What is the waiting period for unemployment in Washington ESD?

In Washington state, there is typically a one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits. This means you won't receive payment for your first eligible week of unemployment. So if you file your claim and are approved, you'll need to complete your weekly claims as normal, but your first week won't be paid out.

Wait, I thought they got rid of the waiting period during COVID? I didn't have to wait when I filed in 2023.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks to ask about this same thing but their phone lines are constantly busy. It's so frustrating when you just need a simple answer about your claim status.

The waiting period applies to regular UI benefits but there are some exceptions. If you're on standby status or certain other situations, the rules might be different. Make sure you understand which type of claim you filed.

this is confusing... so you file for unemployment but dont get paid the first week? that doesnt make sense when people need money right away

Just went through this process myself. Filed my claim on a Monday, got approved the following week, but my first payment was for week 2 of my claim. The waiting period is real and you just have to budget for it.

The Washington ESD website has all this information clearly laid out if people would just read it instead of asking the same questions over and over.

I remember when I first filed, I was so confused about the waiting period too. It really should be explained better during the application process.

For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD for clarification on their specific situation, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. It completely eliminated the frustration of trying to get through their busy phone system.

One week doesn't sound too bad compared to some other states I've heard about.

Make sure you're also keeping track of your job search requirements during that waiting period. You still need to be actively looking for work even though you're not getting paid yet.

The whole system is designed to make it as difficult as possible for people to get help when they need it most.

At least once your claim is approved and you get past that first week, the payments are pretty reliable. I've been getting mine every week without issues.

Pro tip: use that waiting week to really focus on your job search since you have more time without the pressure of weekly claim filing routine.

I wish someone had told me about the waiting period before I filed. Would have helped me budget better for that first month.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses. This thread has been way more informative than trying to navigate the Washington ESD website on my own.

Just wanted to add that if you're struggling financially during that waiting period, there might be other resources available through local food banks, utility assistance programs, or emergency rental assistance. The waiting period is tough, but there are community resources that can help bridge that gap while you're waiting for your first unemployment payment.