UPDATE: My backdating was approved! Used that new form in the eServices portal that @profile2 mentioned, and got an approval email after 6 days. My waiting week is now correctly showing as May 5-11, and I'm getting paid for May 12-18. For anyone else with this issue, definitely check for that form under More Services before spending hours on the phone!

Wow, this is such helpful information! I'm new to this community and currently dealing with my own unemployment claim issues. It's really reassuring to see that there are multiple ways to get help - from calling ESD directly to using the messaging system and now this new "Request Claim Adjustment" form. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips. It's clear that persistence pays off, and it's great to see @Oscar Murphy got his issue resolved! This gives me hope for my own claim situation.

If anyone else is dealing with getting through to Washington ESD about quit situations, I really can't recommend Claimyr enough. Being able to actually talk to an agent when you need clarification on these complex good cause rules is invaluable. The peace of mind alone was worth it for me.

I've been through a similar situation and can share some hard-learned lessons. First, make absolutely sure you understand Washington's specific definition of "good cause" before you quit. The state looks at whether a "reasonable person" would have quit under the same circumstances, and they'll scrutinize whether you exhausted all other options first. Document everything with dates, times, and witnesses. If it's harassment, save emails, texts, and write down verbal incidents immediately. If it's unsafe conditions, take photos if possible. Try to address issues through your company's HR department or management in writing - this shows you attempted to resolve things internally. Most importantly, consider calling Washington ESD BEFORE you quit to discuss your specific situation. They can't guarantee approval, but they can help you understand what documentation you'll need and whether your situation potentially qualifies. Getting this guidance upfront could save you weeks of uncertainty and potential financial hardship later. The process can take 4-6 weeks for adjudication, so make sure you have some financial cushion. But don't let that stop you from leaving a truly toxic situation - your mental health and safety matter too.

Just to clarify some misinformation in this thread - I spoke with an ESD supervisor last month about this exact issue. Here are the facts: 1. Filing method (online vs phone) does NOT affect processing speed 2. Claims filed Sun-Mon are processed in the same batch 3. ANY reported work hours trigger a manual review (which adds 1-2 days) 4. Bank processing times vary (credit unions are often faster than major banks) 5. Holiday weeks always add at least one day to processing If you consistently have delays even with clean claims (no work reported), call ESD and ask them to check if there's a flag on your account.

As someone who's been claiming benefits for about 3 months now, I can confirm what Alice said about work hours triggering manual review. I learned this the hard way after doing some temp work and wondering why my claim was stuck for almost a week! One tip that's helped me - I keep a simple spreadsheet tracking when I file, when it processes, and when I get paid. After tracking for 8 weeks, I can see the pattern clearly: clean claims process Tuesday/Wednesday, claims with work hours process Thursday/Friday. It's actually pretty predictable once you know the rules. Also seconding the banking thing - I switched from Bank of America to a local credit union and started getting deposits about 12 hours earlier on average. Every little bit helps when you're living paycheck to paycheck!

Bottom line for OP: File by Sunday night, expect payment Wednesday morning, check your Washington ESD account if there are any delays. The system is pretty reliable once you know the schedule.

One thing I learned the hard way - make sure your bank account info is exactly right when you set up direct deposit. I had one digit wrong in my routing number and it took 3 weeks to get it sorted out because the payment kept bouncing back to Washington ESD. Double and triple check those numbers! Also keep your bank statements handy in case they need verification.

One more thing - if you ever need to speak with Washington ESD about your direct deposit setup, calling through Claimyr saved me hours of frustration. The regular phone lines are impossible to get through on.

I've been using Chime for my Washington ESD benefits for over a year now and it's been fantastic. The early deposit feature means I usually get my payments on Monday evening instead of waiting until Tuesday or Wednesday like traditional banks. Just make sure you're using the correct ACH routing number from your Chime app settings - not the wire transfer number. Also, definitely set up direct deposit immediately once your claim is approved to avoid any delays with your first payment. You're all set with Chime, don't stress about needing a traditional bank account!