ESD denied my entire claim because I missed ONE job search week - is this legal?

This actually happened to me too but I was able to get it fixed! They denied my entire claim because I missed uploading job search proof for week 2, even though I had documented everything on paper. You NEED to appeal this ASAP - don't wait the full 30 days. In your appeal, explain that you did perform the activities but made an error in reporting them. Include ANY documentation you might have - emails to employers, screenshots of job applications, even your browsing history showing you were on job sites that week. ESD can be really strict about the 3 activities per week, but they shouldn't deny your entire claim for one missed week!! That's excessive punishment!

just throwing this out there but make sure the letter actually says your whole claim is denied. sometimes the wording is confusing and they might just be denying that one specific week. check again?

You need to appeal immediately. This sounds like ESD is applying WAC 192-180-020 incorrectly. While they can deny you for weeks you don't meet job search requirements, denying the entire claim for a single week's error is not standard procedure. Here's what you should do: 1) File your appeal within 30 days (sooner is better) 2) Continue filing your weekly claims while the appeal is processing 3) Gather any evidence of job search activities from that specific week (emails, application confirmations, notes from employer contacts) 4) In your appeal, clearly state that you completed the required activities but may have failed to properly document them in the system The law allows for good cause exceptions, especially for first-time errors. Be honest in your appeal about what happened.

ive been on unemployment 3 times and they always make these crazy mistakes!! the esd system is set up to deny ppl hoping theyll just give up. dont give up!!!!! appeal appeal appeal and keep calling until u get someone who will help u fix this. the average person at esd has no idea what theyre doing half the time

Hey, just wanted to share something that helped me when I had a similar issue with ESD and couldn't get through on the phones. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent within about 30 minutes instead of trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was definitely worth it for me because the agent was able to explain exactly what documentation I needed for my appeal and even noted in my file that I had been trying to resolve the issue. Much better than stressing about not being able to talk to anyone!

You absolutely need to appeal this! I work as an employment counselor and see this kind of thing frequently. The standard procedure should be to deny only the specific week where job search requirements weren't met, not your entire claim. When you file your appeal, explain that: 1. You did conduct job searches that week but may have failed to properly report them 2. This was a one-time error and you've correctly reported all other weeks 3. You understand the importance of the job search requirements Also, make sure you continue filing your weekly claims throughout the appeal process. If you win your appeal (which is likely in this case), they can only pay you for weeks you've properly claimed, regardless of eligibility.

lol welcome to washingtons broken unemployment system... happened to me in 2025 and i just gave up and got a crappy job bc fighting with esd is a full time job itself. good luck tho

Regarding your question about 'indefinite disqualification' - this typically means the disqualification continues until you meet certain requirements to requalify. However, in job search cases, this language is usually used for people who repeatedly fail to conduct job searches, not for a single missed week. This further suggests ESD may have made an error in applying the disqualification to your entire claim. When appealing, specifically request that they review Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 192-180-020 and its application to your case. This code section deals with job search requirements and penalties, and a proper reading should show that a single missed week shouldn't result in a total claim denial. As others have mentioned, connecting with an actual ESD agent to discuss your specific situation before the appeal hearing can be extremely valuable. They might even be able to resolve this without a formal hearing.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - it's incredibly stressful when your livelihood is on the line! Based on what you've described, this does sound like an error on ESD's part. I went through something similar last year where they initially denied my entire claim over a technicality, but I was able to get it overturned. A few things that helped me: - I filed my appeal within a week (don't wait the full 30 days) - I wrote a detailed letter explaining exactly what happened and that it was a one-time mistake - I included any proof I could find, even if it wasn't perfect documentation - I emphasized that I had been compliant with all requirements for every other week The key is being proactive and persistent. The fact that you did the job searches but just missed logging them properly should work in your favor. ESD typically reserves total claim denials for people who willfully refuse to comply, not for documentation errors. Keep filing your weekly claims during the appeal process - this is crucial! And don't let anyone tell you this is "just how the system works." You have rights, and this level of penalty doesn't match the violation. Stay strong and fight this!

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This exact same thing happened to my sister last month - ESD denied her entire claim over one week where she forgot to upload her job search documentation, even though she had done all the required activities. The good news is she successfully appealed it and got all her benefits restored! Here's what worked for her: - She filed the appeal within 10 days (don't wait!) - She gathered ANY evidence from that week - even screenshots of Indeed searches, LinkedIn activity, or emails to friends about job hunting - In her appeal letter, she was very specific about what activities she did that week, even without perfect documentation - She emphasized this was a one-time administrative error, not willful non-compliance The hearing officer agreed that denying an entire claim for a single documentation mistake was excessive. The whole process took about 6 weeks, but she got paid for all the weeks she was entitled to. Stay persistent and don't let them intimidate you into giving up. What they're doing to you sounds like a clear overreach of their authority. You've got this!