Can you get denied unemployment benefits in Washington state?

Yes, Washington ESD can definitely deny unemployment claims for several reasons. The most common are: 1) Quitting without good cause, 2) Getting fired for misconduct, 3) Not meeting the work/wage requirements, 4) Refusing suitable work, or 5) Not actively searching for jobs. Since you were laid off due to business reasons, that shouldn't be an issue for you.

I got denied initially because they said I quit voluntarily, even though I was basically forced out. Had to go through the whole appeal process which took forever. Make sure when you file that you clearly explain you were laid off due to business reasons, not performance issues.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status or resolve any issues, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get connected to actual agents. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really saved me from spending hours on hold.

The wage requirements are important too - you need to have earned at least $3,850 in your base period OR at least $2,567 in your highest quarter plus 1.5 times that amount in your whole base period. Your base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you filed.

You mentioned being late - was this documented? If your employer reports misconduct to Washington ESD, they'll investigate. But if the separation reason they report is 'lack of work' or 'business closure' then you should be approved assuming you meet the other requirements.

don't worry too much about it, most people get approved if they were laid off. the system is designed to help people who lost their job through no fault of their own

One thing to keep in mind - even if you get approved, you'll need to meet ongoing requirements like registering with WorkSource, conducting job searches, and filing weekly claims. The job search requirement is currently 3 job contacts per week unless you're in a training program.

The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible btw. If you need to talk to someone about your claim, prepare to call dozens of times. I spent literally 6 hours one day just trying to get through to ask a simple question about my weekly claim.

Also make sure you apply as soon as possible after your last day of work. There's a waiting week where you won't get paid, but you want to get that started ASAP. And keep all your documentation from your employer about the layoff.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - got laid off from my restaurant job when they cut hours. My claim has been pending for 2 weeks now and I'm getting worried. How long does it usually take to get approved?

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS A JOKE! They make it so hard to get benefits even when you legitimately qualify. I had to fight for 3 months to get my benefits because some incompetent person at Washington ESD couldn't read basic paperwork.

For what it's worth, I got approved pretty quickly when I was laid off from my office job last year. The whole process took about 10 days from application to first payment. As long as your employer reports the separation correctly, you should be fine.

Quick question - do you have to be a US citizen to get unemployment in Washington? My friend is on a work visa and got laid off but isn't sure if he qualifies.

One more thing - make sure you understand the difference between being laid off and being terminated for cause. Laid off means the employer doesn't have enough work (which sounds like your situation). Terminated for cause means you did something wrong. The distinction matters a lot for your unemployment eligibility.

I've been on unemployment twice and got approved both times for layoffs. The first time I was nervous like you, but it's really not that scary if you were legitimately laid off. Just be honest and thorough in your application.

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.