How do you not qualify for unemployment in Washington - need to understand the rules

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My friend had issues with their supervisor but I'm not sure if that would qualify.

Good cause includes things like harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties or pay, or domestic violence situations. Personality conflicts alone usually don't qualify, but documented harassment might.

How many job searches do you have to do each week in Washington?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but it can vary based on your situation. You need to keep detailed records in your job search log.

That's really specific! How do you even figure out what your base period is?

When you file your claim, Washington ESD automatically calculates it for you. They'll show you exactly which quarters they're using and how much you earned during that time.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication.

Yeah, it's real. They basically handle the calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold forever. Saved me hours of frustration.

That makes sense. Are there any other technical reasons people get denied?

Yeah, if you're receiving certain other benefits like workers' compensation, it can affect your UI eligibility. Also if you're enrolled in school full-time, that can be an issue unless you meet specific exceptions.

That's exactly why the appeal process exists. Washington ESD sometimes makes initial determinations based on limited information, but you can present your full case during the appeal.

Yeah, I eventually won my appeal but it was stressful not knowing if I'd get benefits while waiting for the hearing.

What if you're waiting to start a new job? Does that count as available?

If you have a definite start date within a few weeks, you might still qualify. But if it's months away or uncertain, Washington ESD might consider you not available for other work.

My friend isn't military but good to know. Are there other special categories?

Athletes, school employees, and people who work for religious organizations sometimes have different eligibility rules or timing restrictions.

This is huge. They verify employment history, wages, and reason for separation with employers. Better to be honest upfront than face fraud charges later.

exactly! I know someone who got in serious trouble for not reporting part-time work while claiming benefits

That seems unfair if you're genuinely not working during the off-season.

It depends on the specific situation and whether there's a reasonable expectation of returning to the same employer. Each case gets reviewed individually.

That's frustrating but makes sense from their perspective. They want to see you're making real efforts to find employment.

Right, it's not enough to just want a job. You have to be actively pursuing opportunities and able to accept suitable work if offered.

How quickly were you able to get through to someone?

Way faster than trying to call myself. They handle all the waiting and calling back until they get you connected with an actual person.

Even small amounts of freelance work?

Yes, any income needs to be reported when you file your weekly claims. It might reduce your benefits but hiding it could disqualify you entirely.

That seems harsh for people who can't afford a car.

It depends on your local area and available public transportation. In Seattle, not having a car is less of an issue than in rural areas.

How do they determine if someone is able to work?

They might require medical documentation. If you can't work at all, you'd probably need to apply for disability benefits instead of unemployment.

What percentage of previous wages counts as suitable?

It varies based on how long you've been unemployed, but generally starts around 80% of your previous wage and gradually decreases over time.

My friend might be in this situation. How long is 'soon' for standby?

Usually within 4-6 weeks. If it goes longer than that, you might be able to switch to regular unemployment benefits.

Is that even legal for them to ask about?

Washington ESD can ask about the circumstances of your job separation, including if drugs or alcohol were involved. It's part of determining if you were fired for misconduct.

That's good advice. I was thinking they shouldn't even try if they weren't sure.

Exactly. Let Washington ESD make the determination rather than self-eliminating. You can always appeal if you disagree with their decision.

Good to know there's a way to actually reach someone. The phone system is impossible.

Yeah, saved me so much stress. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to understand what's going on with your claim.