Yes, interviews definitely count as job search activities! Applications, interviews, attending job fairs, and even certain WorkSource workshops all qualify. For your medical appointments - you can request a temporary exemption from job search requirements due to illness by indicating this on your weekly claim. You may need to provide documentation, but ESD can approve temporary exemptions when you have valid reasons like medical treatment.

I'm sorry you're going through this - it sounds incredibly stressful to deal with health issues AND job loss at the same time. From what you've described, you definitely have grounds for an unemployment claim. The fact that you documented everything and that your employer initially agreed to accommodations works in your favor. A few things that might help: - When you apply, be very detailed about the timeline - when you disclosed your condition, what accommodations were discussed, when you filed the HR complaint, and when you were terminated - Keep copies of ALL your medical documentation, emails about accommodations, and any records of the HR complaint - The hostile work environment aspect is important too - if you have any witnesses to the supervisor's behavior or written evidence, keep that handy I've seen similar cases where people were initially denied but won on appeal. The key is showing that your termination was related to your protected medical condition or retaliation for the HR complaint, not legitimate misconduct. Don't get discouraged if it takes time - the system is designed to investigate thoroughly when there are competing claims about the reason for termination. Good luck, and don't hesitate to ask if you have more questions as you go through the process!

One more important detail: When you reopen your claim, make sure to report your Oregon wages correctly. You'll need to provide: - Employer name and address (Oregon address) - Your start date (2 weeks ago) - Last day worked (this coming Friday) - Reason for separation (temporary layoff with return date) - Gross earnings for the weeks you worked Be precise with these details. If the system asks whether you worked out of state, answer yes. This helps them properly categorize your claim. The system should then prompt you about the return-to-work date. Enter 3/31/2025 exactly as confirmed by your employer. Standby status should be automatic for layoffs under 8 weeks with a definite return date, but I've seen the system get confused with out-of-state employers. If you run into any issues, that's when you'll definitely need to speak with an agent.

Just went through something similar a few months back! I live in WA but had a short stint working in Oregon before getting temporarily laid off. Here's what worked for me: Since you were previously receiving WA unemployment benefits and only worked in Oregon for 2 weeks, you should definitely reopen your Washington claim rather than filing a new one in Oregon. You haven't built up enough wage credits in Oregon to qualify there anyway. The standby status is perfect for your situation - 2 weeks is well under the 8-week limit, and having that definite 3/31 return date is key. When you reopen your claim online, make sure to: 1. Report your Oregon wages accurately (have your paystubs ready) 2. List the temporary layoff reason 3. Enter your exact return-to-work date 4. When filing weekly claims, select "on standby" instead of doing job searches One heads up - the system might flag your claim for review since you worked out of state, which could delay your first payment by a week or two while they verify everything. But as long as you have that email confirmation from your supervisor about the layoff and return date, you should be fine. Good luck getting through to ESD if you need to call - it's still a nightmare but worth it for peace of mind on cross-state situations like this!

As someone who's been through the ESD system many times, I can tell you that the best approach is to be proactive rather than waiting. When your status changes unexpectedly, it's almost always one of these three things: 1. Quarterly review flag (automated and usually clears within 4-5 business days) 2. Identity verification need (check your notices/letters section carefully) 3. Employer response (sometimes employers respond to claims weeks after you start receiving benefits) Since you've been receiving benefits consistently and this is a sudden change, it's most likely option 1 or 3. The fact that your benefit amount was calculated (showing the deduction from your balance) is actually a good sign - means the system has approved the payment but it's just being held for verification. Call ESD as early as possible (7:30am is best) and ask specifically about why your status changed from processing-web to pending. They can usually tell you exactly what triggered it and how long the review might take.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! You guys were right - it was a quarterly review flag. The agent said it was completely routine and that it got flagged because I've had consistent claims with no changes for several weeks. She pushed it through manually and said the payment should arrive in my account within 48 hours. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

DONT SKIP entering the job search info online!!! My cousin did that and got audited and they disqualified 3 weeks of benefits because his paper log didn't match exactly what the employer said when ESD called to verify!!! The online form makes you enter all the right info they need!!!

One clarification on the job search documentation: When you check "Yes" that you completed job search activities but don't enter the details online, your claim will still process. However, this does flag your account in the ESD system as having "minimal documentation." While this doesn't guarantee you'll be selected for review, accounts with this flag are statistically more likely to be chosen for job search review audits. If you're concerned about the time it takes to enter everything online, consider using the WorkSource WA job search tools which can automatically link to your unemployment claim and count as documented activities.

I got fired from my last job for 'violation of company policy' but it was really just me taking my legally required breaks. Still got unemployment benefits after they investigated. Sometimes what employers call 'misconduct' isn't actually misconduct under the law.

I went through a very similar situation about 8 months ago - got fired for "performance issues" right after I filed a complaint with OSHA about unsafe working conditions at my warehouse job. The timing was way too suspicious. I was nervous about filing for unemployment because I thought being fired automatically disqualified you, but I'm so glad I did it anyway. Washington ESD approved my claim after investigating, and they found that my employer couldn't prove any actual misconduct. The whole process took about 4 weeks from filing to getting my first payment. My advice is definitely file ASAP and be completely honest about the safety concerns you raised - that actually strengthens your case since retaliation for reporting safety issues is illegal. Don't let them intimidate you out of getting the benefits you've earned!