When do you get your first unemployment payment from Washington ESD?

it usually takes about 2-3 weeks from when you file your initial claim, but you have to make sure you're filing your weekly claims every week or you won't get paid

The first payment timing depends on several factors. If your claim is straightforward with no eligibility issues, you can expect payment within 2-3 weeks after filing your initial claim. However, this assumes you've completed your waiting week and have been filing weekly claims consistently. Washington ESD pays out on Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically, so if you're approved on a Thursday, you'd wait until the following week for payment.

I had a similar situation last year and was calling Washington ESD constantly trying to get updates on my claim status. The phone lines are absolutely impossible - I'd call hundreds of times and either get busy signals or get disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to a real person at Washington ESD within 30 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Honestly saved my sanity.

Here's what you need to know about first payment timing: 1) You must serve a waiting week (first week claimed but not paid), 2) Your claim must be processed and approved, 3) You must file weekly claims for each week you want payment, 4) Washington ESD typically processes payments early in the week for the previous week claimed. So if you filed 2 weeks ago, completed your waiting week, and have been filing weekly claims, you should see your first payment within the next few days.

The whole process is so unnecessarily complicated and slow. Meanwhile people are losing their apartments and cars waiting for money they're legally entitled to. Washington ESD needs to do better.

just make sure you're checking your account on the Washington ESD website regularly. sometimes they need additional info or documents and if you miss those requests it can delay everything

If your claim is taking longer than expected, there might be an issue that needs to be resolved. Sometimes it's something simple like needing to verify your identity or clarify dates from your last job. The problem is getting through to someone at Washington ESD to find out what's holding things up.

been there with the rent stress. if your payment is delayed, call your landlord and explain the situation. most are understanding about unemployment delays especially if you can show them your claim status

One thing to remember is that even after your first payment, subsequent payments follow the same weekly schedule. You file your weekly claim (usually Sunday-Saturday for the previous week) and if approved, payment typically processes by Wednesday of the following week. So there's always about a week lag between claiming and receiving payment.

Make sure you're meeting all the job search requirements too. If you don't log your job search activities properly it can cause issues with your payments down the line.

I remember my first time filing and being so anxious about when the money would come. It's stressful but hang in there. The system works, just slowly.

Just want to add that if you do run into issues or delays, that Claimyr thing people mentioned actually works. I was skeptical but used it last month when my payments stopped for no apparent reason. Got through to someone who explained there was a random review on my account that I never got notified about. Fixed it immediately.

ugh the whole waiting period thing is so stupid. like we're not unemployed by choice, why make us wait even longer for money

For what it's worth, once you get your first payment the rest usually come pretty regularly as long as you keep filing weekly and meeting requirements. The first one is always the most stressful.

check your bank account early in the week, sometimes the payment shows up before you get the notification from Washington ESD