How to get 100% rating for unemployment ability with Washington ESD - documentation tips?
I'm trying to figure out how to properly document my ability and availability for work to get a 100% rating with Washington ESD. My weekly claims keep getting flagged and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. I've been available for full-time work but maybe I'm not explaining it right in my job search activities? Has anyone successfully maintained a perfect ability rating throughout their claim? What specific documentation did Washington ESD want to see?
61 comments
Join the conversation
Keisha Thompson
The key is being super specific in your weekly claim responses. When they ask if you're able and available, make sure you're truly available for full-time work during normal business hours. Document every job search activity with employer names, dates, and contact methods.
0 coins
TechNinja
•Thanks! Should I be listing every single application even if it's through online job boards?
0 coins
Keisha Thompson
•Yes, list everything. Include the job board name, position title, and date you applied. Washington ESD wants to see consistent effort.
0 coins
Paolo Bianchi
I had issues with this too until I started using a detailed job search log. Make sure you're meeting the minimum work search requirements each week and can prove it if they audit you.
0 coins
TechNinja
•How many job contacts per week are required? I thought it was 3 but someone told me it changed.
0 coins
Paolo Bianchi
•It's typically 3 per week but can vary based on your situation. Check your eligibility requirements in your Washington ESD account.
0 coins
Yara Assad
If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to clarify these requirements, I recently discovered Claimyr.com - they helped me get through to an actual agent who explained exactly what documentation I needed. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.
0 coins
Olivia Clark
•Is that service legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD but worried about scams.
0 coins
Yara Assad
•Yeah it's legitimate. They just help you get through the phone queue - you still talk directly to Washington ESD agents. Really helped when I was stuck in adjudication.
0 coins
TechNinja
•That might be worth trying. I've been calling for weeks with no luck getting through.
0 coins
Javier Morales
Make sure you're not limiting your job search to just one type of work or specific hours. Washington ESD expects you to be flexible and available for suitable work opportunities.
0 coins
TechNinja
•What counts as 'suitable work'? I have 15 years experience in IT but there aren't many openings right now.
0 coins
Javier Morales
•Generally work that matches your skills and pays at least 80% of your previous wage, but after a few months they expect more flexibility.
0 coins
Natasha Petrov
ugh this system is so confusing. i've been doing everything right but still got a letter saying i might owe money back. makes no sense
0 coins
Keisha Thompson
•That sounds like an overpayment notice. Did you report all your work and wages correctly on your weekly claims?
0 coins
Natasha Petrov
•yeah i reported everything. probably just washington esd being washington esd
0 coins
TechNinja
Update: I called using that Claimyr service and finally got through! The agent explained that I need to be more specific about being available during standard business hours and document any limitations clearly.
0 coins
Yara Assad
•Glad it worked for you! What did they say about the job search documentation?
0 coins
TechNinja
•They said I need to keep detailed records for at least 3 years in case of an audit. Also mentioned that quality of applications matters, not just quantity.
0 coins
Connor O'Brien
I maintain a spreadsheet with every job application including company name, position, date applied, how I applied, and any follow-up. Haven't had any issues with my ability rating.
0 coins
TechNinja
•That's a great idea. Do you include networking activities or just formal applications?
0 coins
Connor O'Brien
•I include networking events, informational interviews, and even LinkedIn outreach. Washington ESD accepts various types of work search activities.
0 coins
Olivia Clark
been unemployed 8 months and this stuff still confuses me. every time i think i understand the rules something changes
0 coins
Keisha Thompson
•The rules haven't changed much recently, but they can be complex. What specific part is confusing you?
0 coins
Olivia Clark
•mainly the work search requirements. sometimes it seems like 3 contacts isn't enough but other times it is?
0 coins
Amina Diallo
Pro tip: always answer 'yes' to able and available unless you have a specific documented reason you can't work (like illness with doctor's note). Being too honest about minor limitations can cause problems.
0 coins
Javier Morales
•Be careful with this advice. You should always be truthful on your weekly claims. False statements can result in penalties.
0 coins
Amina Diallo
•I'm not saying lie, just don't overthink minor things that don't actually prevent you from working.
0 coins
Paolo Bianchi
The 100% rating usually means you're meeting all requirements consistently. If you're getting flagged, there might be something specific in your responses triggering a review.
0 coins
TechNinja
•How do I find out what's triggering the flags? My account doesn't show any specific issues.
0 coins
Paolo Bianchi
•You'd need to talk to an agent to get specifics. That's where services like Claimyr come in handy since getting through normally is nearly impossible.
0 coins
GamerGirl99
Make sure you're filing your weekly claims on time every week. Even being a day late can affect your rating and cause processing delays.
0 coins
TechNinja
•I always file on Sunday mornings. Is there a best time of day to submit?
0 coins
GamerGirl99
•Timing during the day doesn't matter much, but consistency helps. Sunday mornings work great since that's when most people have time.
0 coins
Hiroshi Nakamura
if ur getting flagged a lot it might be worth appealing. i had to go through the appeal process last year and it was actually pretty straightforward
0 coins
TechNinja
•How long did the appeal process take? I'm worried about losing benefits while it's pending.
0 coins
Hiroshi Nakamura
•took about 6 weeks but i kept getting benefits while it was processing. just had to keep filing weekly claims
0 coins
Keisha Thompson
Remember that Washington ESD looks at your overall pattern, not just individual weeks. Consistency in your job search efforts and claim responses is key to maintaining that 100% rating.
0 coins
TechNinja
•That makes sense. I'll focus on being more consistent with my documentation and responses.
0 coins
Keisha Thompson
•Exactly. Treat it like a part-time job - dedicate specific time each week to job searching and record keeping.
0 coins
Isabella Costa
Also make sure your contact information is always current in your Washington ESD account. I missed some important communications because my phone number was outdated.
0 coins
TechNinja
•Good point! I should double-check all my contact info is up to date.
0 coins
Isabella Costa
•Yeah, and sign up for text notifications if you haven't already. Much easier than constantly checking your account.
0 coins
Malik Jenkins
I've been maintaining perfect ratings for 6 months now. The key is understanding that 'able and available' means you can start work immediately if offered a suitable job. No restrictions on hours, location within reason, or start date.
0 coins
TechNinja
•What if I can't work weekends due to childcare? Does that count as a restriction?
0 coins
Malik Jenkins
•You should report that limitation honestly. Washington ESD understands reasonable childcare constraints, but document it properly.
0 coins
Freya Andersen
this whole thread is super helpful. i was about to give up on unemployment but maybe i can figure this out after all
0 coins
Keisha Thompson
•Don't give up! The system is complicated but once you understand the expectations it gets much easier.
0 coins
Freya Andersen
•thanks for the encouragement. going to try the claimyr thing to talk to someone directly
0 coins
TechNinja
Final update: I spoke with Washington ESD again and got my rating issues resolved. Key takeaways: be specific about availability, keep detailed job search records, and don't hesitate to reach out for clarification when needed. Thanks everyone for the help!
0 coins
Yara Assad
•Glad it worked out! Having that direct contact with an agent makes all the difference.
0 coins
Keisha Thompson
•Great to hear! Your experience will definitely help other people facing similar issues.
0 coins
Eduardo Silva
saved this whole thread for reference. seems like talking to an actual person is the only way to get real answers from washington esd
0 coins
TechNinja
•Absolutely. The online resources are limited compared to what an agent can explain directly.
0 coins
Eduardo Silva
•exactly. wish they made it easier to reach someone without needing a special service
0 coins
Leila Haddad
For anyone still struggling with this, remember that Washington ESD's job search requirements can be found in your eligibility interview notes. Review those periodically to make sure you're still meeting all conditions.
0 coins
TechNinja
•Where do I find those notes in my account? I don't remember seeing them.
0 coins
Leila Haddad
•They should be under your eligibility determination documents. If you can't find them, that's another good reason to call and ask for clarification.
0 coins
Emma Johnson
just want to say thanks to everyone who shared advice here. this community is way more helpful than the official washington esd website
0 coins
Keisha Thompson
•That's what these forums are for - helping each other navigate these complicated systems.
0 coins
TechNinja
•Agreed! Real experiences from real people are invaluable.
0 coins