How to write a letter to Washington ESD unemployment appeal board - need help with format

Thanks! Do I need to include copies of documents or just reference them in the letter?

Include copies of any relevant documents. Don't send originals - always keep those for yourself. Things like pay stubs, termination letters, or medical records if applicable.

They said I voluntarily quit but I was actually laid off due to company downsizing. I have the layoff notice from my employer.

That's a strong case for appeal. Make sure to clearly state in your letter that you were laid off, not quit voluntarily. Include the layoff notice as evidence.

I recently discovered claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. It saved me hours of calling and getting disconnected.

Is that legitimate? I'm hesitant to use third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah it's real - they just help you navigate the phone system to reach an actual person. Really helpful when you need to clarify appeal procedures or deadlines.

This is exactly what I needed! Should I send it certified mail or regular mail to make sure they receive it?

Certified mail is always a good idea for important documents like appeals. That way you have proof of delivery and the date they received it.

You can also fax it or submit online through your SecureAccess Washington account if you want confirmation it was received.

Work search appeals are tricky. You need to show documentation of all your job search activities - applications, interviews, networking contacts, etc.

yeah i have some of that stuff saved but not everything... wish i knew to keep better records

Good advice. I was definitely feeling frustrated and wanted to vent in the letter but I'll keep it professional.

Exactly. Save the venting for forums like this - the appeal board just wants facts and evidence.

Oh wow, that's an important distinction. Thanks for pointing that out!

Yeah the dates are super important. If you miss the deadline, you're basically out of luck unless you have a really good reason for the delay.

3 months?! That's a long time to wait. Did you continue filing weekly claims during that time?

Yes, you should keep filing weekly claims even while the appeal is pending. If you win, you'll get back pay for those weeks.

This is correct - always continue filing weekly claims. If you stop filing and then win your appeal, you won't get benefits for the weeks you didn't file.

Yes, you can have legal representation at unemployment hearings. However, most people represent themselves successfully if they have their facts and documentation organized.

That's reassuring. I'll see how the written appeal goes first before deciding about a lawyer.

That's way too long. You might want to try using claimyr.com to get through to someone who can check on the status of your appeal. Sometimes things get lost in the system.

thanks ill try that, nothing else has worked so far

Good reminder. I'll make sure to keep copies of everything for my records.

Also keep the certified mail receipt if you send it that way. That's proof of when and where you sent it.

That's a great point. I do have a coworker who was also laid off in the same downsizing. Should I ask them to write a statement?

Definitely! A written statement from your coworker confirming the layoff would be very helpful. Have them include their contact info in case the hearing officer wants to verify.

Thanks for all these practical tips! This is exactly what I needed to know.

This thread has been super helpful. I'm in a similar situation and now I feel more confident about writing my appeal letter.

Good to know there are multiple levels of appeal. Hopefully I won't need to go that far but it's reassuring to know the option exists.

The Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals is a separate process with different rules and timelines. If you get to that point, you might want to consider getting legal help.

I totally understand the frustration. The system isn't perfect but hang in there - many appeals are successful if you have the facts on your side.

Thanks for the encouragement. It helps to know other people have gone through this and come out okay.

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I feel much more prepared to write this letter now. I'll keep it factual, include the layoff notice, and send it certified mail.

Good luck with your appeal! Sounds like you have a strong case. Let us know how it goes.