Just wanted to add - check if your former employer has contested your original unemployment claim. You can see this in your eServices account under the "Decisions" tab. If they never contested it initially but are suddenly claiming you quit voluntarily, that strengthens your case significantly. Print those records for your hearing. Also, remember that you can request a copy of your entire ESD file through a public records request. This lets you see exactly what your employer told ESD about your separation. Sometimes employers tell ESD something completely different from what they told you. Having this information before your hearing can be extremely valuable.

I went through something very similar just 6 months ago - $11k overpayment for supposedly "abandoning" my job when they basically pushed me out by cutting my shifts to 8 hours a week. Here's what I learned: First, definitely start with the Unemployment Law Project that Sofia mentioned. They helped me for FREE and knew exactly how to frame my case. The key phrases you need to use are "constructive dismissal" and "substantial change in working conditions." Second, gather EVERYTHING - not just pay stubs but also your original job offer/contract showing your expected hours, any communications about the hour cuts, coworker testimonies if possible. I even had my coworker write a statement about how they were doing the same thing to other employees. Third, don't panic about the $14,500 amount. Even if you lose the appeal (which you probably won't with good representation), ESD offers payment plans as low as $25/month if you can show financial hardship. The hearing itself was way less scary than I expected. The judge asked straightforward questions and my ULP attorney handled most of the talking. We won a complete reversal - no overpayment at all. You've got this! The fact that they cut your hours that drastically is basically textbook constructive dismissal.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my payment did end up going to my old account after about 3 business days (normal timing). I've decided to keep both accounts open until I'm no longer on unemployment just to avoid any future headaches. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!

Glad to hear it worked out smoothly! This is such useful info for others who might make the same mistake. The fact that it went to your old account on normal timing confirms what others said about ESD's payment system being separate from their account management system. Keeping both accounts open is definitely the smart play - I've seen too many horror stories about payments getting stuck in limbo when people close accounts too quickly while on unemployment.

Bottom line for OP: File your initial claim today, be prepared to file weekly claims every week (including the unpaid waiting week), and start your job search immediately. Don't overthink it - just get the process started.

Just to add another perspective - I work at a nonprofit that helps people with unemployment claims, and we see this confusion about timing constantly. The absolute most important thing is to file your initial claim the day after your last day of work, no exceptions. Don't wait for your final paycheck, don't wait for paperwork from your employer, don't wait for anything. The Washington ESD system is designed to process claims in the order they're received, and any delay just pushes back when you'll start receiving benefits. Also, keep in mind that even though the first week is unpaid, filing that weekly claim is crucial for establishing your benefit year dates correctly.

Bottom line for OP - you get 26 weeks maximum, but start job searching seriously now because those weeks disappear quick. Don't wait until week 20 to get desperate like some people do.

Just wanted to add that you should also be aware of the weekly certification requirements to maintain your benefits during those 26 weeks. You have to file your weekly claim every week (usually on Sunday) and answer questions about your job search activities, any work you did, and whether you were available for work. Missing even one weekly certification can interrupt your benefits, so set a reminder! I learned this the hard way when I forgot to file one week and had to deal with the hassle of getting it reinstated.

I've been using Chime for unemployment for about 8 months now and this delay pattern is super consistent. ESD processes on their end (shows as "paid") but the actual ACH transfer to Chime takes an extra 1-3 business days depending on when it's initiated. I've learned to mentally add 2 days to whatever date ESD shows to avoid the stress. It's annoying but at least it's predictable once you know the pattern. Glad your money came through!

This thread has been so helpful! I'm also using Chime for unemployment and had a similar scare last week when my payment showed "paid" on Friday but didn't appear until Tuesday. I actually called both ESD and Chime multiple times before finding this community and learning it's totally normal. The stress is real when you're counting on that money! For anyone else going through this - it seems like the weekend processing delay plus Chime's ACH timing just creates this perfect storm of anxiety. But based on everyone's experiences here, the money does eventually show up, just with that extra 1-3 day buffer. Thanks for sharing your update too @Amara - it's always good to hear these stories have happy endings!