When I was on unemployment last year, I noticed that whenever there was a holiday (even obscure ones I hadn't heard of), my payment would be delayed by a day. Maybe check if the weeks your payment came on Thursday had a holiday earlier in the week? Just something to consider for your planning!

I've been dealing with this same issue and found that setting up text notifications through the ESD portal really helps with planning. You get a text when your payment is processed, which gives you a heads up about when to expect it in your account. Also, if you're really struggling with the unpredictability for bill planning, some banks offer "early direct deposit" features that can get your unemployment benefits 1-2 days sooner than normal. Worth checking with your credit union to see if they have something like that available.

I'm currently in week 2 of waiting after filing my claim, so this thread is exactly what I needed to see! It's really helpful to hear from people who've actually been through the process. The waiting week policy definitely caught me off guard - I wish they explained that more clearly upfront since losing that first week of benefits when you're already unemployed feels pretty harsh. I've been keeping up with my weekly claims and job search logging based on the advice here. One question though - for those who had straightforward claims that processed in the 2-3 week timeframe, did you get any kind of notification when your claim was approved, or did the money just show up? I keep refreshing my account status but it still just says "pending" with no other updates.

Based on my experience filing in Washington, the 2-3 week timeline is pretty accurate for most straightforward cases. I filed on a Thursday and got my first payment exactly 18 days later. The key things that helped me were: 1) Filing everything online rather than paper, 2) Making sure all my employer information was 100% accurate, and 3) Setting up direct deposit from day one. The hardest part is definitely that first unpaid waiting week - it feels unfair when you're already stressed about money, but unfortunately that's just how the system works. Keep filing your weekly claims religiously even while you're waiting, because missing even one can cause delays later. If your claim status stays at "pending" without any red flags or requests for additional information, you should be in good shape. The money will likely just appear in your account one day with an email notification. Hang in there - I know the waiting is brutal when rent is due!

I'm so sorry to hear about your job loss at the food bank - those funding cuts are devastating for both the organizations and the people they serve. Your friend is definitely wrong about nonprofit eligibility! I actually used to work in HR for a large nonprofit and can confirm that we absolutely paid into the unemployment insurance system. The key thing to look for on your pay stubs is that SUI (State Unemployment Insurance) deduction - if that was being taken out, you're covered. One tip I'd add is to gather all your employment documents before filing - your offer letter, any performance reviews, and especially your final separation notice. Having everything organized will make the process smoother. Also, don't stress too much about the online system being slow - it's notorious for that, but your claim will get processed. Food banks do such important work, and I hope you're able to find another position in the nonprofit sector soon!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through the Washington ESD system recently - definitely file as soon as possible! The wait times for processing have been pretty long lately, so the sooner you get your application in, the better. Also, I noticed some people mentioned Claimyr for getting through to agents - I haven't used it myself but I've heard mixed reviews about third-party services. Sometimes it's worth trying the ESD phone lines early in the morning (like right when they open) or late in the day when call volume might be lower. The most important thing is that you absolutely ARE eligible for benefits after working at a nonprofit - your friend was misinformed. Food banks are essential community services and you deserve support while you look for your next opportunity. Wishing you the best with your claim!

That's a great point. I'll start the application today then. Really appreciate everyone's help with this!

Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me when I was on partial unemployment - keep a simple spreadsheet or notebook tracking your weekly hours and gross pay. I'd write down each shift as I worked it, then double-check against my paystub before filing my weekly claim. This saved me from any discrepancies later and made the weekly reporting super easy. Also, if you get tips at your retail job, make sure to report those too - ESD considers tips as part of your earnings. Good luck with your application!

Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - this is exactly the kind of real-world guidance this community needs! I've seen so many people panic when they get that WorkSource letter, especially when they think having a job offer should exempt them. Your experience proves that going through with the appointment is the right move, even if it feels unnecessary. The fact that you came prepared with documentation and were upfront about your situation probably made all the difference. Thanks for taking the time to share the whole journey from start to finish!

This thread has been incredibly valuable! I'm new to this community and dealing with unemployment for the first time. Reading through everyone's experiences really helps demystify the whole WorkSource requirement process. It's so easy to panic when you get those official letters from ESD, especially when the language makes it sound like you'll owe money back if you mess up. But seeing how @Ravi Gupta handled it step-by-step and that the actual appointment was reasonable gives me so much peace of mind. I haven't gotten a WorkSource letter yet, but if I do, I'll definitely come back to reference this thread. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this is exactly why I love being part of this community!