When do I get my waiting week paid on Washington ESD unemployment?

Oh that makes sense! I thought it was based on time not on using up all your benefits. Thanks for clarifying.

wait so if I only collect for like 10 weeks and then get a job, I don't get my waiting week back until my benefit year expires?

Exactly right. It's not automatic - you have to either exhaust all your weekly benefit amount or wait until your benefit year ends.

I had the same problem getting through to them. What worked for me was using Claimyr - it's a service that helps you actually reach an ESD agent. Check out claimyr.com, they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of that before but I'm desperate at this point. The regular phone system is useless.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true tbh

What do you mean by disqualified? Like if I quit my job or got fired?

Any disqualification that affects your eligibility can impact the waiting week payment. Job separation issues, failure to meet work search requirements, refusing suitable work, etc.

Correct, there's no way to get it paid early. It's automatic when you meet the criteria but not before.

yeah I learned this the hard way too, kept asking about it and they told me the same thing

I agree it's frustrating but at least Washington eventually pays it back unlike some other states that just eat the week entirely.

I guess that's something but still annoying when you need the money NOW

The waiting week serves as a buffer period to ensure claims are legitimate. It's an administrative tool, not just arbitrary punishment.

Good to know it actually happens! Did you have to do anything special or was it automatic?

Totally automatic. I didn't even realize my benefit year was ending until I got the payment notification.

Yes! A lot of people don't realize this. The waiting week gets paid back as long as you remain eligible. It's not lost money, just delayed.

Wow I had no idea. I've been on unemployment twice and never knew this. Wish someone had told me!

Same here! This is news to me and I've been filing claims for months

Glad it worked for you! I've used it a few times now when I needed to talk to someone quickly.

Okay maybe I need to try this too if it actually works

Standby claims follow the same waiting week rules as regular UI claims. The payment timing is identical.

Thanks! My union rep wasn't sure about this detail.

The separation reason doesn't affect when the waiting week gets paid, but it could affect whether you're eligible for it at all. As long as you're eligible for regular benefits, the waiting week payment follows the same schedule.

Ah okay that makes sense. I was thinking of eligibility vs payment timing.

Oh wow I hadn't thought about that. Good thing to keep in mind.

Yes, any outstanding overpayments or debts to ESD can reduce your waiting week payment just like regular benefits.

Perfect summary! This thread has been super helpful.

wish I had found this info months ago lol

Definitely saving this thread for future reference

Good point! I moved during my claim period and had to update everything to make sure I didn't miss any payments.

Thanks for the reminder. I should double check my contact info is current.

I mean I get the policy reasons behind it but yeah, when you're struggling to pay rent that first week matters a lot.

Better than nothing but would be nice if they just eliminated it completely

It can take up to 7-10 business days after your benefit year ends. If it's been longer than that, you might want to contact ESD. I'd suggest trying Claimyr again to get through to someone quickly.

Okay I'll give it a few more days then try calling. Thanks!

Same! At least now I know what to expect instead of just wondering forever.

Yeah this thread answered questions I didn't even know I had