the delay. Is there a specific day I should file my weekly claim?

You can file anytime during the week for the previous week, but I always do mine on Sunday mornings to stay consistent.

Calm down lol but yeah the system is annoying

What kind of reasons do they hold up payments? Should I be worried about something specific?

How much does that service cost? I'm already struggling financially so I don't want to spend money if I don't have to.

It's worth checking out the video demo first to see if it makes sense for your situation. I found it helpful because I was spending hours trying to call Washington ESD and getting nowhere.

Wait, there's a waiting period? So I won't get paid for my first week?

Correct, there's a one-week waiting period that you don't get paid for. It's like a deductible. After that, you'll get weekly payments as long as you file your weekly claims and remain eligible.

That waiting period is such BS. People need money right away when they lose their job, not a week later.

That's helpful, thank you. So if I file on Sunday, I might see money by Tuesday or Wednesday?

Exactly, that's the typical timeline for straightforward claims.

Unless you're in adjudication like me - been waiting 3 weeks for any payment at all

I worked 4 hours last week - do I need to report that on my weekly claim?

Yes, report all work even if it's just a few hours. Better to be accurate than deal with overpayment issues later.

Yikes, so if I forget one week I just lose that money forever?

pretty much yeah. you can try to get it back later but its a hassle and not guaranteed

I haven't gotten that letter yet. How long does it usually take to receive it?

Usually within a week or two of filing your initial claim. You can also check your account online to see your benefit amount and duration.

Seriously? That's amazing - I'm going to try it today

How much does it cost though? Seems like something they'd charge for

The value is definitely there considering how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD otherwise. Way better than wasting days trying to call.

What if I just work a few hours? Do I still get some unemployment?

Yeah, they reduce your benefit amount based on how much you earn, but you can still get partial benefits. Just make sure to report all earnings honestly.

This is correct. Washington ESD allows you to earn up to a certain amount before your benefits are reduced dollar-for-dollar. It's called the earnings deduction.

Good to know it becomes easier. Right now everything feels overwhelming and confusing.

It gets much easier once you establish the routine. The Washington ESD system is clunky but predictable once you learn it.

Mine always comes on Wednesdays, but I think it depends on when you file your weekly claim and what bank you use.

Mine varies between Tuesday and Thursday. I use direct deposit and file my weekly claim every Sunday.

How many job applications do I need to do each week? The Washington ESD website isn't clear about the exact number.

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but this can include applications, networking, training, etc. Keep detailed records.

The weekly filing requirement is actually to ensure continued eligibility and compliance with federal regulations. It helps prevent fraud and ensures people are actively seeking work.

Yeah right, it's just bureaucratic nonsense that makes people jump through hoops for money they're entitled to.

That's a good point - weekly does help with budgeting better than waiting two weeks.

I think I set that up when I applied but I'll double-check. Thanks for the reminder!

Yes definitely do direct deposit. I got paper checks for the first month and it was a nightmare.

That's encouraging to hear. I might need to try it if I run into issues with my payments.

Glad it worked for you! Sometimes having a real person explain things makes all the difference.

Just file your weekly claim like normal. Your first payment will be for the week after your waiting period week. Make sure you're meeting all job search requirements too.

Thanks! I've been applying to jobs like crazy so I should be good on that front.

Perfect summary, thank you! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about the process now.

This is really helpful info - I'm about to file for unemployment and was wondering the same thing

What kind of issues typically cause delays? I want to avoid any problems.

Usually reporting work income incorrectly, saying you weren't available for work, or missing information about job search activities.

I'm skeptical of third-party services but I've been on hold with Washington ESD for literally hours this week trying to get answers.

I was skeptical too, but after wasting entire days trying to call Washington ESD directly, it was worth it to get my questions answered quickly.

That's reassuring to hear. Hopefully mine will be that consistent too.

Good tip! I'll bookmark that site and check it regularly.

Yes, the online account shows pending payments and processing status. Very useful for tracking everything.

How do I verify my bank information is correct in the Washington ESD system?

Log into your SecureAccess Washington account and check under payment preferences. You can update banking info there if needed.

Definitely planning to stay consistent with the weekly filings. This discussion has been super helpful for understanding the whole process.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into any problems. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information!

This whole thread has been educational - thanks for asking the question OP

Agreed! I wish the Washington ESD website explained it this clearly.

Have you had any issues with payments being late or anything?

nope, as long as i file on time the money shows up pretty consistently. maybe a day or two difference sometimes but nothing major

Oh man, I didn't even think about taxes. Should I have them withhold or pay later?

It's up to you, but I'd recommend having them withhold 10% so you don't get hit with a big tax bill later. You can change this setting in your account.

The benefit week runs from Sunday through Saturday, and you file your weekly claim for the previous week. So if you're filing on Sunday, you're claiming for the week that just ended.

Thanks for clarifying that. I always second-guess myself on the timing.

It's once per calendar week, not every 7 days. You can file anytime during the week for the previous week's benefit. Most people file on Sunday or Monday but you have flexibility.

That makes more sense, thanks! I was worried I'd have to track exact dates.

What's standby status? Is that different from regular unemployment?

Standby is when you're temporarily laid off but expect to be called back to work within a certain timeframe. You don't have to do job searches but still file weekly claims.

Good idea about keeping records. I'll start a simple spreadsheet or something.

Yeah, just basic info like when you filed, what week it was for, and when you got paid. Helps if you need to reference anything later.

I don't have any of that but good to know. It seems like there are a lot of ways to mess this up accidentally.

The key is just being honest and thorough when you file your weekly claims. When in doubt, report it and let Washington ESD determine if it affects your benefits.

Smart idea about the phone reminder. I'll do that too.

yeah it saved me from forgetting a few times. consistency is key with this stuff

You're welcome! The key things to remember are: file every week, be honest about any work or income, and keep records of everything. You'll get the hang of it quickly.

Good luck with everything! The weekly routine becomes second nature after a few weeks.

If you run into any issues getting through to Washington ESD for questions, remember that Claimyr option. Sometimes having a real person explain things makes all the difference.