How to write an unemployment letter for Washington ESD - need help with appeal

Thanks! Should I mention that I tried to find coverage for that shift but couldn't reach anyone?

Absolutely - that shows you made a good faith effort to be responsible. Include any text messages or emails that prove you tried to find coverage.

Did you win your appeal? I'm so stressed about this whole process.

yes but it took like 3 months total. definitely worth fighting though

How much does that cost though? I'm already broke from being unemployed.

It's worth checking out their site for the details, but honestly getting through to ESD to ask questions about your appeal is priceless when you're facing a disqualification.

I might try this - I've been calling ESD for days and keep getting disconnected or put on hold forever.

Good point about the personnel file. Can I request that even after I've been fired?

Yes, in Washington state you have the right to request and receive copies of your personnel file. There might be a small copying fee but it's usually worth it.

I feel this so hard. It's like they want us to just give up and not collect benefits we earned.

While the process can be frustrating, many appeals are successful when people provide clear documentation and follow the proper procedures. Don't let the complexity discourage you from exercising your rights.

Definitely customize it to your specific situation. Generic templates are obvious and don't tell your unique story effectively.

yeah make it personal but keep it professional. tell YOUR story with YOUR facts and dates

Oh wow I didn't think about that. How long do I have to submit the appeal?

Usually 30 days from the date on your disqualification notice. Check the notice carefully for the exact deadline.

And that 30 days is from the ISSUE date on the notice, not when you received it. Very important distinction.

Your testimony is still evidence. Write down everything you remember with as much detail as possible - dates, times, witnesses present, exact conversations. The hearing officer will consider credibility of all parties.

That makes me feel a little better. I was worried without paperwork I had no chance.

Did they help you prepare for the actual hearing too or just with contacting ESD?

They help you get connected to the right ESD departments and agents who can answer your specific questions about procedures and requirements.

Constructive dismissal cases can be won but you need to document the pattern of hour cuts and show it was unreasonable. Include pay stubs showing the decline and any communications about the schedule changes.

I kept all my pay stubs luckily. Should I include copies with my appeal letter?

Yes, definitely include copies of relevant pay stubs that show the pattern. Number them and reference them in your letter like 'as shown in Exhibit A'.

Good point. They specifically said I was fired for misconduct so I need to prove it was really just a scheduling conflict and attendance issues due to childcare.

exactly. and show you tried to work with them on solutions before it got to termination

Yes, you can typically submit additional evidence up until the hearing, but it's better to include everything you have with your initial appeal when possible. Check with ESD about their specific deadlines for submitting evidence.

Thanks, I'm waiting on some documents from my old employer and wasn't sure if I should wait to send everything together.

Don't wait too long - appeal deadlines are strict. Better to submit something than miss the deadline entirely.

Yeah I'm going to start writing mine tonight. Thanks everyone for all the advice!

Is that the same thing as those paid unemployment help services? I've been getting spam calls about those.

no this is different, it just helps you get through to actual ESD agents instead of getting stuck in phone hell. check out their video demo to see how it works

Should I mention that I was a good employee overall with positive reviews before these attendance issues?

Absolutely - include any positive performance reviews or commendations to show the attendance issues were isolated incidents, not a pattern of poor performance or bad attitude.

If your appeal is successful, you should receive back payment for all the weeks between your initial claim and the favorable decision, assuming you were otherwise eligible and continued filing weekly claims.

Good to know. I've been filing my weekly claims even though I'm not getting paid just in case.

That's exactly what you should do. Keep filing those weekly claims throughout the appeal process.

mine took about 12 weeks total but I've heard it can vary a lot depending on how backed up they are

Yeah timing varies but expect at least 2-3 months from appeal to hearing to decision. Sometimes longer if there are delays or if you need to appeal to the next level.

You can absolutely represent yourself. Many people do and are successful. However, if the case is complex or involves significant amounts of money, consulting with an employment attorney might be worth considering.

Thanks, I was worried I'd need to hire someone I can't afford.

Same here! I feel so much more confident about writing my appeal letter now.

Glad we could help. Good luck with your appeals everyone - remember to stay factual, be thorough, and don't give up on benefits you're entitled to receive.

I'm definitely going to look into this. I've wasted so many hours on hold and getting transferred to the wrong departments.

Same, going to check out that demo video tonight. Thanks for sharing this resource!