ESD denied my claim without explanation - call now or wait for hearing?

they did the same thing to me!! denied with that exact code which is voluntary quit but i was laid off too. the system is broken. don't waste ur time calling, literally impossible to get thru

RCW 50.20.050 refers to voluntary quit provisions. If you were truly laid off due to downsizing, this is likely a misclassification. Your employer might have reported it incorrectly as you quitting rather than being laid off. DEFINITELY try to reach ESD before your hearing. You'll want to understand exactly what information they have that led to the denial so you can prepare proper documentation for your hearing. Bring your termination letter if you have one, any communications about the downsizing, and contact information for anyone who can verify you were laid off. If you wait until the hearing without understanding the specific issue, you may not bring the right evidence.

same thingg happened to my brother last month! the 'voluntary quit' code but he was defintley laid off. so stupid! he got it fixed at the hearing but took like 2 months to get the money ugh

I successfully appealed a similar denial last year. Here's what worked for me: 1. Upload all documentation proving your layoff to your ESD account (termination letter, emails about downsizing, etc) 2. Try calling ESD every day at 7:59am right when they open - this is crucial 3. If you can't get through, use Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it helped me get through after weeks of failing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 4. When you reach an agent, specifically ask for a "redetermination based on new information" - use those exact words 5. Get the agent's ID number and note the date/time of call In my case, they fixed it before the hearing once I got someone to actually look at my documentation. Calling is definitely worth it if you can actually reach someone.

wait im confused...if you appealed already dont you just wait for the hearing now? can they even change it once u appealed?

I was in almost the exact same situation in January! My employer called my layoff a "voluntary separation" even though the alternative was being terminated in the next round of cuts. Classic corporate doublespeak. I spent THREE WEEKS trying to call ESD with no luck. When I finally got through (using the Claimyr service someone else mentioned), the agent immediately saw the problem. My employer had checked "voluntary quit" on their response form. The agent initiated a "redetermination" and contacted my employer for clarification. Took about 10 days, but they reversed the decision without me needing a hearing. Don't wait for the hearing if possible - that's 4-6 more weeks without benefits. Try getting through to clarify this first. The voluntary quit misclassification happens ALL THE TIME with corporate downsizing packages.

This happened to me too but after the hearing i still lost because i signed something saying it was voluntary even though everyone knew it was really a layoff. Make sure u didn't sign anything like that!! bring ALL your paperwork!!

Just another thought - check if ur employer contested ur claim. Log into ur ESD account and look for any employer protests or responses. Sometimes they'll show what the employer said. That might tell u why u were denied without having to call.

Based on everything in this thread, you're dealing with a common issue where "voluntary separation packages" during downsizing get misclassified as voluntary quits. You have two parallel paths to pursue: 1. Continue with your appeal/hearing process. Start gathering ALL documentation: - The voluntary separation offer - Any communications indicating the alternative was potential layoff - Those text messages from your manager (crucial evidence) - Timeline of events leading to your separation - Witness contacts who can verify the nature of the downsizing 2. Simultaneously try reaching ESD for a redetermination: - Try the early morning calls - Consider the Claimyr service others mentioned if necessary - Specifically request a "redetermination based on new information" - Explain that this was effectively a layoff despite the terminology Don't give up on either path until one succeeds. Many people successfully overturn these denials when they can prove the voluntary separation was effectively a layoff in disguise.