When will I get my unemployment benefits - Washington ESD timeline confusion

The typical processing time for Washington ESD is usually 2-3 weeks from when you first file, but it can take longer if there are any issues with your claim that need adjudication. Since you filed 10 days ago, you're probably getting close to hearing something. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while it's pending - that's really important.

Mine took almost 4 weeks back in September. Washington ESD seems really backed up lately. The waiting is the worst part because you have no idea what's happening behind the scenes.

If you're getting anxious about the timeline, I'd suggest trying to call Washington ESD directly to check on your claim status. I know their phone lines are busy, but sometimes they can give you more specific information about any hold-ups. I actually found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to ESD agents faster - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out if you can't get through on your own.

The 'pending' status usually means they're still processing your initial claim. Once it's approved, you should get a determination letter and your first payment should come within a few days after that. Make sure your bank account info is correct in your profile.

ugh the waiting game with Washington ESD is brutal. i remember checking my account like 50 times a day when i was waiting for my first payment. hang in there!

One thing to keep in mind - even after your claim is approved, there's usually a one-week waiting period before you get your first payment. So if you filed weekly claims for weeks 1, 2, and 3, you'd typically get paid for weeks 2 and 3 first, then week 1 gets paid later.

Actually, the waiting week was eliminated in Washington during the pandemic and I believe it's still eliminated. So you should get paid for all eligible weeks without that delay.

I'm in the same boat as you - filed 8 days ago and still pending. This is my first time ever filing for unemployment and I have no idea what's normal. The whole process is confusing.

THE WASHINGTON ESD SYSTEM IS A NIGHTMARE. I've been trying to get through to someone for THREE WEEKS about my claim and it's like they don't want to help anyone. How is this acceptable?

Pro tip: if your claim gets stuck in adjudication, that's when the waiting can really drag on. Adjudication happens when there's some question about your eligibility - like if you quit vs. were laid off, or if there's conflicting information about your work history.

I remember when I first filed it felt like forever but looking back it was only about 2.5 weeks total. The anxiety makes it feel so much longer than it actually is.

Since you mentioned you worked retail, make sure Washington ESD has correct information about your hours and wages. Sometimes retail workers have irregular schedules that can slow down the verification process.

Keep filing those weekly claims no matter what! Even if your initial claim is still pending, you need to keep filing or you'll lose those weeks.

Update on the Claimyr service - I used it again last week to check on a different issue and got through to an ESD agent in about 15 minutes. Way better than the hours I used to spend trying to call on my own. Definitely worth it when you need actual answers about your claim status.

Just wanted to add that even though the waiting is stressful, Washington ESD will backpay you for all the weeks you were eligible once your claim is approved. So you won't lose money for the time it took to process.

i think the key is just to be patient (easier said than done i know) and keep doing everything you're supposed to do. file weekly claims, respond to any requests for info, and eventually it will go through.

One last thing - once your claim is approved and you start getting payments, they usually come on the same day each week. Most people get them on Wednesday or Thursday, but it can vary.

Hope you get some good news soon! The waiting period is definitely the hardest part of the whole unemployment process.

UPDATE: That Claimyr service actually worked! Got through to someone at ESD and found out my claim was just in normal processing, should be approved within the next few days. Finally some peace of mind.

Wishing you luck with your claim! The uncertainty is the worst part but it sounds like you're doing everything right.