Washington ESD claim shows disqualified status - why does my unemployment claim says disqualified

I did work one day last week and reported it on my weekly claim. Made about $180 but I thought that was okay since it was under the limit?

The earnings limit depends on your weekly benefit amount. If your WBA is $200 and you earned $180, that might have triggered the disqualification. You should get a determination letter explaining it.

Oh no, I better double check my job search log. I thought I had all 3 contacts each week but maybe I missed something.

You can appeal a disqualification if it was a mistake. I had to appeal mine when they said I quit my job voluntarily but I was actually laid off.

How much does that cost though? I'm already not getting benefits so I can't afford to pay extra just to make a phone call.

It's worth it when you consider how much money you're losing while your claim is messed up. I got my benefits back after talking to an agent through their service.

What was your disqualification for? Maybe we can help figure out the appeal process.

They said I didn't accept 'suitable work' but the job was 60 miles away and paid less than my previous job. How is that suitable?!

I don't see any determination letter though. Just the status change. Should I wait for a letter or can I call?

Definitely call or try to reach them somehow. Sometimes the letters get delayed in the system. You don't want to miss your appeal deadline.

I've filed every single week though. Never missed one. This is so frustrating.

Could be an identity verification issue too. Sometimes they flag accounts for additional verification and disqualify them pending review.

Where would I see those notices? In my SecureAccess account or would they mail them?

Both usually. Check your correspondence section in the online account and also your mail. Sometimes they send important stuff by regular mail too.

Smart idea! I should start doing that too. Never thought about keeping proof of filing.

Yeah especially screenshot your job search entries. That's where they get most people - claiming you didn't meet the requirements when you did.

How long did the hearing take? I can't afford to wait months without benefits.

About 6 weeks from appeal to hearing. But I got backpay for all the weeks I missed once I won. Make sure you keep filing weekly claims even while disqualified.

Really? I thought there was no point in filing if I'm disqualified.

No, definitely keep filing. It's called 'continued claim filing' and it protects your benefits for the appeal period.

Did they actually help you get the disqualification overturned or just explain what happened?

The agent was able to see exactly why I was disqualified and helped me understand what documents I needed for my appeal. Saved me weeks of confusion.

Where do I find that information? Is it in my SecureAccess account somewhere?

Yes, look for the 'monetary determination' or 'base year wages' section. It should show your employer and separation reason.

How did you finally get through? I've been trying to call for days.

Honestly ended up using one of those callback services. Can't remember the name but it was worth it to not spend all day on hold.

It definitely says 'disqualified' on my account. What would I have done wrong though?

Could be anything - unreported income, missed job search requirements, availability issues, or even an employer dispute you don't know about yet.

Good advice. I'm going to screenshot everything right now before it changes again.

Also print out your monetary determination and any determination letters. Paper copies are important for hearings.

Right? And then when you try to call them to ask what happened, you can't get through to anyone.

That's why services like Claimyr exist - because the regular phone system is impossible to use. Sometimes you have to work around their broken system.

Will do! Going to try calling tomorrow morning and see if I can get through to someone.

Good luck! Call right at 8 AM when they open - that's usually the best time to get through.

I haven't moved though. Still in the same city, same address. This is so confusing.

Could be a dozen different things then. Really need to talk to an agent to find out the specific reason for your disqualification.

Thanks for the encouragement. I definitely can't afford to just give up on this.

Exactly! The appeals process exists for a reason. If you were following all the rules, you shouldn't be disqualified.

That's a good point. I did report that one day of work for the first time. Maybe that's what triggered it.

Probably! When you report earnings for the first time, it often triggers an automatic review of your claim. Should be fixable once you talk to someone.