What is the waiting week for unemployment Washington ESD - do I still need to file?

So I file but don't get paid for that first week? That seems backwards when I need the money most.

I know it's frustrating, but that's how Washington ESD has always done it. Think of it as a one-week penalty that everyone has to serve.

Really? I thought they only suspended it temporarily. Are you sure it's permanently gone?

Pretty sure it was made permanent. Let me double check that though because I don't want to give wrong info.

This is exactly the kind of confusion I'm dealing with! Can someone give me a definitive answer?

I used a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD. They basically call for you and get you connected to an actual person. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I've never heard of that. Does it actually work? I'm desperate at this point.

It worked for me. I was able to get through and verify my claim status within a few hours instead of spending days trying to call myself.

Thank you! This is the kind of specific info I needed. So I should expect payment for my first week?

Wow, I had no idea they changed this. Thanks for the correction and the statute reference.

The change was made permanent in 2021. If you filed a claim 2 years ago, you would have been subject to the waiting week that was still in effect then.

that makes sense, glad they got rid of it because that was really frustrating

Correct. As long as you're eligible for benefits that week, you should receive payment. The waiting week requirement was eliminated.

Yep, that's right. Much better system now.

Yes, unemployment laws vary significantly by state. Washington eliminated the waiting week, but other states may still have it.

Good to know Washington is more progressive about this stuff

Weekly claims are filed for the previous week. So if you file your initial claim on Tuesday, you'd file your first weekly claim the following Sunday for the week that just ended.

Got it, so there's still a timing aspect to figure out even without the waiting week

I looked but their website is honestly pretty confusing. I found conflicting information which is why I posted here.

Yeah their website isn't the most user-friendly unfortunately

That's helpful to know. I might try that service if I need to call about anything else.

It was worth it for me. Saved me hours of trying to call on my own.

Right, I understand that part. Just wanted to make sure about the payment timing.

cool just making sure because some people think no waiting week means no requirements at all

The elimination of the waiting week applies to all unemployment benefits in Washington, including standby status.

Thanks, that's what I hoped but wasn't sure.

Exactly! It never made sense to me to withhold benefits when people need them most.

Yeah, especially since you're already dealing with the stress of losing your job

Perfect summary, thank you! This thread really helped clear things up.

Great summary. I learned something new today too.

Good point. How long should I expect to wait for my first payment?

Usually within a few business days of filing your weekly claim, but it can vary depending on if there are any issues with your claim.

Agreed. Their communication has always been pretty terrible.

It's frustrating when you're already stressed about being unemployed and then you can't get clear answers about the process.

I'm definitely going to try that service. Thanks for the recommendation.

You're welcome. Hope it helps you get the answers you need.

Glad I'm not the only one who was confused about this!

Perfect. This thread has been incredibly helpful. Thank you all!

Happy to help. Good luck with your claim!