Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I feel much more confident about filing my second claim now. It's reassuring to know this is a normal part of the unemployment system and not something unusual.

Just wanted to add that timing can be really important when filing your second claim. I made the mistake of waiting too long after my layoff to file, thinking I might find work quickly. Ended up losing out on a few weeks of benefits because you can't backdate claims very far. File as soon as you know you're going to be unemployed for more than a week or two - you can always stop claiming if you find work right away, but you can't recover those missed weeks if you wait too long to start the process.

Just wanted to add that even if you do get denied initially, you can always appeal the decision. I know someone who got denied at first but won their appeal because the initial decision was wrong. Don't give up if the first answer isn't what you want to hear.

I went through something similar when I was laid off from my warehouse job. The key thing is to be completely honest about the circumstances of your layoff. Since your manager specifically said it was due to slow business and not performance issues, that should work in your favor. Being late occasionally typically isn't considered misconduct unless it was extreme or you were repeatedly warned about it. Make sure to emphasize in your application that you were laid off due to lack of work, not fired for cause. Also, don't delay applying - you want to get that waiting week started as soon as possible. Keep any documentation you have about the layoff and be prepared to provide it if they ask. Most people in your situation get approved without issues.

Final advice - keep applying for jobs while you're waiting for your claim to be processed. You'll need to show job search activities anyway, and it's better to start early. Plus you might find something before your benefits even kick in.

Hey Aurora, I went through this exact situation last year and it was really stressful at the time, but it worked out fine. I was fired from my job at a grocery store after 6 months for what my manager called "performance issues" - basically I was struggling to keep up with their unrealistic stocking quotas. I was terrified about filing for unemployment because I thought getting fired automatically disqualified you, but that's not true at all. I filed online the day after my termination and got approved within about 10 days. The key thing is that Washington ESD really does look at the specific circumstances. In my case, they determined that struggling with job performance wasn't misconduct, especially since I was trying my best and never received proper training. My employer didn't even contest it. Just be completely honest when you fill out the application - don't try to sugarcoat anything or make yourself look better. They'll contact your employer anyway, so consistency is important. Also, start your job search right away even while you're waiting for approval, because you'll need to show those activities on your weekly claims. The whole process was way less scary than I expected, and the financial relief was huge when I really needed it. You've got this!

Final thought - document everything throughout this process. Keep records of all your medical appointments, work restrictions, job search activities, and communications with both unemployment and disability offices. Having thorough documentation will help if there are any questions or appeals down the road.

I'm new to this community but dealing with a similar situation. I was injured at my manufacturing job and have been out of work for 3 weeks now. My doctor says I can do light duty work but nothing that requires standing for long periods or lifting over 5 pounds. Reading through this thread has been really helpful - I didn't realize you could potentially qualify for unemployment even with work restrictions. Has anyone here had experience with ESD accepting partial work restrictions like mine? I'm worried they'll say I'm not "available for work" even though I could do office jobs or other seated positions.

Three years ago I got denied for misconduct but won on appeal. The key was showing that my employer's policy wasn't consistently enforced and other employees had gotten warnings for similar violations. Documentation is everything in these cases.

I went through something similar about 6 months ago. Failed a random test at my construction job and got terminated. Washington ESD initially denied my claim, but I appealed and actually won. The hearing officer said the key factor was that I had been a good employee for 4 years with no prior disciplinary issues, and my marijuana use was for chronic back pain (even though I didn't have an official medical card). It's definitely worth fighting if you have a good work history. Don't give up after the first denial - the appeals process gave me a real chance to tell my story.