Just worked 16 hours before layoff - Is this my ESD waiting week?
I just got laid off from my construction job yesterday (Tuesday) after only working 2 days (16 hours total). I filed my ESD unemployment claim immediately that same day. I'm confused about how the waiting week works - does this partial week count as my waiting week even though I worked part of it? Or do I need a full week with zero work for it to count as my waiting week? This is my first time filing in Washington and I'm worried about when I'll actually start receiving benefits.
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Oliver Wagner
The waiting week is the first week you're eligible for benefits after filing your claim, regardless of whether you worked part of that week. Since you worked 16 hours, you need to report those earnings when you file your weekly claim. Depending on how much you earned, your benefit might be reduced or denied for that week, but it will still count as your waiting week as long as you would otherwise qualify for at least $1 in benefits that week.
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GalaxyGazer
•Thanks for explaining! So even if I don't get any money for this first week because of the 16 hours I worked, it still counts as my waiting week? That's a relief.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
Make sure u report EXACTLY those 16 hours when u do ur weekly claim!! If u dont report accurately they might flag ur account for fraud and then ur stuck in adjudication FOREVER trust me I know
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GalaxyGazer
•Oh yikes, I definitely don't want that! I'll be super careful to report the exact hours.
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Javier Mendoza
When you file your weekly claim, make sure to answer "yes" to the question about whether you worked during the week. Enter the exact hours (16) and your gross earnings (before taxes). ESD will calculate if you're eligible for a partial payment for that week. Even if you don't receive money for the waiting week, you need to file the weekly claim correctly to activate your claim going forward.
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Emma Thompson
•This is correct. Also important to know that Washington state recently eliminated the waiting week for most claimants, but then reinstated it a few months ago. So a lot of outdated info is floating around online. You definitely have a waiting week now in 2025.
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Malik Davis
I went thru the same thing last month!!! The system is SO confusing. I spent like 3 weeks trying to get someone on the phone at ESD and kept getting disconnected. Finally tried this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Totally worth it because the agent confirmed my waiting week and fixed an issue with my claim that would have caused delays.
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Isabella Santos
•I've heard about Claimyr but wasn't sure if it actually worked. Did they need a bunch of personal info to use the service?
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Malik Davis
•Nope! It was super easy to use. They just help you get through to an actual ESD agent instead of waiting on hold forever or getting disconnected. The ESD agent is who you talk to about your claim details.
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StarStrider
Here's something important to understand: if your earnings for those 16 hours exceed your weekly benefit amount, then the week won't qualify as your waiting week because you wouldn't be eligible for benefits that week. You need to be eligible for at least $1 in benefits for a week to count as your waiting week. Do you know what your weekly benefit amount is yet?
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GalaxyGazer
•I don't know my weekly benefit amount yet. My claim still shows as 'pending' on the ESD website. How long does it usually take to find that out?
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StarStrider
•It typically takes 1-3 weeks for ESD to process a new claim and determine your weekly benefit amount. Once they do, you'll get a monetary determination letter explaining your weekly benefit amount and total benefit year entitlement. Keep filing your weekly claims in the meantime!
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Ravi Gupta
the waiting week is such a SCAM!!! the government just keeps one whole week of ur benefits for no reason. i lost a whole $825 because of this stupid rule. they should pay us for EVERY week were unemployed!!!
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Oliver Wagner
•The waiting week isn't a scam - it's a standard feature in most state unemployment insurance programs designed to encourage quick return to work and reduce costs. But I understand it feels unfair when you're counting on that money.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
btw make sure u start doing ur job search activities ASAP. u need 3 job search activities EVERY week or they'll deny benefits. and keep good records of everything!!
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GalaxyGazer
•Thanks for the reminder! I'll start applying for jobs right away. Do the job search requirements apply to the waiting week too?
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Javier Mendoza
•Yes, you need to complete and document 3 job search activities even during your waiting week. The only exception would be if you're on approved standby status (which doesn't sound like your situation).
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