When can I get unemployment benefits in Washington - timing questions

So I file for the first week but don't get paid for it? That seems confusing but okay. When do I file my first weekly claim then?

Yes, exactly. You file your first weekly claim for the week ending on Saturday, but that serves as your waiting week. The second week you file is when you'd get your first payment if everything goes smoothly.

Three weeks?? What's adjudication and why is it taking so long?

adjudication is when they review your claim for eligibility issues. mine is probably because I had some part time work before filing. it's been hell trying to get through to anyone at Washington ESD to find out what's happening

I had the same issue with adjudication delays. After weeks of trying to call Washington ESD and getting nowhere, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It was honestly a lifesaver.

What kinds of things cause adjudication? I want to make sure I don't run into that.

Common reasons include: quit vs. fired disputes, part-time work while claiming, questions about your availability for work, or issues with your work search requirements. The key is being completely honest on your application.

Don't forget about the job search requirement too. In Washington you need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log. If you don't meet this requirement your benefits can get stopped.

Do you file online or over the phone? Which is easier?

Online is definitely easier once you get used to it. The phone system is a nightmare - long hold times and it disconnects constantly. Stick with the website if possible.

What's the deadline for filing weekly claims?

You have to file by 11:59 PM on the Saturday following the week you're claiming. So if you're claiming for the week ending March 8th, you have until 11:59 PM on March 15th to file.

That's correct, though I always recommend filing by Friday to avoid any last-minute technical issues with the website.

Six weeks? How did you survive that long without income?

barely. had to borrow money from family and use credit cards. the worst part was not being able to get anyone on the phone to explain what was happening

How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke waiting for benefits.

It's worth checking out their website at claimyr.com to see the pricing. For me it was worth every penny to finally talk to someone and get my claim moving again instead of being stuck in limbo.

I was skeptical about paying for something like this but I tried Claimyr last month when my benefits got stopped. Got through to Washington ESD the same day and had my benefits restored within 48 hours. Sometimes you have to invest a little to solve the bigger problem.

What exactly counts as a work search activity?

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews, working with WorkSource, taking job-related classes. You need 3 activities per week and have to keep detailed records.

And they do audit these records randomly, so don't try to fake it. Keep real documentation of your job search efforts.

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits, but you have to report all earnings on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on how much you earned.

Good to know, thanks! I was worried any work would disqualify me completely.

What documentation should I have ready when I file?

Last 18 months of work history with dates and wages, reason for separation from your last job, social security card, ID, and bank account info for direct deposit. Having everything organized speeds up the process.

I think it's supposed to discourage people from filing frivolous claims or something. But yeah, when you really need help it feels like punishment.

exactly. like we chose to lose our jobs or something

Can I change to direct deposit later if I didn't set it up initially?

Yes, you can change it in your online account, but there might be a delay while they process the change. Better to set it up from the start.

That's actually really helpful to know. I was hoping for something faster but I'll adjust my expectations.

Yeah it sucks but it's better to know upfront than be disappointed. Use that time to get your job search strategy together and maybe look into temporary work if you need immediate income.

The waiting week applies to regular unemployment benefits in Washington. There might be different rules for things like standby status or other special programs, but for standard UI claims, everyone has the waiting week.

Thanks for clarifying. I wasn't sure if there were exceptions for certain industries or situations.

I might actually try this. I've been calling Washington ESD for two weeks straight with no luck.

Definitely check out the demo video first at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ so you know what you're getting into. It shows exactly how the service works.

This thread has been super helpful. Thanks everyone for all the detailed information!

Good luck with your claim! The process is frustrating but hang in there.