How can you be denied unemployment benefits in Washington - got disqualified and confused

There are several reasons Washington ESD can deny unemployment benefits. The most common are: voluntary quit without good cause, termination for misconduct, not being able and available for work, not meeting the work search requirements, or insufficient earnings during your base period. Since you mentioned being laid off due to store closure, that shouldn't be a misconduct issue. Did you have any disciplinary actions before the layoff?

Washington ESD is notorious for denying claims for weird reasons. I got denied initially because they said I quit my job voluntarily, even though I was clearly laid off. Had to appeal and wait 8 weeks to get it sorted out. The system is broken.

I had trouble reaching anyone at Washington ESD when I got denied last year. Kept calling the main number but could never get through. Then I found out about claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you actually connect with Washington ESD agents. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made all the difference for me.

Common denial reasons include: failing the work search requirement (you need to make 3 job contacts per week), not registering with WorkSource within 4 weeks of filing, being unavailable for work due to illness or childcare issues, or having earnings that exceed your weekly benefit amount. Also if you turned down suitable work offers.

wait so you can get denied just for not doing paperwork right?? that seems harsh

I got denied because I was taking care of my sick mother and Washington ESD said I wasn't 'available for work.' Even though I was ready to work if I got hired, they said having caretaking responsibilities made me unavailable. It's really strict.

Washington ESD will find ANY excuse to deny your claim. They denied my friend because he took a one-day temp job and didn't report it properly on his weekly claim. ONE DAY of work and they disqualified him for fraud!

So looking at my denial letter again, it says 'failure to meet work search requirements during week ending X.' I think that's my issue. I was looking for jobs but didn't know about the WorkSource documentation requirement.

I think a lot of denials happen because people don't understand all the requirements upfront. Like you HAVE to be registered for work with WorkSource, you HAVE to document job searches, you HAVE to report any work or income... it's a lot to keep track of.

Another reason for denial is if you don't respond to requests for information within the timeframe they give you. Washington ESD sends fact-finding questionnaires and if you don't respond within 10 days, automatic denial.

this is all so confusing... how is anyone supposed to know all these rules

Got denied once because I was going to school part-time. They said I wasn't available for full-time work. Had to prove that my classes were online and flexible before they approved my claim.

For what it's worth, I used Claimyr again recently when I had questions about my weekly claim reporting. Super easy to use and they got me connected to an agent who cleared everything up. Way better than trying to navigate the phone system yourself.

Quick question - can you get denied if you were fired for attendance issues? Asking for a friend who's worried about applying.

Update: I found my WorkSource login and sure enough, my job search log is completely empty. That's definitely why I got denied. Going to start documenting everything and file an appeal.

The whole system seems designed to deny as many people as possible. Like they're hoping you'll just give up and not appeal.

I got denied because my base period earnings were just under the minimum threshold. Turns out I needed to work just two more weeks at my previous job to qualify. So frustrating!

The appeal process isn't as scary as it sounds. You can do it online and you don't need a lawyer for most cases. Just gather your documentation and explain your situation clearly.

been there with the job search thing. now i keep a spreadsheet with every application, phone call, everything. pain in the butt but better than getting denied

Final thoughts: most denials are for job search issues, not being available for work, or procedural problems. The good news is many of these can be successfully appealed if you have documentation and can explain your situation. Don't give up after the initial denial.

I went through something similar last year and it's really frustrating when you think you should qualify but get denied. From what I've learned, Washington ESD has gotten much stricter about enforcing all the requirements. The job search documentation requirement trips up a lot of people - you literally have to log every single application, phone call, or contact you make in your WorkSource account. Even if you're actively looking for work, if it's not properly documented in their system, they'll deny you. The appeal process does work though - I know several people who got their denials overturned once they could show they were genuinely looking for work. Make sure to file that appeal within 30 days and start documenting everything from now on. Good luck!