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Zainab Omar

How will I know if my Washington ESD unemployment claim is approved?

Filed my initial unemployment claim with Washington ESD about 10 days ago and I'm getting anxious waiting to hear back. The online portal just shows 'claim submitted' but doesn't give me any timeline or next steps. How do I know when my claim gets approved? Do they send an email, mail something, or do I just have to keep checking the website? This is my first time dealing with unemployment and I have no idea what to expect.

You'll get notification through your SecureAccess Washington account first, then they'll mail you a determination letter. Usually takes 2-3 weeks for initial approval if there are no issues with your claim.

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Thanks! Should I be worried that it's been 10 days already? I haven't heard anything at all.

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No, 10 days is still normal. They're processing a lot of claims. Just keep checking your account every few days.

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check your esd account online, they usually update that before sending mail. if its been over 2 weeks you might want to call them

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I've been checking daily but it still just says 'claim submitted'. Getting worried something went wrong.

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That's frustrating! I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my claim status. I ended up using Claimyr.com to get connected to an agent - they have this system that calls you back when an agent is available. Really saved me from sitting on hold forever.

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They send you a monetary determination letter in the mail that shows your weekly benefit amount if you're approved. But the online account updates first usually.

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Do you remember how long it took to get the letter after the online account updated?

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For me it was like 3-4 days after I saw the approval online. The letter has all the details about your benefit amount and how long you can collect.

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Same here. Online first, then mail a few days later. The letter is important to keep for your records.

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UGH the waiting is the worst part!! I was checking my account like 5 times a day when I first applied. They really need to give better updates on where your claim stands in the process.

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Right?? I just want to know if I did something wrong or if it's normal processing time.

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totally normal to be anxious about it

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Once your claim is approved, you'll see your weekly benefit amount listed in your account and you can start filing weekly claims. The system will let you know when your first weekly claim is due - usually the week after approval.

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That's helpful! So I don't have to do anything else until I see the approval, just wait?

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Exactly. Just wait for the approval, then you'll start filing weekly claims to actually receive payments. Each weekly claim is due by the end of the week.

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Make sure you file your weekly claims on time once approved or you could lose benefits for those weeks!

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If your claim goes into adjudication (which means they need to review something), it can take longer. You'll see 'adjudication in progress' on your account if that happens.

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What kinds of things trigger adjudication? I'm worried mine might be stuck there.

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Usually things like if you were fired, quit your job, or they need to verify your work history. Since yours just says 'claim submitted' you're probably not in adjudication yet.

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been there! the not knowing is terrible. but most claims get approved without issues if you were laid off or lost your job through no fault of your own

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I was laid off due to company downsizing so hopefully that's straightforward.

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Yeah, layoffs are usually pretty straightforward. You should be fine.

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they also send you info about job search requirements once you're approved. dont ignore that stuff or they'll stop your benefits

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Good to know! What kind of job search requirements?

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You have to do 3 job search activities per week and log them in WorkSourceWA. They'll explain it all in the paperwork when you're approved.

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Check your spam folder too! Sometimes the emails from Washington ESD end up there. I almost missed my approval notification because of that.

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Oh good point! I'll check that right now.

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Yeah, add their email addresses to your contacts so future emails don't get filtered out.

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The system is so slow sometimes. I've heard of people waiting 4-5 weeks for approval even when there are no issues. It's frustrating but try to be patient.

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4-5 weeks?! I can't wait that long, I have bills to pay!

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That's extreme. Most people get approved in 2-3 weeks. Don't panic yet.

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if it goes past 3 weeks definitely try calling them. something might need attention on your claim

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You can also set up text notifications in your account settings. That way you'll get alerts when there are updates to your claim status.

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I didn't know about that option! I'll look for it in my account settings.

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Yeah, it's really helpful. You get texts for important updates instead of having to check constantly.

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Whatever you do, don't create multiple accounts or file multiple claims thinking it will speed things up. That just creates more problems and delays.

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I won't do that! I just want to make sure I didn't mess something up on my original application.

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If you're worried about your application, you can call to verify they received it and it's being processed. But 10 days is still within normal timeframe.

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When I got approved, I got an email notification first, then I could see my weekly benefit amount in my online account. The mail came a few days later with the official determination.

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That's reassuring! I'm checking my email constantly now.

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The email usually comes from noreply@esd.wa.gov so make sure you're watching for that.

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I was in the same boat last year - the waiting drove me crazy! But once it's approved, the weekly claims process is pretty straightforward. Just be ready to start filing right away.

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How quickly do you get paid after filing your first weekly claim?

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Usually 2-3 business days if you have direct deposit set up. Longer if they're mailing you a debit card.

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honestly if youre really worried about it just call them. yes the hold times suck but at least you'll know whats going on with your claim

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I tried calling but couldn't get through. The wait times are insane.

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That's exactly why I used Claimyr! I found this video demo (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) that shows how it works. Basically they call you back when an agent is available instead of you sitting on hold. Worked great for me when I needed to check on my claim status.

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Make sure you have your Social Security number and the confirmation number from when you filed ready when you do talk to someone. They'll ask for those to look up your claim.

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Good tip! I have my confirmation number saved in my email.

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Perfect. That's all you need to check on your claim status with them.

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The good news is that most claims do get approved eventually. Unless there's something really complicated about your work situation, you should be fine. Just takes time.

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Thanks for the reassurance! I'll try to be more patient and stop checking so obsessively.

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easier said than done when you're stressed about money!

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Exactly! But I know worrying won't make it go faster.

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One more thing - when you do get approved, read everything they send you carefully. There's important info about reporting requirements and deadlines that you don't want to miss.

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I will! I don't want to mess anything up once I finally get approved.

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Smart approach. The paperwork explains everything you need to know about maintaining your benefits.

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hang in there! I know the waiting is stressful but you'll get through it. Most people do get approved and then wonder why they worried so much.

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Thanks everyone for all the advice and encouragement. This thread has been really helpful!

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Happy to help! Let us know when you get your approval - we're rooting for you!

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Just remember to keep track of your job search activities even before you're officially approved. You'll need to report them retroactively sometimes.

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I'm already applying to jobs, so I'll start keeping better records of everything I do.

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Good idea. WorkSourceWA has tools to help you track your job search activities once you're in the system.

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