I went through something similar last year. The appeal process was stressful but I ultimately won. Make sure you're keeping detailed records of everything right now - save emails, texts, and write down your recollection of conversations while they're fresh. In my hearing, the judge asked very detailed questions about dates and times. Also, I was able to get a former coworker to provide a statement confirming the company handbook policy, which really helped my case. Do you have anyone who could corroborate your understanding of the policy?

I'm new to this whole unemployment appeal process but your situation sounds really unfair. From what I'm reading here, it seems like you have a strong case since they didn't follow their own written policy. I'm dealing with my own ESD issues (different reasons) and it's so frustrating how employers can just change their story after the fact. The advice about citing that specific regulation (WAC 192-150-200) sounds really smart. I hope you get this resolved quickly - the stress of not knowing when benefits might come through is awful. Good luck with your appeal!

I actually called Washington ESD about this exact situation a few months ago and learned some helpful details. They told me that while employers CAN report job refusals, it's not automatic - it really depends on the employer and whether they think to do it. However, you're definitely required to report any job offers you receive on your weekly claims, so don't try to hide it. The good news is that Washington has pretty reasonable "suitable work" standards, especially early in your claim. A brutal commute and significantly lower pay are legitimate reasons to refuse, particularly if you're still within your first few months of collecting benefits. The adjudicator I spoke with said they look at the whole picture - your previous wage, work experience, the job location, and working conditions. Just make sure you can clearly explain your reasoning if they ask about it later.

I went through something similar last year and want to share what I learned from my experience. Washington ESD does track job refusals through multiple channels - employers can report it (especially larger companies with formal HR processes), and you're required to self-report on your weekly claims. The key thing that helped me was understanding that "suitable work" has specific criteria under Washington law. Early in your claim period, you're generally not required to accept jobs that pay significantly less than your previous wage (I believe it's around 80% initially). Unreasonable commute times are also valid grounds for refusal. When I had to refuse a job offer due to a 90-minute each-way commute plus much lower pay, I documented everything - the job details, my reasons for refusal, and reported it honestly on my weekly claim. Washington ESD reviewed it and determined my refusal was justified. My advice: don't try to hide it, document your legitimate reasons, and be prepared to explain your decision if they ask. The system is actually more reasonable than you might think if you have valid grounds for refusal.

I just went through this exact same frustration last week! After reading through all these helpful responses, I found my unemployment claim number in two places: first in my email confirmations from weekly claims (like Lucy mentioned), and also in the "Claim Summary" section of my online account. The number format that Lucy described (2025-XXX) was super helpful for identifying it among all the other numbers. One thing I'd add is to screenshot or write down not just the unemployment number but also where you found it in your account, because the Washington ESD website layout seems to change randomly and you might need to locate it again later. Thanks everyone for all the detailed advice - this thread is going to help so many people dealing with the same confusing interface!

This whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I was in the same boat trying to figure out which number was actually my unemployment claim number. Based on everyone's advice, I found mine in the "Claim Information" section of my Washington ESD account - it was that 2025-XXX format that Lucy described. One additional tip I'd share is to also check your browser's saved passwords or autofill data if you've been logging into the ESD site regularly. Sometimes when you click on password fields, it shows recent form data including claim numbers you might have entered before. Not the most reliable method but could be a quick check if you're still hunting around!

Don't forget to factor these costs into your pricing if you're billing clients. Unemployment insurance is a real business expense that affects your bottom line, especially when you're starting out and paying new employer rates.

Just wanted to add that you should also consider setting aside money monthly for these taxes rather than scrambling when quarterly payments are due. I learned this the hard way - put away about 3% of each paycheck into a separate account for unemployment taxes, workers comp, and other payroll obligations. Makes cash flow much smoother when those bills come due every quarter.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more prepared to tackle this now. I'm going to gather my medical documentation and give it a shot. If I can't get through to Washington ESD on my own, I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned.

I went through a similar situation last year and wanted to share what I learned. The key is understanding that Washington ESD has specific provisions for people with disabilities who can work within restrictions. When I applied, I made sure to emphasize that I was "able and available for suitable work" rather than focusing on my limitations. I provided a detailed letter from my doctor outlining exactly what I could do (hours per week, physical restrictions, etc.) rather than just listing what I couldn't do. The process took about 8 weeks total, including an initial denial and successful appeal. During the appeal, I had a phone hearing where I explained how my medical restrictions didn't prevent me from seeking and accepting appropriate part-time work. The hearing officer was actually quite understanding once I had all my documentation organized. One tip: keep detailed records of every job you apply for and note how each position fits within your medical restrictions. This shows ESD that you're genuinely seeking work, just within your limitations. Also, be prepared to report your unemployment benefits to Social Security - they need to know about all income sources even if it doesn't affect your disability payments.