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Just saw this thread and wanted to add that I got approved for unemployment after being fired for falling asleep during a night shift. The key was documenting that I'd been working mandatory overtime for weeks and had requested schedule adjustments. Washington ESD ruled it wasn't willful misconduct.
I'm going through something very similar right now - got fired from my retail job for making a mistake during my shift after working 6 days straight because we were understaffed. Reading through all these responses is really helpful and gives me hope that Washington ESD will actually look at the full context rather than just the termination reason. It's frustrating how employers will push you to your breaking point and then act surprised when human limitations show up. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and advice!
this whole thread has been super helpful! I was so confused by all the letters and numbers on the Washington ESD website. Now I actually understand what my UI claim status means when I log in to check it.
I'm so glad I found this thread! I just filed my first UI claim with Washington ESD last week and I've been completely overwhelmed by all the terminology. The website feels like it's written in a foreign language. This explanation of what UI actually means is exactly what I needed - I was also thinking it was some kind of tech term! Now I need to go back through all my paperwork and actually understand what it's telling me. Thank you everyone for breaking this down so clearly.
they always do this annoyin stuff right when u need benifits the most lol. classic ESD. glad u got in tho!
Great to hear you got in! For anyone else still struggling with this, I'd also recommend checking if your browser has any security settings that might be blocking cookies or JavaScript from government sites. Sometimes overly strict privacy settings can cause these endless refresh loops. Also, if you have a VPN running, try turning it off - some VPN IP ranges seem to trigger their fraud detection systems. The late night approach really does work best though!
Just wanted to add my experience - I was in a similar situation last year and also used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD. The agent I spoke with emphasized that the timing of when you report the 401k withdrawal matters. Make sure you report it in the week you actually receive the funds, not when you initiate the withdrawal. Also, keep in mind that even though it won't affect your weekly benefit amount, Washington ESD may still ask follow-up questions about large lump sum payments, so having all your documentation ready helps speed up the process.
That's really helpful about the timing! I was wondering when exactly to report it. So if I request the withdrawal on Monday but don't get the check until Friday, I report it on Friday's week? And what kind of follow-up questions do they usually ask?
Exactly right - report it the week you actually receive the money, not when you submit the request. As for follow-up questions, they typically ask about the source of the funds (employment-related vs personal retirement account), the amount, and sometimes whether it was part of any severance agreement. Nothing too invasive, but they want to make sure it's properly categorized. Having your 401k withdrawal paperwork handy when you call makes the whole process smoother.
Just to add another perspective - I'm a financial advisor and see this situation a lot. Before cashing out your 401k, consider if your plan offers hardship withdrawals instead of a full distribution. Many plans allow hardship withdrawals for preventing eviction or foreclosure, and while you still pay the 10% penalty, you can often withdraw just what you need rather than the full balance. This preserves more of your retirement savings. Also, some plans have provisions for unemployment-related hardships that might have more favorable terms. It's worth calling your 401k provider directly to ask about all available options before doing a standard early withdrawal.
Isaac Wright
Update us on what happens! I'm curious if they'll move forward without your employer's input soon. In my experience, being persistent with calling ESD (even though it's frustrating) is still the best way to get movement on these issues. Ask specifically for an estimated timeline when you call - sometimes they can give you more information about where you are in the queue and how much longer you might have to wait.
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Jade Lopez
•I definitely will! I'm going to try calling again tomorrow morning right when they open. Fingers crossed I get someone helpful who can give me a clearer timeline.
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Gavin King
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! My former employer has been completely unresponsive to ESD for over 2 weeks. What's really frustrating is that I know they have a pattern of ignoring official correspondence - they did the same thing when the state tried to contact them about workplace safety violations last year. It feels like we're being punished for our employers' lack of professionalism. I've been documenting everything I can on my end (final pay stub, termination email, etc.) but the waiting is absolutely killing me financially. Really hoping ESD moves forward soon without needing their input!
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