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UPDATE: My payment from this morning finally hit my account! It was about 14 hours after the status changed to paid. Thanks everyone for the reassurance that this was normal. I'll adjust my expectations for future payments. For anyone finding this thread later - don't panic if there's a delay between the 'paid' status and actually receiving your money!
I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now! My claim shows "paid" as of this morning but my checking account is still empty. Reading through everyone's responses is really helpful - I had no idea that 24-48 hours was normal. I was starting to think something went wrong with my account. Thanks for posting this question, it's reassuring to know this delay happens to others too. Hopefully both our payments show up soon!
Same boat here! It's such a relief to find this thread and realize the delay is totally normal. I was checking my bank app every 30 minutes like that would somehow make the money appear faster lol. The waiting is definitely the worst part when you're already stressed about finances. Fingers crossed we both see our payments by tomorrow!
Congratulations on getting your claim approved! This thread is so helpful - I'm dealing with the same identity verification delay right now (going on week 2). I had no idea about checking for those hidden "Additional Information Needed" alerts in eServices. Just logged in and found one requesting a utility bill for address verification that I completely missed! Uploading it now. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and tips here - it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this frustrating process.
You're definitely not alone - this whole identity verification process is such a nightmare right now! I'm glad you found that hidden alert too. It's crazy how ESD buries these important requests where people can't easily see them. Make sure to check back every day or two because sometimes they add more document requests without any notification. Fingers crossed your utility bill upload speeds things up! Keep us posted on how it goes.
Just wanted to add another tip that helped me - if you're still waiting after uploading all your documents, try calling ESD first thing in the morning (like 8:01 AM) when they open. The wait times are usually shorter then. Also, when you do get through to someone, ask them to specifically check if there are any "internal notes" on your account that might explain the delay. Sometimes there are system flags or additional review requirements that aren't visible to you in eServices but the agents can see them. I had a weird flag on mine that was causing extra delays, and the agent was able to clear it immediately once we identified it. Hope this helps someone else avoid the weeks of unnecessary waiting!
Just wanted to add - if you're using a work computer or shared device for the Zoom meeting, make sure to log out of any personal accounts first and test the microphone/camera settings ahead of time. I learned this the hard way when my work laptop's default mic was super quiet and the specialist could barely hear me! Also, don't worry too much about having the "perfect" answers. They're really just trying to connect you with resources that might help your job search. I was super nervous too but the whole thing felt more like a helpful consultation than an interrogation. You've got this!
Hey Aliyah! I just had my WorkSource meeting a couple weeks ago and wanted to share some quick tips that helped me feel more prepared: 1. Log into the Zoom link about 10-15 minutes early to test everything works 2. Have your ID ready (they'll ask to see it) 3. Keep a pen and paper handy for notes 4. Make sure you're in a quiet spot with good lighting The meeting itself was super straightforward - mostly just explaining what WorkSource offers and going over job search requirements. My specialist was really friendly and even gave me some good tips for my industry. The whole thing took about 40 minutes. Don't stress about it too much! It's really more of an informational session than anything scary. You'll do great!
Just wanted to add that when you do call ESD about backdating, make sure you have your Social Security number, the exact dates of your unemployment period, and your reason for the delayed filing ready before you even get connected. The agents often have limited time per call and having all your info organized will help make the most of that conversation. Also, if the first agent you talk to seems unsure about backdating rules, don't be afraid to politely ask to speak with a supervisor - some agents are more knowledgeable about these less common situations than others.
This is really solid advice! I've found that having everything written down and organized beforehand makes such a difference when you finally get through to someone. It's so easy to forget important details when you're nervous or have been waiting on hold forever. The supervisor tip is especially good - I've noticed some agents seem to just read from a script while others actually understand the nuances of different situations. Having your employment dates exact to the day is crucial too since they'll likely want to verify against their records.
I went through a similar situation last year - lost my job in November but didn't apply until February because I thought I had to exhaust my savings first (classic mistake). Washington ESD did approve my backdating request, but the key was being very thorough with documentation. Beyond just your termination letter, try to gather bank statements showing when your last paycheck was deposited, any COBRA notifications, even screenshots of job board searches if you have them. The more you can show a clear timeline of when you became unemployed and what you were doing during those weeks, the stronger your case will be. Also, when you explain why you didn't file earlier, be honest but concise - "I was unaware of my eligibility as a first-time unemployment claimant" is perfectly valid good cause. Don't overthink it too much, just get your current claim filed ASAP and then work on the backdating paperwork.
Isabella Costa
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at ESD this morning! Called right at 8:00 AM and only had to wait about 45 minutes. The agent confirmed exactly what everyone here said - when they closed my first claim and opened the new one, my wage data didn't transfer correctly. She said she can see all my Washington wages in the system, and she can also see that Louisiana had already reported my wages there (they were in the system but not attached to my new claim). She's escalated my case to a claims specialist who can manually reattach all my wage data to the current claim. Should be fixed within 5-7 business days. I'm still going to file that appeal just to be safe, but at least someone is working on fixing the issue now. Thanks everyone for your advice and support!
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StarSurfer
•Great news! Smart move to still file the appeal - always good to have a backup plan with ESD. The 5-7 business days estimate is usually pretty accurate for these types of fixes. Make sure to keep checking your eServices account daily for updates.
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Sergio Neal
So glad you were able to get through and get someone to actually help you! This gives me hope for my own situation. I'm dealing with a similar wage transfer issue right now - they approved my initial claim but then reopened it for "additional review" and now I can't get any information about what's happening. Quick question - when you called at 8 AM, did you use the general customer service number or is there a specific number for combined wage claims? I've been calling the main line but wondering if there's a more direct route. Thanks for sharing your success story and keeping us updated!
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Geoff Richards
•I used the general customer service number (833-572-8400) - there isn't a separate line for combined wage claims unfortunately. The key was calling right at 8:00 AM when they open. I think fewer people are calling that early so you get through faster. Also, when the automated system asks what you're calling about, I selected "claim status" which seemed to route me to someone who could actually help with wage issues. Hope this helps with your situation!
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