At least this thread helped me understand that my situation isn't unique. Low unemployment doesn't mean the Washington ESD system works any better for individuals trying to get their claims processed.

The disconnect between low unemployment rates and slow ESD processing really highlights how these systems aren't designed to scale appropriately. When unemployment is high, they're overwhelmed by volume. When it's low, they cut resources but still can't handle the complexity of remaining cases efficiently. It's like they're always in crisis mode instead of building sustainable processes that work regardless of economic conditions.

Just wanted to add that if you're in a specialized field with limited local opportunities, you can expand your search geographically and include remote work options. I've been documenting remote job applications and they count the same as local ones. Also, don't forget that informational interviews are really valuable - they count as networking activities and sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even posted yet. I've had good luck reaching out to people in my field through LinkedIn for brief coffee chats about their company and industry trends.

Just a heads up for anyone dealing with work search requirements - I learned the hard way that you should also keep records of any job rejections you receive. During my audit, they asked about follow-up activities and outcomes for applications I'd submitted. Having email rejections or notes about phone calls where I was told the position was filled really helped demonstrate that I was actively engaged in the process, not just sending out applications and forgetting about them. Also, if you're using job search websites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, take screenshots of your application confirmations because those emails don't always come through reliably.

I'm currently dealing with a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I was laid off from my first job in April, collected unemployment through September, then worked until January when I got let go again. I was really anxious about filing a second claim because I wasn't sure if there were any restrictions, but reading everyone's experiences here has given me so much confidence. It sounds like as long as you meet the work requirements between claims (which I definitely do), the process should be straightforward. I'm planning to file online this week and stop overthinking it. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it's amazing how much peace of mind you can get from hearing that others have successfully navigated the same situation!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got laid off from my first job in February, collected benefits until June, worked at a new place until last month, and now I'm unemployed again. I was really worried about whether I could file twice in one year, but after reading all these responses I feel so much better about it. It's clear that Washington state allows multiple claims as long as you meet the work requirements between them - which it sounds like you definitely do with 5+ months of full-time work. I'm going to file my second claim online today instead of continuing to stress about it. Thanks for asking this question because the answers helped me too!

I've been using CashApp for my unemployment deposits for about a year now and wanted to share some reassurance! The timing is pretty reliable - usually 2-3 business days after your weekly claim gets processed, sometimes faster during lighter weeks. A few tips that have made things smoother for me: Download the CashApp debit card if you haven't already - you can sometimes access funds even while they show as "pending." Also, I always screenshot my eServices payment confirmation for my records. Most importantly, don't stress if it takes the full 3 days - that's completely normal and doesn't mean anything went wrong. One heads up though - definitely transfer your unemployment money out of CashApp within a day or two of receiving it. I learned this the hard way when they temporarily held my account after a larger deposit sat there for over a week. The hold got resolved, but it was stressful at the time. Overall CashApp has worked great for me - much better than waiting for paper checks! Your first payment tomorrow should go just fine. Keep us posted on how it goes!

I've been using CashApp for unemployment deposits for about 9 months now and wanted to add some reassurance! The 2-3 day timeline is pretty accurate - I'd say about 80% of my payments arrive within that window, with occasional delays during busy periods like holidays or end of quarters. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're really anxious about tracking your payment, you can actually call the automated ESD phone line (1-800-318-6022) and it will tell you when your payment was issued and the amount. That way you know for sure it's been sent before you start worrying about CashApp delays. Also, I've found that CashApp deposits from ESD almost always come through between 8 AM and 2 PM on weekdays - so if you don't see it by late afternoon, it's probably coming the next business day. This helped me stop checking my phone obsessively at all hours! Your first payment should go smoothly tomorrow. Even when there have been hiccups, the money has always eventually made it through. CashApp isn't perfect but it's definitely reliable enough for unemployment payments. Keep us updated on how it goes!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about filing my weekly claim now. Going to try the phone system this week.

Just wanted to add that if you're filing by phone and have any earnings to report from part-time work, make sure you have the exact gross amount ready before you call. The automated system will ask for the specific dollar amount you earned during that week, and you can't go back to correct it once you've entered it. I learned this the hard way when I had to call back and file all over again because I accidentally reported my net pay instead of gross pay.