Where is unemployment right now - Washington ESD claim status question

Check your correspondence section in your Washington ESD account. If there's an adjudication issue they usually send a determination letter explaining what they need to review. Processing can mean different things - could be ID verification, wage verification, or separation issue.

same thing happened to me last month took forever to get through to anyone at washington esd. kept getting the busy signal or getting disconnected after waiting on hold for like 2 hours

I had the same issue and found this service called Claimyr that actually helped me get through to Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. Basically they handle the calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold.

The 'processing' status usually means your claim is going through standard verification procedures. Washington ESD has to verify your identity, wages from your base period, and the reason you're unemployed. This can take 2-4 weeks especially if there are any complications with your employer's response.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE! I've been waiting 6 weeks for my claim and still nothing. They want you to keep certifying weekly but then don't pay you. How are we supposed to survive?

For what it's worth, unemployment rates are pretty low right now compared to a few years ago, so Washington ESD might be processing fewer claims overall. But that doesn't help when you're the one waiting. Your best bet is still calling to get a human to look at your specific case.

Check if your claim shows any 'issues' or 'flags' in the system. Sometimes there are holds for things like not meeting work search requirements or questions about your availability. Even if you're doing everything right, the system might flag something automatically.

update: i actually used that claimyr thing someone mentioned and it worked! got through to washington esd in like 20 minutes instead of spending all day calling. agent was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my claim

this might sound dumb but are you sure you're looking at the right place for your claim status? i was looking at the wrong section for like 2 weeks

One thing to keep in mind is that Washington ESD is required to pay you for all the weeks you've been certifying once your claim is approved, as long as you meet the requirements. So even though it's stressful waiting, you won't lose those payments if everything checks out.

I work in HR and deal with Washington ESD fairly regularly. Three weeks isn't unusual for a first-time claim, especially if you worked for multiple employers in your base period. They have to contact all your employers to verify wages and reason for separation.

hang in there! i know the waiting is awful but try to stay positive. most claims do get approved eventually

Have you tried checking the Washington ESD website for any system updates or delays? Sometimes they post notices about processing delays or technical issues that might affect claim processing times.

Just want to second what others said about Claimyr - I used them too when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD. The callback feature is really helpful because you don't have to sit by the phone all day waiting.

another thing to check - make sure you're doing your weekly certifications correctly. if you mess up even one question it can flag your claim for review

The waiting is definitely the hardest part. I remember when I was unemployed a few years ago, I would check my claim status multiple times a day hoping for an update. Try to focus on your job search activities - it'll help with the anxiety and it's required anyway.

If you do end up calling Washington ESD, have all your information ready - SSN, claim confirmation number, dates of employment, etc. The agents can help you faster if you have everything handy.

Update us when you find out what's going on with your claim! I'm in a similar situation and curious to hear how it works out.

One more thing - if your claim does get approved, make sure you understand the payment schedule. Washington ESD usually pays on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and it can take a few days to show up in your account depending on your bank.

Final thought - document everything. Keep screenshots of your claim status, save all correspondence, track when you call and who you talk to. If there are any issues later, having good records really helps.