ESD asking for response to termination after 7 weeks - will missing weekly updates disqualify me?

This is exactly the kind of BS reason employers use to try and deny people benefits!!! I went through something similar in 2024 when my company tried to say I was fired for "not meeting expectations" when really they were just downsizing. ESD takes FOREVER to process these disputes. Mine took 9 weeks in adjudication!! Did you submit a detailed explanation with your doctors note? Also what industry are you in? Some have different standards.

my sister had something like this happen she had to go to her sons school for emergancy and got fired for it. ESD approved her because they said it wasnt willfull misconduct or something. did u have any warnings before getting fired?

Based on what you've described, this shouldn't be considered misconduct that would disqualify you from benefits. Missing work due to illness with medical documentation is generally considered a good cause absence. Here's what I'd recommend: 1. Respond with a clear timeline of events 2. Explain that your final absence was due to documented illness (reference the doctor's note) 3. Note that any previous missed updates were infrequent (only 2-3 over 8 months) 4. Mention your otherwise good standing during your 3 years of employment 5. Specify that you received only one verbal warning 6 months prior with no formal disciplinary process ESD is evaluating whether your actions constitute misconduct, which requires a deliberate disregard for the employer's interests. Legitimate illness doesn't meet that standard. Make sure you respond by their deadline!

anybody else notice how ESD always sides with employers?? its like they WANT to deny benefits. they denied me for something simlar last year and i had to appeal TWICE.

This sounds like a straightforward case where you should be approved. Missing work due to illness with medical documentation is not misconduct under ESD guidelines. The fact that you had a doctor's note is critical - make sure you emphasize this in your response. I'd also recommend trying to reach an ESD agent directly to explain your situation. Regular phone lines are impossible right now (2-3 hour waits), but I used a service called Claimyr last month when my claim was stuck in adjudication. It got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes who resolved my issue. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Saved me weeks of waiting.

I went through adjudication earlier this year for a similar issue. When responding to ESD's request, focus on these key points: 1. The absence that triggered termination was due to illness (proven by your doctor's note) 2. The absences were not frequent or excessive (2-3 over 8 months is not much) 3. You had 3 years of good employment before this 4. There was only one verbal warning with no written discipline For ESD to deny benefits, they need to establish that your actions constituted misconduct. Under RCW 50.04.294, absence due to documented illness is not misconduct. Your doctor's note is your strongest evidence. In my experience, once you respond, it could take another 2-3 weeks for a decision. If they ask for additional information, respond immediately to avoid further delays.

just wondering did u tell ur employer u were sick BEFORE u missed the update or after? that could make a difference i think

That's even better for your case. You followed proper notification procedures by calling in before your shift, which further supports that this wasn't misconduct. Make sure to include this detail in your response to ESD - that you properly notified your employer according to their policies. To answer your earlier question about timing: After you respond to their fact-finding questions, it typically takes 2-4 weeks for a decision, though it can be faster or slower depending on their current workload. If you haven't received any update after 3 weeks, I'd recommend contacting them for a status check.

THE WORST PART is how they make us wait for WEEKS while bills pile up!!!! Why does it take 7+ weeks just to ask a simple question they could have asked day ONE?!?! The whole system is designed to make people give up. FIGHT FOR YOUR BENEFITS!!!!

Make sure ur still filing weekly claims while waiting for adjudication!!! A lot of people forget and then have to backfile which is a huge hassle