When do I get my first Washington ESD unemployment check after filing?

There's typically a one-week waiting period for your first payment. So you'll file your initial claim, then file your first weekly claim, but you won't get paid for that first week. Your first payment comes after your second weekly claim is processed, assuming everything goes smoothly with no adjudication issues.

Just went through this myself. Filed on a Monday, did my first weekly claim the following Sunday, then had to wait another week to file my second weekly claim. Got my first payment about 4 days after that second weekly claim was submitted. The whole process took about 3 weeks total.

The waiting week is state law, can't get around it unfortunately. But make sure you're filing your weekly claims exactly when you're supposed to or you could delay things even more. Washington ESD is pretty strict about the filing windows.

This whole system is so confusing for first timers! I remember being terrified I was doing something wrong when I first filed. The Washington ESD website doesn't explain the timing very clearly either.

ugh the whole washington esd system takes forever... took me like a month to get my first check because they had to verify my employment history or something

To clarify the exact timeline: Week 1 is your waiting week (no payment), Week 2 you file your first weekly claim (no payment yet), Week 3 you file your second weekly claim and should receive payment for Week 2. Payments are typically direct deposited 2-3 business days after your weekly claim is processed successfully.

About that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier - it's basically a callback service that gets you connected to Washington ESD agents without the endless hold times. You go to claimyr.com and they call you back when an agent is available. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

first time filing unemployment too and this thread is making me feel better about the timeline. was starting to panic that something was wrong with my claim

One thing to watch out for - make sure you're meeting the job search requirements from the very beginning. Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week and you need to log them in your WorkSource account. Don't wait until later to start this.

The WorkSource registration is actually pretty straightforward once you get into it. Just make sure you're documenting everything properly because Washington ESD can audit your job search activities at any time.

The whole first month of unemployment is just figuring out all these systems and requirements. It gets easier once you get into the routine of weekly claims and job searches.

pro tip: screenshot everything when you file your weekly claims. if something goes wrong you'll want proof of what you submitted

Just to recap for anyone else reading this: First payment timing depends on when you file, but generally expect 2-3 weeks from your initial claim filing date. The waiting week is unavoidable, then you need time for processing your second weekly claim. Stay on top of job search requirements and file weekly claims on schedule to avoid delays.

For anyone who ends up needing to actually talk to Washington ESD about their claim status or any issues, I really can't recommend Claimyr enough. Saved me probably 10+ hours of trying to get through on the phone the traditional way.

one more question - do payments come on the same day each week once you get into the routine?

The consistency helps but always file your weekly claims as early as possible in the filing window. Don't wait until the last minute because if there are any system issues you might miss the deadline.

This has been such a helpful thread! I wish I had found something like this when I first filed. The Washington ESD website really should explain the timing better for first-time filers.

started my claim last week so this timeline info is perfect timing for me too. glad i found this thread

Final reminder for everyone: Keep filing those weekly claims even if you haven't received your first payment yet. Missing weekly claims can cause much bigger delays than the normal waiting period. Stay consistent with the process and the payments will come.

And remember if you do run into problems and need to speak with Washington ESD directly, services like Claimyr are there to help you actually get through to an agent instead of spending your whole day on hold. Sometimes talking to a real person is the only way to resolve complex issues with your claim.