ESD denied my claim after quitting for another job - need help with appeal process

Thank you so much for this detailed response! I have the offer letter and two paystubs, plus the layoff email that mentions the restructuring. I don't have anything in writing to my previous employer though - I just told my manager verbally I was leaving for another opportunity. Do you think that will be a problem?

That's really encouraging to hear you won your appeal! Did you have to attend a hearing? What kind of questions did they ask you? I'm already rehearsing what I'm going to say but I'm worried about getting flustered.

yeah there was a phone hearing with a judge. they asked about why i quit my old job, details about the new one (start date, salary, etc) and how/why i lost the new job. just be honest! the judge was actually really nice. the annoying part was waiting soooo long for the hearing date.

I used to work at ESD and can confirm this advice is spot on. OP, make sure you're meeting all job search requirements during the appeal period too (3 activities per week, properly documented). Even though your claim is currently denied, if you win on appeal, you'll only be paid for weeks you properly completed all requirements. Don't give them any reason to deny weeks even if you win your appeal.

That's a common misunderstanding. Under Washington unemployment law, quitting to take a new job that offers better wages, hours, or conditions IS considered good cause if you can prove it. Your cousin may have had a different situation or might have been eligible to appeal if they were incorrectly denied. The specific regulation is WAC 192-150-050.

Well that sucks, wish I'd known that when i was helping my cousin with his paperwork. Thanks for explaining!

Does that service actually work? I've been trying to reach ESD for three days now and keep getting disconnected. I'll try anything at this point.

Yeah it worked for me! Someone I met at WorkShare recommended it. The woman I talked to at ESD was super helpful once I actually got through.

That's not how unemployment works in Washington. The issue isn't about appealing to either employer - it's about qualifying for benefits through ESD. When you've worked multiple jobs, ESD looks at your most recent separation AND previous separations in your base year. If you quit a job without good cause in your base year, it can disqualify you even if your most recent job laid you off. That's why proving the quit was for good cause (taking another job) is crucial.

That's a good point! I did get a confirmation number when I submitted the appeal online, and I took a screenshot just in case. Should I also mail in paper copies of my evidence or just bring it to the hearing?

It's best to submit your evidence before the hearing - you'll receive instructions with your hearing notice about the deadline for submitting evidence. Upload digital copies through your eServices account AND bring physical copies to the hearing. This ensures the judge has them beforehand but you also have backups if needed.

10-12 weeks?! That's terrifying. I have some savings but not enough to last that long. Thank you for the suggestions - I'll look into DSHS assistance right away. Do you know if I'd have to repay any of that if my unemployment appeal is eventually approved?

Benefits like food assistance or temporary cash assistance wouldn't need to be repaid if you later receive unemployment. They're separate programs. Just be sure to report any unemployment benefits once you start receiving them, as it will affect your ongoing eligibility for other assistance.

I just checked and there's nothing there except the determination letter. But I'll make sure to check it daily from now on - that's a great tip, thank you!