How to know if you are approved for unemployment - Washington ESD claim status check

I see the weekly claim tab but when I click it, it says I can't file until my claim is processed. Does that mean I'm still pending?

Yes, that usually means you're still in the initial processing phase. Once approved, you'll be able to actually file your first weekly claim.

Where would I find this determination letter? Is it mailed or available online?

Both - it gets mailed to your address and also shows up in your eServices correspondence section. Check there first since mail can be slow.

That sounds too good to be true, how much does something like that cost?

It was worth it for me since I was stressing about my claim status. They don't publish pricing on the site but I was able to get my questions answered same day instead of waiting weeks.

Interesting, never heard of this before. Did they actually help resolve your claim issues or just get you connected?

Right?! It's 2025, how is their system so outdated? I feel like I'm going crazy refreshing the page.

The system is definitely old but be patient. Most claims get approved unless there's an issue with your work history or reason for separation.

I don't see any fact finding items, just says 'initial claim under review.' Is that normal?

Yes, that's the standard message during the initial processing period. You're probably fine, just need to wait it out.

Good tip about spam folder, I'll check that. Where do I sign up for text alerts?

In your eServices account under 'contact preferences' - you can set it to text you when there are updates to your claim.

That gives me hope! Were you able to get backpay for the weeks you were waiting?

Yes, you get paid for your waiting week if approved. Just make sure to file your weekly claims as soon as you're able to.

That's reassuring. I keep imagining worst case scenarios where my claim gets denied for some reason I don't even know about.

I had the same anxiety when I first filed. Trust me, if there was a problem with your claim, they would have contacted you by now for additional information.

I've tried calling at 8am sharp and still get busy signals. Maybe I need to try even earlier?

It's really hit or miss. Some days I got through right away, other days I couldn't get through all day. The phone system is just overwhelmed.

It was a layoff due to company downsizing, so hopefully that helps my case. I have the layoff notice from HR too.

Oh perfect, layoffs are usually approved pretty quickly since there's no question about eligibility. You should be fine.

Glad I'm not alone! Are you checking your account obsessively too? It's driving me crazy.

YES! I check it like 10 times a day hoping something changed. My friends think I'm losing it lol

21 days?! I really hope it doesn't take that long. I'm already struggling financially.

That's the maximum timeframe, most people I know got approved within 10-14 days. Hang in there!

Just double-checked and everything looks correct. Phone number, email, address all match what I have currently.

I'm seriously considering trying this. Did they help you get clarity on your claim status when you used them before?

Yes, the ESD agent was able to tell me exactly where my claim was in the process and gave me a realistic timeline. Made me feel so much better.

The wage information looks accurate to me. Shows wages from my last employer for the past 5 quarters.

Good, that means your employer reported your wages correctly. That's usually the biggest holdup in the approval process.

That gives me hope! Were you able to file your first weekly claim right away after getting the letter?

Yep, the weekly claim option showed up the same day I got the determination letter. Finally felt real!

That's actually a really good idea. I'll start doing that today.

Thanks for the professional perspective! It's reassuring to hear from someone who deals with this regularly.

No problem! I see people panic about this all the time but the vast majority of eligible claims get approved, just takes patience.

I think I'm going to try it. This waiting and not knowing is killing me. Thanks for the recommendation!

You won't regret it. Just having a real person tell you your claim looks fine and is processing normally makes such a difference.

Easier said than done when you have bills to pay, but I understand. I'll try to be more patient.

I totally get it, been there myself. Just remember that stressing won't make it go faster, and most claims do get approved eventually.