When do you get your unemployment money from Washington ESD?

I set up direct deposit but my bank account info might be wrong. How do I check that on the Washington ESD site?

Log into your account and go to payment preferences. You can update your banking info there but it might delay your payment another few days.

A week?? That seems really long. I thought unemployment was supposed to help people who need money now.

Yeah it's frustrating but that's just how Washington ESD works. After your first payment it usually comes faster.

Never heard of Claimyr before but anything is better than sitting on hold for 3 hours just to get hung up on

Exactly! It's way easier than trying to get through on your own. Worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your payment.

Ok good to know, I'll wait until Wednesday before I start panicking then

Mine always comes on Tuesday like clockwork. If it doesn't come by Thursday something is definitely wrong.

What do you mean by job search activities? I've been looking for work but didn't know I had to report specific things.

You need to log your job search activities in WorkSourceWA. It's required to keep getting benefits. You should be doing at least 3 job search activities per week.

Oh no, I haven't been doing that at all. Will that affect my payment?

I feel you on the stress. Hang in there, the money will come. It's just slow the first time.

Thanks, trying to stay positive but rent is due next week and I'm freaking out a little

Where exactly do I find payment history? I've been looking all over the site.

It's under 'View Claim Status' or 'Payment Information' depending on which page you're on. The site layout is confusing.

Calm down with the caps lock but you're right that waiting too long isn't smart. Better to call and check.

sorry about the caps but I'm just trying to help people not make the same mistake I did

How long did your first payment take exactly? I'm on day 5 and getting worried.

I think it was about 8 business days from when I filed my first weekly claim. But that was a couple years ago, might be different now.

Can I switch payment methods after I already set up direct deposit?

Yes you can change it in your account settings but it might delay your current payment while they process the change.

That's scary that your employer could dispute it without you knowing. How did you find out about that?

The Washington ESD agent I talked to through Claimyr explained it all. They can see stuff in the system that doesn't show up on your online account.

Good point about continuing to file weekly claims. I was wondering if I should stop since I haven't been paid yet.

Never stop filing weekly claims! That's the biggest mistake people make. Keep filing no matter what.

I always file on Sunday morning just to make sure it gets processed quickly. Good habit to get into.

Same here, Sunday morning is the best time to file your weekly claim if you want fastest payment.

I did the identity verification but I'm not sure about work search requirements. Where do I find info about that?

Check the WorkSourceWA website - that's where you log your job search activities. You need to be registered there and logging activities to keep getting benefits.

What calling services? I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for days with no luck.

I heard about Claimyr from other people on here. They help you get through to Washington ESD when you can't reach them on your own. Worth a try if you're stuck.

At least you're getting paid consistently even if the timing varies. Some people have way bigger problems with the system.

True, I shouldn't complain too much. The system works eventually, just not as smoothly as it should.

I checked and don't see any emails from them. Should I be worried or is no news good news?

probably good news but you can always call to double check if you're concerned

How did you figure out the account number was wrong? Did Washington ESD tell you or did you just guess?

I called and they told me there was a payment issue. That's when I realized I'd entered the wrong account number when I set up direct deposit.

Thanks for the encouragement. It's really stressful when you're depending on that money to pay bills.

I totally understand the stress. The waiting is the hardest part, especially when you're already struggling financially.

Ok that makes me feel better. I'll wait until Friday and then start calling if nothing shows up.

Good plan. Most likely it will show up before then, but it's always smart to have a backup plan for following up.