When will I get my first unemployment check from Washington ESD?

You won't get paid until you file your first weekly claim and it gets processed. Even then, there's usually a waiting week for new claims, so your first payment would be for the second week you're eligible. Make sure you're filing your weekly claims every Sunday.

depends on if your claim goes into adjudication or not. mine was stuck there for like 3 weeks before they approved it and i could start getting payments

I was in the same boat a few months ago - couldn't get through to Washington ESD to check on my payment timing. Ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at ESD within minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me understand when my payments would start.

The typical timeline is: file initial claim → wait for approval → file first weekly claim (waiting week, no payment) → file second weekly claim → receive first payment about 2-3 business days after that weekly claim is processed. So roughly 2-3 weeks from when you first applied if everything goes smoothly.

Make sure you're doing your job search activities too! Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to log them in WorkSourceWA. If you don't do this, they can hold up your payments even if everything else is fine.

been waiting 6 weeks for my first payment because they keep saying theres an issue with my separation but wont tell me what it is... might have to try that claimyr thing someone mentioned

just to add - if you get your payment by debit card it takes an extra day or two to show up compared to direct deposit

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS BROKEN. I've been trying to get my payments for weeks and they keep giving me the runaround. Don't expect anything to work the way it's supposed to with Washington ESD.

One thing to watch out for - make sure you file your weekly claims by the Sunday deadline each week. If you miss filing, you can't get paid for that week and you'll have to explain why you missed it if you want that week's benefits later.

my cousin got her first check exactly 17 days after filing but that was because she had a really straightforward case with no complications

Also worth mentioning - your weekly benefit amount and duration should be shown in your eServices account once your claim is approved. This will help you budget while you're job searching.

update - tried that claimyr service and finally got through to someone at Washington ESD. turns out my employer disputed my claim and thats why it was held up. at least now i know what to do about it

For what it's worth, I'd recommend calling Washington ESD directly first if you have questions. The number is 1-800-318-6022, though yes, it's very hard to get through. But it's free and they can give you the same information.

Don't forget about the work search requirements! I almost lost my benefits because I didn't realize I needed to be actively looking for work and logging it from week one.

honestly the waiting is the worst part. once you start getting regular payments its fine but that first month is really stressful when you dont know whats happening

Just to summarize for OP: 1) Make sure your claim shows as active 2) File your first weekly claim this Sunday 3) Register with WorkSource and start job search activities 4) Your first payment (if approved) will be for your second eligible week, typically 2-3 weeks after initial filing 5) Set up direct deposit if you haven't already for faster payments.

one more thing - keep checking your eservices account regularly for any messages or requests for additional info. if they need something from you and you dont respond quickly it can delay everything

yeah my advice is just be patient but persistent. the system works eventually but it takes time and sometimes you have to advocate for yourself

Just remember that even though it feels like forever when you're waiting, most people do eventually receive their benefits. Hang in there!

Final thought - if you do run into any roadblocks or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your specific timeline, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Worth checking out their demo if the regular phone lines aren't working for you.