Washington ESD waiting week for unemployment - when do benefits actually start?

Yes, Washington has a waiting week requirement. You have to serve one unpaid waiting week before you start receiving benefits. So your first payable week will be your second week of unemployment. It's frustrating but that's how the system works.

The waiting week is basically Washington ESD's way of making sure you're actually unemployed and not just taking a quick break between jobs. It's annoying when you need the money right away.

Had this same confusion when I first filed. The waiting week is unpaid but you do need to complete all the requirements - file your weekly claim, do job searches, etc. Don't skip it or it could mess up your whole claim.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for days to ask about my waiting week status and whether it's been satisfied. Their phone lines are impossible! Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

Wait, I thought if you worked part-time during your waiting week it could extend it? I'm so confused about all these rules.

The waiting week applies to regular unemployment insurance (UI) claims. If you're on standby status through your union, the rules might be different. Always worth checking your specific situation with Washington ESD.

This waiting week policy is just another way for the state to save money on unemployment benefits. It's totally unfair to people who are already struggling financially.

just went through this last month. you dont get paid for week 1 but week 2 comes pretty quick if you file everything on time

One important thing - make sure you're filing your weekly claims correctly during and after your waiting week. Any mistakes can delay your benefits even more. The Washington ESD website has guides on how to properly report work and earnings.

Does anyone know if the waiting week gets waived during emergencies or disasters? I remember hearing something about that during COVID but not sure if it still applies.

Update: I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got through to a Washington ESD agent today! They confirmed my waiting week was properly served and my benefits should start next week. Game changer!

I remember being so stressed about money during my waiting week. It helps to know exactly when to expect your first payment so you can plan accordingly. Usually it's about 5-7 days after you file your second weekly claim.

One thing that caught me off guard - you still need to be actively looking for work during your waiting week and keep track of your job search activities. Don't slack off just because you're not getting paid yet.

The waiting week was the worst part of my whole unemployment experience. Just knowing you're eligible but can't get help for another week when bills are due is awful.

For anyone reading this thread later - the key things about Washington's waiting week: 1) It's unpaid but required, 2) You still file weekly claims and do job searches, 3) Your first payment comes after completing it, 4) Work earnings during waiting week can extend it if too high.

wish someone had explained this to me when i first filed. spent two weeks wondering why i hadnt gotten paid yet lol

I had a situation where my employer contested my claim right after my waiting week ended. Even though I eventually won the appeal, it delayed everything by months. Make sure your separation reason is solid before you even start the waiting week.

The waiting week is just one of those things you have to get through. Focus on using that time productively - update your resume, start networking, get your job search strategy ready. Makes the time feel less wasted.

Does the waiting week reset if you get a job and then lose it again later? Or is it once per benefit year?

Just want to add - if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD about waiting week questions or any other issues, that Claimyr service mentioned earlier really works. I was skeptical at first but it got me through to an agent when I'd been trying for days on my own.