How to get money from unemployment - Washington ESD payment issues?

I logged in and it just says 'payment processed' for both weeks. No holds that I can see.

That's weird. Usually if it says processed the money should hit your account within 2-3 business days.

How did you fix it? I double checked my routing and account numbers and they look right.

I had to call Washington ESD to update it. Took forever to get through though - like 200+ calls.

I haven't gotten any mail from them besides the approval letter. Should I be looking for a specific type of card?

Yeah it's a Bank of America debit card if they send one. Check your mail carefully - sometimes it looks like junk mail.

Is that legit? I'm willing to try anything at this point since I can't get through their regular phone lines.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but they actually got me connected to someone who could check my payment status. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Never heard of that but honestly anything is better than the endless busy signals from Washington ESD.

Three weeks?? How did you survive? I'm already stressed about bills.

had to borrow money from family. Washington ESD acts like we don't have rent and groceries to pay for

I've been filing every Sunday like clockwork. Both weeks show as processed.

Good. At least you won't lose those benefit weeks. The payment delay should resolve eventually.

No document requests. Should I be proactive and send them something?

I wouldn't send unsolicited docs. That might just confuse things more. But keep checking your account for messages.

It shows $467 per week which seems about right based on my previous salary.

That sounds reasonable. If the amount looks correct and it says processed, this is probably just a processing delay.

What's that number? I've only been calling the main Washington ESD line.

i think its 800-318-6022 but honestly all their numbers are constantly busy

I don't remember seeing a verify option. Where would that be in the account?

Under payment options there should be a link to verify your banking info. Might be worth checking.

I'm seriously considering it. How much does it cost?

I'd rather not get into pricing details here, but honestly it was worth it for me to get actual answers about my claim status.

While the system has issues, there are usually specific reasons for delays. Better to figure out the actual cause.

sure but try explaining that to your landlord when rent is due

I've been doing my job searches and logging them in WorkSourceWA. Could that be the issue?

It's possible. Make sure you're meeting the minimum number of job search activities per week for your claim type.

Good idea, I'll check that now. Haven't been monitoring spam closely.

I guess that's all I can do if I can't get through to anyone. Just frustrating when you need the money.

Yes, this is my first unemployment claim ever. Maybe that's why it's taking longer?

That could definitely be it. First-time claims often take longer to process payments even after approval.

Thanks, I think I will try that. Better than sitting here wondering what's wrong.

Good point. I've been taking screenshots but I should be more systematic about it.

That's reassuring. I was worried I might lose those weeks somehow.

Nope, as long as you filed your weekly claims on time, you'll get paid for approved weeks.

Will do! Hopefully I'll have good news to share soon.