When do you receive unemployment payments from Washington ESD after filing?

That's helpful, thanks! Do I need to file exactly on Sunday or can I file anytime during the week?

You can file anytime during your claim week, but filing earlier in the week usually means faster payment processing.

Wait, so I won't get paid for my first week at all? That seems unfair.

Yeah it's called the waiting week. It's standard for most states. You'll get paid starting from your second week of filing.

Actually I think they might pay you for the waiting week eventually, but not right away. Don't quote me on that though.

How much does that cost? I'm already broke waiting for unemployment.

I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it for me since I was stuck in adjudication for weeks. Way better than spending hours calling and getting hung up on.

What's adjudication? My claim shows that status and I don't know what it means.

Adjudication means Washington ESD is reviewing something about your claim - could be job separation issues, eligibility questions, or other factors. It can take several weeks to resolve.

How do you know if you're in adjudication? Where do I check that?

Same here! Been waiting forever and getting no clear answers from anyone.

Have you checked your account online to see if there are any pending issues you need to resolve?

I look at it constantly but I don't see anything that says I need to do something. It just says claim filed.

Do you use direct deposit? I'm wondering if that makes it faster than getting a debit card.

Yeah direct deposit. I think the debit card might take longer but I'm not sure.

So there's no benefit to filing early in the claim week versus later?

Filing early just means you get paid sooner in that week. But you still have to wait for each claim week to end before filing.

Wait that's not right. You can file your weekly claim starting Sunday for the previous week that just ended.

Yes, banking holidays can delay payments by a day or two. Plan accordingly during holiday weeks.

Thanks, that's what I was afraid of. Timing is terrible since rent is due right after the holiday.

Really? It actually worked for you? I'm so desperate at this point I might try anything.

Yeah it was surprisingly easy. Way better than the 50+ times I tried calling on my own and got hung up on.

Congrats! Did they pay you for all the weeks you were waiting or just going forward?

they said I'll get back pay for the weeks I was eligible, minus the waiting week

Is there a way to track the payment once it's processed but before it hits your account?

Your online account should show payment status. It will say 'paid' once it's processed even if it hasn't reached your bank yet.

Yeah and if you have direct deposit you can usually see pending deposits in your online banking before they officially post.

Do you ever have weeks where the payment is delayed for no obvious reason?

Only during holidays or if I accidentally answer one of the weekly questions wrong and it flags my claim for review.

Good idea! I check my account obsessively every day waiting for the payment.

I used to do the same thing. The alerts definitely help with peace of mind.

Seriously! A simple email saying 'your payment will arrive on X date' would solve so much anxiety.

The website has some info about payment timing but it's buried and hard to find. They should make it more prominent.

I might have to try that if my first payment doesn't come through as expected. Thanks for the suggestion.

Same here. I've been putting off dealing with my claim issues but might need to bite the bullet and get professional help reaching them.

I have a credit union - do they usually process faster or slower than big banks?

In my experience credit unions are often faster, but it varies. You'll figure out your bank's pattern after a few payments.

How do I know what my claim week is? Is it the same for everyone?

Your claim week is based on when you filed your initial claim. Check your online account - it should show your claim week dates.

Exactly. Your claim week runs Sunday through Saturday, and you can file the weekly claim starting Sunday morning for the week that just ended.

Same here! I feel much more prepared now for what to expect with my first payment.

Glad we could help! Feel free to ask if you run into any issues with your claim.