


Ask the community...
File immediately and keep records of everything. Save confirmation numbers, print out your application, and document all your communications with Washington ESD. This stuff becomes important if there are any disputes or issues with your claim later.
The day you become unemployed is the day you should file. There's literally no advantage to waiting and potentially significant disadvantages. Washington ESD's system is designed around claim filing dates, so delaying just creates problems for yourself.
You sound like you're in a good position. Store closure, good work history, available for work - you should be approved without any issues. Just follow the rules and you'll be fine.
Just wanted to follow up and say this status updated for me this morning! It now shows 'paid' with a date of 1/15/2025. So it looks like 'benefit pay date progress' really was just them processing the payment timing like everyone said.
For anyone else reading this thread, 'benefit pay date progress' basically means Washington ESD's computers are doing their thing to figure out your payment schedule. It's a normal part of the process and not something to worry about unless it gets stuck for an unusually long time.
Cassandra Moon
One more thing - if you move to another state while collecting Washington unemployment, you can usually continue your claim but the rules get complicated. Make sure to notify Washington ESD if you relocate.
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Julian Paolo
•Good to know. I might have to move for work so I'll keep that in mind.
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Cassandra Moon
•Yeah, interstate claims are possible but you'll need to work with both states to keep everything straight.
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Julian Paolo
Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! This gives me a much better idea of what to expect. Sounds like the key things are: file weekly claims consistently, keep detailed job search records, report all income, and be patient with the process. Hopefully my claim goes smoothly but at least now I know about resources like Claimyr if I run into problems reaching Washington ESD.
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Ella Knight
•You've got it! Just stay on top of the requirements and you should be fine. Good luck with your claim.
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William Schwarz
•Feel free to come back and ask if you run into any specific issues. This community is pretty helpful for troubleshooting Washington ESD problems.
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