ESD disqualified me for 'not able to work 40 hours' - filed appeal as single mom

I went through an appeal last year for a similar reason. It took about 6-8 weeks total from when I filed to when I got a hearing date, then another 10 days for the decision. The good news is if you win, they'll pay all the back weeks they owe you. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims during this time! If you stop, you won't get those weeks even if you win your appeal.

Get ready for the appeals process! You'll receive a packet from the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) with your hearing date. They're doing most hearings by phone these days, which is convenient. You'll need to gather evidence that you were able and available for work during those weeks - any emails showing job applications, childcare arrangements, etc. The judge will want specifics about your childcare plan and availability. Be ready to clearly explain how you're available for full-time work despite being a single parent. And definitely keep filing those weekly claims while waiting!

so sorry ur going thru this! esd system is broken af. they did similar thing to my sister, said she wasnt looking for work when she had proof of like 6 applications. wait time was almost 2 months for her appeal. total bs. she had to borrow money from family. does ur kid's school have emergency assistance? sometimes they know about resources

I had an identical situation in February 2025. When filing for UI, I mistakenly answered a question that made it seem like I couldn't work full-time (I think it was the availability question). ESD immediately disqualified me. Here's what helped me get through the appeal process faster: 1. I called ESD directly and explained my situation. It took FOREVER to get through, but when I finally did, the agent added notes to my file confirming I was available for 40 hours. 2. I submitted additional documentation to OAH before my hearing - my childcare contract showing full-time coverage, emails with potential employers discussing full-time positions, etc. 3. I requested an expedited hearing due to financial hardship (there's a form for this). My appeal took about 4 weeks total instead of the usual 8+ weeks. When I won, they backdated all payments. Also, check with DSHS while you wait - you might qualify for emergency assistance or expedited food benefits as a single parent.

After trying to call ESD for weeks and getting nowhere (always disconnected after waiting on hold), I finally used Claimyr and got through to a rep in about 20 minutes. It was worth it for me since I was in a similar situation - disqualified incorrectly and desperately needed to talk to someone. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com. The agent I spoke with was able to add notes to my file that helped my case move faster.

KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS!!!!! I cannot stress this enough! I made the mistake of not filing for 3 weeks during my appeal because I thought "what's the point?" BIG MISTAKE! Even though I won my appeal, they wouldn't pay me for those weeks I didn't file. Also check out WorkSource - they sometimes know about emergency assistance programs for people waiting on UI appeals.

One more thing to prepare for your appeal: When you have your hearing, be very specific about your work availability. Don't just say "I can work 40 hours" - specify exactly which hours/days you're available and explain your childcare arrangements in detail. I've seen many appellants win their cases by being extremely clear about their availability schedule and backup childcare plans. Judges want to hear that you've thought through the practical aspects of working full-time as a single parent.

dont forget 2 look into rental assistance and utility help programs while waiting!! most counties have emergency programs 4 single parents. also food banks saved me when i was waiting on my claim last year

One more tip - download and save a copy of your determination letter and appeal confirmation. ESD's website can be glitchy, and you don't want to lose access to important documents. I take screenshots of everything now because I've had stuff disappear from my online account before.