The waiting is definitely the hardest part. I kept checking my account multiple times a day hoping for an update. Try to distract yourself with job searching or other activities - obsessing over the pending status won't make it go faster.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked! Got connected to a Washington ESD agent within a few hours instead of days of trying on my own. They explained that my pending issue was just routine verification and should be resolved within the week. Worth every penny to finally get some real information about what's happening with my claim.

Bottom line is that Washington ESD evaluates each case individually during the adjudication process. What disqualifies one person might not disqualify another even in similar situations. The key is being honest and providing all the documentation they request.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is the timing of when you file your claim. If you delay filing for unemployment after becoming unemployed without good cause, you could lose benefits for those weeks. In Washington, you should file your claim during your first week of unemployment, even if you think you might get your job back. You can always stop claiming later if your situation changes, but you can't go back and claim benefits for weeks you didn't file.

has anyone tried using those unemployment lawyers? wondering if its worth the cost for a good cause case

Bottom line - if you have legitimate safety concerns or harassment issues, don't suffer in silence just because you're worried about unemployment eligibility. Document everything, try to resolve it through proper channels first, then file your claim with confidence. Washington ESD will do a fair investigation if you provide good evidence.

Keep us updated on what happens with your appeal. I'm curious to know what the actual reason was for the disqualification.

I had a similar disqualification issue last year and it turned out to be a combination of unreported gig work (like your Door Dash situation) plus a miscommunication about my job separation. Based on what you've shared, the $80 from Door Dash is likely the culprit - Washington ESD is really strict about reporting ALL income, even small amounts. The good news is that if it's just an honest reporting mistake, these types of disqualifications can usually be resolved through the appeal process. I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to an actual agent quickly - they can tell you exactly why you were disqualified and help you fix any reporting issues. Don't wait too long though, you only have 30 days to appeal from the date of the disqualification notice.

This thread is really helpful! I'm in a similar situation and was wondering about eligibility too. Thanks for asking the question OP.

Based on what you've described, you should definitely qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits. With 8 months of work at $18/hour for 30-35 hours per week, you've likely earned well over the minimum requirements. The key factors are: 1) You were laid off (not fired for cause), 2) You have sufficient earnings in your base year, and 3) You're able and available to work. Don't overthink it - file your claim as soon as possible since benefits start from your filing date, not when you became unemployed. You can always appeal if there are any issues, but your situation sounds very straightforward for approval.