Washington ESD unemployment how long does it take to process new claims?

Usually takes about 2-3 weeks for Washington ESD to process a new claim if there are no issues. You should get a determination letter in the mail first, then you can start filing weekly claims if approved.

took me almost 4 weeks last year but that was during busy season. make sure you check your account on their website regularly for any requests for additional info

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you through to agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Way better than trying to call yourself and getting the busy signal all day.

THE WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS BROKEN! I waited 6 weeks for my claim and had to appeal twice because they kept losing my paperwork. Don't expect anything to work properly.

I'm in the same boat - filed 10 days ago and haven't heard anything yet. Starting to panic about rent next month. Did you get any kind of timeline when you applied?

Processing times can vary based on several factors. If your previous employer contests the claim or if there's any question about why you left your job, it goes into adjudication which takes longer. Otherwise, standard processing is typically 14-21 business days from when you file.

just a heads up - even after you get approved you have to wait one week before getting any money. that's the waiting week they make everyone do

If you end up needing to contact Washington ESD and can't get through on the phone, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I used them when my claim got stuck and they got me connected to an actual person within minutes.

I filed in December and it took exactly 18 days to get my determination letter. Then had to wait another week for the waiting week, then started getting payments. All told about a month from filing to first payment.

One thing to remember is you can't just sit around waiting. You need to be actively looking for work and be ready to prove it when they ask. Keep a log of where you apply.

UPDATE: Just got an email saying my claim is being processed and I should expect a determination within 10 business days! So there is some movement happening.

When I got laid off in 2023 my claim got stuck because my previous employer gave wrong info about my last day worked. Took forever to sort out. Make sure all your dates and info are exactly right when you file.

protip - if your claim takes longer than 3 weeks definitely call them or use one of those services to get through. sometimes claims just sit there until someone pokes them about it

The key is patience but also staying on top of it. Check your online account every couple days for updates or requests for additional info. Don't just assume no news is good news.

yeah this thread has been really helpful. wish someone had told me all this stuff when i first filed

Just to summarize for anyone else reading this: expect 2-3 weeks for processing, keep job searching and documenting it, check your online account regularly, and don't panic if it takes the full 3 weeks. Most claims do get processed without major issues.

One last tip - when you do start getting benefits, they come on a debit card. Make sure your address is current so you don't miss it in the mail!

Hope your claim processes smoothly! And remember, if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD for any reason, that Claimyr service at claimyr.com is still the best way I've found to get through to a real person without wasting hours on hold.

fingers crossed for everyone waiting on claims! the whole process is stressful enough without having to wonder what's taking so long

This has been one of the most helpful threads I've seen about Washington ESD processing times. Way better info than their actual website gives you!