What are unemployment checks and how do Washington ESD payments work?

Unemployment checks (or more accurately, unemployment insurance benefits) are weekly payments from Washington ESD to help replace part of your lost wages while you're looking for work. You don't have to pay them back unless you receive an overpayment due to error. Most people get direct deposit these days, though you can request paper checks. The amount depends on your previous earnings - typically 60-70% of your average weekly wage up to the state maximum.

The whole process is pretty straightforward once you get started. You file your initial claim, then file weekly claims every week to certify you're still unemployed and actively looking for work. The money usually comes within a few days of filing your weekly claim if everything's approved.

Just heads up - there are requirements you have to meet to keep getting benefits. You need to be actively searching for work and keep a job search log. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week typically. Also if you turn down suitable work, they can stop your benefits.

One thing that helped me when I was dealing with unemployment was using Claimyr to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. The phone lines are always busy but they have this system that keeps calling for you. Really saved my sanity when I had questions about my claim. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

The timing can be tricky too. There's usually a waiting week where you don't get paid for your first week of unemployment. And if your claim goes into adjudication for any reason, payments get held up until that's resolved.

For the payment method, when you file your initial claim you'll choose between direct deposit or a debit card (ReliaCard). Most people prefer direct deposit since it goes straight to your bank account. The debit card works but has some fees for certain transactions.

Just remember unemployment benefits are taxable income! They don't automatically take out taxes so you might want to have them withhold some or set money aside for tax time. I learned that the hard way my first year claiming.

The maximum benefit amount in Washington changes each year. For 2025 I think it's around $1,015 per week but most people don't get the max unless they were making really good money before.

honestly the hardest part is just getting through to talk to someone when you have questions. the automated system is confusing and the hold times are insane

Also worth mentioning - if you do any part-time work while collecting unemployment, you need to report it on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount but you might still get some money depending on how much you earned.

The whole system seems designed to be confusing tbh. I've been on unemployment twice and still don't understand half the terminology they use on the website.

One more important thing - you typically can't collect unemployment if you quit your job voluntarily or were fired for misconduct. It's mainly for people who lost their job through no fault of their own, like layoffs or business closures.

The benefit year lasts up to 26 weeks normally, though sometimes during recessions they extend it. So it's not permanent - the idea is it gives you time to find new work.

Just start the application process as soon as possible. There's no benefit to waiting and you can't get backpay for weeks before you filed. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start getting benefits.

Make sure you have all your employment info ready when you apply - employer names, addresses, dates of employment, reason for separation. Having it organized beforehand makes the application go much smoother.

Does anyone know if the WorkSourceWA registration is still required? I remember having to do that before but wasn't sure if it changed.

The identity verification process can slow things down too. Make sure you have good photos of your ID and Social Security card ready to upload. Blurry photos will just delay everything.

If you do run into issues or have questions about your specific situation, seriously consider using something like Claimyr to get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who can look at your account directly.

Remember to keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is still being processed. You don't want to miss out on benefits for weeks you were eligible just because you forgot to file.

The UI system can be really overwhelming at first but once you get the hang of the routine it becomes pretty automatic. File your weekly claim, do your job searches, keep records. Just stay on top of it.