The most important thing is don't stress too much about the timing. As long as you're filing your claims correctly and meeting the requirements, the payments will come. The system works, it just takes some getting used to.

Just wanted to add my experience - I've been on unemployment for about 6 weeks now and the payment schedule is exactly as everyone described. I file my weekly claim every Sunday evening and consistently get my deposit Wednesday morning around 7am. The key things that helped me: 1) Set up direct deposit from the start, 2) File early in the week (Sunday/Monday), and 3) Keep detailed records of job searches just in case. One thing I learned is to screenshot your weekly claim confirmation - it's helpful if you ever need to prove you filed on time. The system really does work once you get the hang of it!

Final advice - keep applying for jobs while you're waiting for your claim to be processed. You'll need to show job search activities anyway, and it's better to start early. Plus you might find something before your benefits even kick in.

Hey Aurora, I went through this exact situation last year and it was really stressful at the time, but it worked out fine. I was fired from my job at a grocery store after 6 months for what my manager called "performance issues" - basically I was struggling to keep up with their unrealistic stocking quotas. I was terrified about filing for unemployment because I thought getting fired automatically disqualified you, but that's not true at all. I filed online the day after my termination and got approved within about 10 days. The key thing is that Washington ESD really does look at the specific circumstances. In my case, they determined that struggling with job performance wasn't misconduct, especially since I was trying my best and never received proper training. My employer didn't even contest it. Just be completely honest when you fill out the application - don't try to sugarcoat anything or make yourself look better. They'll contact your employer anyway, so consistency is important. Also, start your job search right away even while you're waiting for approval, because you'll need to show those activities on your weekly claims. The whole process was way less scary than I expected, and the financial relief was huge when I really needed it. You've got this!

Final thought - document everything throughout this process. Keep records of all your medical appointments, work restrictions, job search activities, and communications with both unemployment and disability offices. Having thorough documentation will help if there are any questions or appeals down the road.

I'm new to this community but dealing with a similar situation. I was injured at my manufacturing job and have been out of work for 3 weeks now. My doctor says I can do light duty work but nothing that requires standing for long periods or lifting over 5 pounds. Reading through this thread has been really helpful - I didn't realize you could potentially qualify for unemployment even with work restrictions. Has anyone here had experience with ESD accepting partial work restrictions like mine? I'm worried they'll say I'm not "available for work" even though I could do office jobs or other seated positions.

Three years ago I got denied for misconduct but won on appeal. The key was showing that my employer's policy wasn't consistently enforced and other employees had gotten warnings for similar violations. Documentation is everything in these cases.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago. Failed a random test at my construction job and got terminated. Washington ESD initially denied my claim, but I appealed and actually won. The hearing officer said the key factor was that I had been a good employee for 4 years with no prior disciplinary issues, and my marijuana use was for chronic back pain (even though I didn't have an official medical card). It's definitely worth fighting if you have a good work history. Don't give up after the first denial - the appeals process gave me a real chance to tell my story.

Good luck with your claim! Most people in your situation do end up getting approved. The unemployment system isn't perfect but it does generally work for people who legitimately lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

I went through something very similar last year - got terminated for "not meeting performance standards" after 18 months at my job. I was really worried about applying because I thought getting fired meant automatic denial, but that's not true at all. Washington ESD approved my claim because performance issues aren't the same as misconduct. The key distinction is whether you were fired for something you did wrong intentionally (like breaking rules, theft, etc.) versus just not being able to meet their expectations despite trying your best. From what you've described, it sounds like you have a good chance of getting approved. File your claim online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible - don't wait because the sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. Be completely honest about the reason for termination when you fill out the application. Good luck!