Did you get the determination letter explaining why they denied your claim initially? It should cite specific reasons and regulations. Understanding exactly why they denied you can help you prepare targeted counterarguments. Also, make sure you have a copy of your employer's response to your claim - you can request this from ESD if you don't already have it.

Update us after your hearing! Based on what you've shared, I think you have a good chance of winning. One write-up from 3 months prior about an issue that was arguably not even your fault doesn't meet the standard for misconduct under Washington unemployment law. Just make sure you're well-prepared and stay calm during questioning.

Make sure you're meeting the job search requirements once you start claiming!!! They're super strict about this now - you need to document 3 job search activities EVERY WEEK and be ready to submit them if they audit you. I got caught on this and had to pay back two weeks of benefits because I didn't realize the requirements had changed. Don't make my mistake!!!

I process UI claims for a major employer (not ESD) and can confirm W2 contract workers definitely qualify when laid off before the end date. The system is actually designed with situations like yours in mind. One important thing - be extra careful how you answer the separation reason question. Select "laid off due to lack of work" NOT "end of contract/assignment." The second option can trigger unnecessary investigation that delays your claim. And don't select "quit" even though it might seem like the contract is ending - this was a termination initiated by the employer. Also, if they put you on any kind of standby or suggest they might rehire you soon, be very careful. If you indicate potential recall on your application, it changes your job search requirements and can complicate things. Based on what you described, a clean layoff is what happened.

Did you check your eServices message center? Sometimes they send instructions there about what you need to do for the old claim. Might save you a phone call.

Just to give you some hope - I finally got my claim processed after dealing with a similar issue. From disqualification letter to benefits being paid took about 10 days once I was able to speak with someone. Hang in there!

wait i just remembered somethin else - make sure u answer YES to the "were u able and available for work" question even tho u worked that one shift. i messed that up once and had to deal with a whole thing with ESD

To summarize for the original poster and anyone else wondering about part-time earnings: 1. Always report ALL earnings in the week you WORKED (not when you get paid) 2. ESD deducts 75% of your gross earnings from your weekly benefit 3. Report actual worked hours (don't include unpaid breaks) 4. You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount and still get some UI 5. Working part-time always leaves you financially better off than not working Hope this helps!

My cousin works in IT (not for ESD) but he says most government websites are running on ancient systems and whenever they try to update security it breaks something else. Not surprised this is happening right when they're probably doing end of quarter updates or whatever.

Glad to hear the SAW portal workaround solved it for you! For anyone else still experiencing issues, ESD just posted on their website that they're aware of the login problems affecting some users and expect to have it fully resolved by tomorrow. They've extended the weekly claim filing deadline by 2 days this week to accommodate for the technical difficulties.