Actually just went thru this last month. My advice - call US Bank directly (not ESD) at 855-279-1270. They can tell you exactly when your card was mailed. Mine took 9 business days to arrive. If it's been more than 10 business days, they can cancel that one and expedite a new card to you in 3 days.

I went through the exact same thing last year! The waiting is absolutely brutal, especially when you can see the money sitting there but can't access it. In my case, the ReliaCard took about 12 business days to arrive, which was longer than the 7-10 days they usually quote. What really helped was calling US Bank (the number Connor mentioned is correct) because they could actually track the card and confirm it was mailed. Also, just as a backup plan, you might want to contact your landlord and explain the situation - many are understanding about unemployment delays since it's so common. Some will accept a screenshot of your ESD account showing the pending payment as proof that money is coming. Hang in there, it should arrive soon!

Good luck with your application! The first time filing can seem overwhelming but Washington ESD's online system is pretty user-friendly once you get started. You've got this!

One thing I didn't see mentioned - make sure you have your mailing address correct and up to date. Washington ESD will send important documents by mail including your monetary determination letter that shows your benefit amount. If you've moved recently or your mail delivery is unreliable, consider using a PO box or trusted address where you know you'll receive mail consistently.

You've got this! The hardest part is losing your job - filing for unemployment is actually the easy part. Washington ESD wants to help you, not make it difficult. Just take it one step at a time.

Just want to add that when you file online at esd.wa.gov, make sure you have a good internet connection and set aside enough time to complete the whole application in one sitting. The system can time out if you take too long, and you'll have to start over. I learned this the hard way! Also, keep a copy of your confirmation number once you submit - you'll need it for reference.

Great thread everyone. I bookmarked this for future reference. The information about keeping benefits in a separate account is especially helpful.

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm dealing with a similar situation with old medical debt and was terrified they could take my unemployment benefits. Reading about RCW 50.40.020 and everyone's experiences has given me so much peace of mind. I'm definitely going to set up a separate account for my UI benefits like several people recommended. It's frustrating that Washington ESD doesn't make this information more accessible on their website - having to hunt through legal statutes shouldn't be necessary to understand basic protections.

Just to summarize for anyone else reading this - file as soon as possible, have your employment history ready, keep job search records, and don't be afraid to call Washington ESD if you have questions. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised by what options are available.

I went through something similar a few months ago - waited about 8 months before filing because I kept thinking I'd land something soon. Washington ESD did approve my claim but I only got benefits for the remaining weeks in my benefit year, not the full 26 weeks I would have gotten if I filed right away. The key thing is they look at your "benefit year" which starts when you file, not when you became unemployed. So you're basically losing those weeks you waited. Still worth filing though - some benefits are better than none, and you might qualify for extensions or other programs too.