Washington ESD waiting week for unemployment benefits 2023 - still required?

Yes, Washington state still has the waiting week requirement as of 2023. You have to serve one unpaid waiting week before you can receive unemployment benefits. It's typically the first week you file your claim.

Wait I thought they eliminated the waiting week? I could have sworn I read something about that somewhere

I filed in January 2023 and definitely had to serve the waiting week. It's frustrating because you're already stressed about money and then you have to wait even longer. If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to confirm this stuff, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me actually reach an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

the waiting week is so stupid like we already lost our jobs why make us wait longer

To clarify the waiting week rules: You must serve one unpaid waiting week before receiving unemployment benefits in Washington. This applies to regular UI claims filed in 2023. The waiting week is usually your first claimed week, and you must still file your weekly claim during this period. Some federal pandemic programs temporarily waived waiting weeks, but those programs ended and regular state rules are back in effect.

The waiting week also counts toward your total benefit year, so it's not like you get an extra week at the end. You still get a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits, the waiting week is just unpaid within that period.

I remember when I filed in 2022 I was so confused about this. Had to call Washington ESD like 50 times to get clarification and kept getting hung up on. Finally got through after using some calling service

Does the waiting week apply to everyone or are there exceptions?

This is why I hate the unemployment system. You lose your job and they make you jump through hoops and wait for money you paid into through taxes.

Just file your claim as soon as possible after losing your job. The sooner you get the waiting week out of the way, the sooner you can start receiving benefits. And make sure you're doing your job search requirements during the waiting week too.

I tried calling Washington ESD yesterday about waiting week questions and was on hold for 3 hours before giving up

The waiting week rule hasn't changed since before the pandemic in Washington. Some people got confused because the federal programs like PUA didn't have waiting weeks, but regular state unemployment always kept the waiting week requirement.

Just went through this process last month. Filed my claim, served the waiting week, then started getting paid the following week. It sucks but it's just how the system works in Washington.

wait so if I file this week I won't see money for 2 weeks minimum?

The Washington ESD website should have all this information but it's not always easy to find. I had to dig through multiple pages to find the waiting week details when I filed.

Pro tip: even though you don't get paid for the waiting week, still document all your job search activities that week. Washington ESD can audit your job search records and you want everything documented from day one.

Been unemployed 3 times in Washington and always had to serve the waiting week. It's been consistent for years, definitely still required in 2023.

If you're really struggling financially during the waiting week, look into local food banks and emergency assistance programs. Some communities have resources specifically for people waiting for unemployment benefits to kick in.

Bottom line: Yes, Washington state still requires a waiting week for unemployment benefits in 2023. File as soon as possible after job loss, complete all weekly requirements including during the waiting week, and be prepared for at least 2-3 weeks before receiving your first payment.