How to appeal disqualification of unemployment benefits - Washington ESD process help needed

Yes, you can definitely appeal this! First thing - don't panic, you have 30 days from the date on the notice. You'll need to submit an appeal through your SecureAccess Washington account or mail it to the address on the disqualification letter. Gather your termination letter, any emails about the layoff, and witness contact info if coworkers can verify what happened.

same thing happened to me last year, took forever to get through to someone at Washington ESD to explain the appeal process

I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had my appeal. Couldn't get through the regular way - kept getting disconnected after waiting hours. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

The appeal process is straightforward but you need to be thorough with your documentation. Include everything - your termination letter, any HR communications, company announcements about layoffs, etc. The more evidence you have that contradicts their voluntary quit determination, the better. Also write a detailed statement explaining exactly what happened and why their decision is wrong.

UGH the same thing happened to my sister!!! She was CLEARLY laid off but Washington ESD said she quit. The whole system is broken. She had to fight for months to get her benefits. It's ridiculous that they make people prove they didn't quit when they have the termination paperwork right there!!!

When you submit your appeal, make sure to request all the documents Washington ESD used to make their disqualification decision. Sometimes employers provide incorrect information or there are miscommunications. You have the right to see exactly what evidence they based their decision on.

been there, the appeal hearing was actually not that bad once I got to it. The judge was fair and listened to my side of the story. Just make sure you have all your paperwork organized and can clearly explain what happened

make sure you submit everything before the 30 day deadline. I almost missed mine because I kept putting it off thinking I had more time

Another tip - if you do end up needing to call Washington ESD about your appeal status or have questions, Claimyr can really help you get through faster. I probably saved 20+ hours of sitting on hold during my whole appeal process.

One more important thing - if your employer contests your appeal, be prepared to respond to their arguments. Sometimes they'll claim you were fired for misconduct or provide a different version of events. Stay factual and stick to your documentation.

honestly this whole process shouldn't be this complicated. if you have a termination letter saying layoff, that should be the end of it

Update: I submitted my appeal online through SecureAccess Washington and included my termination letter, the company's layoff announcement email, and a detailed statement. Now I wait. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice!

This thread is super helpful. I'm dealing with something similar where Washington ESD says I was fired for attendance but I have medical documentation for all my absences. Going to use this same approach.

just want to add that the appeals process actually works if you have good evidence. I was initially denied for 'job abandonment' but won my appeal because I could prove I gave proper notice and my employer accepted my resignation

For anyone reading this thread later - make sure to save copies of everything you submit for your appeal. I lost some documentation and had to track it down again when my case went to hearing.

Final thought on the Claimyr thing - I know some people are skeptical but when you're dealing with an appeal timeline and need to check on status or ask questions, being able to actually reach someone at Washington ESD is huge. The regular phone lines are just impossible.

This whole thread gives me hope. I was starting to think I'd never get my benefits after getting that disqualification notice. Going to gather my documents and submit my appeal this week.

Quick question - if I win my appeal, do I get paid for all the weeks I was filing claims during the appeal process?

been following this thread and wanted to share that I just got notification that my appeal was approved! Similar situation to OP - was laid off but initially disqualified for 'voluntary quit'. The termination letter and company layoff announcement were enough evidence.

This thread convinced me to appeal my disqualification instead of just accepting it. Submitted everything yesterday and feeling optimistic. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences!

I went through this exact same situation two years ago and it's so frustrating! The key thing that helped me win was getting a letter from HR confirming the layoff was due to company restructuring, not performance issues. If you still have contacts at your old company, see if HR can provide an official statement about the layoffs. Also, keep detailed records of every interaction with ESD - dates, times, who you spoke with. The appeal process worked for me but it took about 8 weeks total. Stay persistent and don't let them discourage you from fighting this!