Disqualified for Washington ESD unemployment benefits - can I reapply or appeal?

The notice was dated about 3 weeks ago so I think I still have time to appeal. What kind of evidence would help with a quit without good cause situation?

For constructive discharge situations like yours, you'll need documentation showing the significant reduction in hours, any communication with your employer about the changes, and proof that the new conditions made continued employment unreasonable.

How long did your appeal take? I'm worried about waiting months without any income.

took about 6 weeks total but the hardest part was getting info from ESD during the process. kept calling and getting busy signals or being disconnected

So I should definitely appeal first rather than just trying to file a new claim?

If you believe the original disqualification was incorrect and you're still within the appeal timeframe, yes. A successful appeal would restore your original claim and potentially back-pay any benefits you missed.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my disqualification. Their system at claimyr.com actually got me through to a real person who could explain my options. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

That's really discouraging but thanks for the heads up about documenting everything. What specific documents helped you win your appeals?

Pay stubs showing the hour cuts, emails or texts from my manager about schedule changes, and a timeline I wrote up of exactly what happened and when. Also had a coworker write a statement backing up my story.

I didn't know there was a specific term for that! Should I use 'constructive discharge' in my appeal paperwork?

Yes, definitely use that terminology. It shows you understand the legal concept and that your situation wasn't just a voluntary quit. Include details about the hour reduction and how it made continued employment impossible.

Have you tried calling right when they open? I've heard that's the best time to get through.

tried everything - early morning, lunch time, even staying on hold for hours. always get disconnected or busy signal

This is exactly why Claimyr was so helpful for me. Instead of spending hours trying to get through, their service connects you directly with Washington ESD agents. Saved me so much frustration during my appeal process.

Really? I can still file weekly claims while disqualified?

Check your online account - sometimes it will still let you file even with a disqualification pending appeal. The claims won't be paid until the appeal is resolved, but it preserves your right to those weeks.

This is good advice but make sure you're still doing your job search activities too even if you're not getting paid. They'll ask for your job search log if the appeal goes to a hearing.

Did you have to go to an in-person hearing or was it done over the phone?

Mine was over the phone which was actually easier than I expected. The judge was pretty fair and asked good questions. Just be honest and stick to the facts.

I did work a temporary job for about 6 weeks after I quit. Would that be enough to start a new claim?

It depends on how much you earned during those 6 weeks. You need to have earned at least $7,000 in your base period to qualify for a new claim. Check your wage history in your online account to see if you meet the requirements.

What happened when you ignored it?

missed my appeal deadline and then when i tried to file a new claim later they said i had to resolve the old disqualification first. took months to sort out

How do I request those documents?

You can request them through your online account or by calling. Ask for your complete case file including any statements from your employer. Review everything carefully before your hearing.

That's so frustrating! Did you appeal that decision?

Yes, I'm in the middle of the appeal process now. Had to get documentation from HR showing it was a layoff, not a firing. It's been a real hassle.

This is another situation where having direct access to Washington ESD staff through Claimyr really helped me understand what documentation I needed for my appeal. Sometimes you need specific clarification that's hard to get through normal channels.

Mine just says disqualified, so I think I'm dealing with the first situation. No mention of paying anything back.

That's good - means you're just fighting the eligibility decision, not dealing with a debt to the state. Much easier to resolve through the appeal process.

That's really helpful advice. I tend to get nervous and ramble when I'm stressed.

totally understand that! maybe practice with a friend or family member first. the hearing isn't as scary as it sounds but being prepared definitely helps

I'm not sure actually. The notice didn't really explain where the information came from. How can I find out?

When you request your case file for the appeal, it should show any employer responses or protests. That information will help you understand what you're fighting against.

Thank you! This thread has been really helpful. I think I'm going to file the appeal and gather all my documentation.

That sounds like a solid plan. Keep copies of everything you submit and follow up if you don't hear back within the expected timeframes.

I didn't know that! I was thinking I had to prove my innocence basically.

Nope, they have to justify their decision with evidence. Your job is to challenge their evidence and present your side of the story. Big difference in approach.