How can I appeal if my unemployment claim is denied in Washington ESD

You definitely need to appeal this ASAP! You have 30 days from the date on the denial letter to file your appeal. The form is usually included with your denial notice, or you can find it on the Washington ESD website. Make sure you gather all your documentation - those emails you mentioned are crucial evidence.

Been there, done that. The appeal process is pretty straightforward but you need to be prepared. They'll schedule a phone hearing where you, your former employer, and a hearing officer will discuss what happened. Make sure you have all your documents organized beforehand.

I actually used a service called Claimyr to help me get through to Washington ESD when I had issues with my appeal. They help you connect with an actual agent who can walk you through the process. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. Way better than trying to call the regular number and getting hung up on.

Make sure you understand exactly why they denied your claim. Was it a separation issue (they think you quit) or something else? The appeal strategy is different depending on the reason for denial. Also, keep filing your weekly claims even while your appeal is pending.

ugh the whole system is so messed up. they denied mine too and it took forever to get it sorted out. the hearing was actually not as bad as i thought though. just be honest and have your paperwork ready

One thing I forgot to mention - during the hearing, they'll ask your employer to explain their side. Be prepared to respond to whatever they say, but don't interrupt. Wait for your turn to speak and then calmly present your evidence.

I won my appeal last year after being initially denied. The key is being organized and having a clear timeline of events. Write down everything that happened leading up to your layoff, including dates and who was involved.

Wait, you said you have to keep filing weekly claims during the appeal? I thought you couldn't file if you were denied?

The Washington ESD appeals process is actually pretty fair if you have good documentation. I've seen people win appeals even when their employer fought it hard. Your layoff email should be strong evidence in your favor.

I tried calling Washington ESD about my appeal but could never get through. Eventually used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got connected to an agent who explained the whole process. Made a huge difference in my case.

Whatever you do, don't miss that appeal deadline! I know someone who missed it by one day and lost their chance completely. Mark it on your calendar and file early.

Just curious - did your employer give you any severance or final paycheck details that might be relevant? Sometimes those details can help prove it was a layoff rather than a quit.

The hearing officer will ask you specific questions about your separation. Be prepared to explain exactly what happened, who told you about the layoff, and when you found out. Practice your answers beforehand.

make sure you get confirmation that they received your appeal. sometimes things get lost in the mail or their system glitches

I went through this exact same situation last year. Company said I quit, but I had email proof of layoff. Won my appeal hands down. The hearing officer was very fair and looked at all the evidence carefully.

One more thing - if you do win your appeal, they'll ask if you want to continue receiving benefits. Make sure you're still meeting all the job search requirements during this whole process.

For what it's worth, I also used Claimyr when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about my appeal questions. The agent helped me understand what documents I needed and how to present my case effectively. Really made the difference.

Don't let them intimidate you during the hearing. You have rights and if you were truly laid off, you deserve those benefits. Stay calm and present your facts clearly.

Question for anyone who's been through this - do you get to see what your employer submitted as their evidence before the hearing?

Just wanted to say good luck with your appeal! It sounds like you have strong evidence and a legitimate case. Don't let this process stress you out too much - most reasonable hearing officers will see through employer BS if you have documentation.