How soon can you collect unemployment benefits after filing with Washington ESD?

Thanks! Should I file today or wait until the weekend? Not sure if it matters.

File today if you can. The waiting week starts from when you file your initial claim, not when you lost your job.

Wait I'm confused, I thought the waiting week was automatic? Do you still have to file weekly claims during the waiting period?

Yes you still file weekly claims during the waiting week, you just don't get paid for that first week. It's basically unpaid but you have to do it.

What kinds of things cause adjudication? Trying to avoid any delays if possible.

Usually job separation issues - if you quit, were fired for cause, or if there's any dispute about why you left. Since you said you were laid off it should be straightforward.

Have you tried calling them? I know it's hard to get through but sometimes they can expedite things.

tried calling like 50 times, always busy or they hang up on me after being on hold forever

I have my last pay stub but no separation notice yet - should I wait for that or file without it?

File without it, you can always upload documents later. Don't delay filing just because you're missing one document.

Good point! How long do paper checks usually take?

Like 7-10 days after the payment is issued, so it adds another week+ to your wait time.

How backed up are we talking? Like days or weeks?

Could be anywhere from a few extra days to several weeks depending on your situation. Really depends on their workload.

When do the weekly claims open? Is it the same day every week?

Usually Sunday mornings, but check your account for your specific schedule. They'll tell you when your next filing date is.

Is that one of those paid services? Seems sketchy to pay someone to make a phone call for you.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Way better than wasting hours on hold every day. Check out their demo video if you're curious.

How do I find out what my benefit amount will be? Do they tell you when you file?

You'll get a monetary determination letter after you file that shows your weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you qualify for.

Yeah you're right, I'm going to do it today. Thanks everyone for the help!

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other stuff too?

Applying for jobs, networking, attending job fairs, interviewing, even some training activities. Keep detailed records of everything.

That's actually reassuring to hear. Were there any issues with your claim or did it just take that long normally?

No issues, just the normal processing time plus the waiting week. It felt like forever when I was waiting though.

Nice! What was the issue that was holding up your claim?

they just needed to verify my identity, super simple but it was stuck in the system for weeks

It's calendar days, so weekends count. The waiting week is literally 7 consecutive days from when you file.

Got it, thanks for clarifying that!

Good point, I hadn't thought about taxes. Can you have them withhold taxes automatically?

Yes, you can elect to have 10% federal tax withheld when you set up your claim. Highly recommend it.

Thanks for the encouragement! Definitely going to file this afternoon.

Good tip! I should update my address since I just moved last month.

Yeah definitely update that before filing. Any communication delays can really slow things down.

Will do. This thread has been super helpful, thanks everyone!

Appreciate it! Hopefully I won't need to call them but good to know there are options if I do.