Washington ESD denied my claim - reasons why you can't get unemployment benefits explained

Thanks for breaking that down. I was warned about the tardiness but it was because of my bus route changing. Does that make a difference for the misconduct determination?

It might! If you can show the tardiness was due to circumstances beyond your control and you tried to resolve it, that could help your appeal case.

How long did your appeal take? I'm worried about paying bills while waiting for a decision.

Mine took about 6 weeks from filing the appeal to getting the hearing decision. If you win, they'll pay you retroactively for the waiting period.

How much does that cost? I'm already broke from not getting benefits.

They focus on just getting you connected rather than charging a ton. Way less frustrating than trying to call on your own.

That actually sounds helpful. I've wasted so many hours trying to get through to ESD.

What counts as 'suitable work'? I got offered a job paying way less than my previous salary.

After the first few weeks, you generally have to accept work paying at least 70% of your previous wage or the minimum wage, whichever is higher.

I quit because my boss was verbally abusive but didn't document anything. Am I screwed?

Not necessarily. Witness statements, emails, or even your own written record of incidents can help. The key is showing a pattern of behavior.

What if you just started working recently? My previous job was part-time and I don't think I made enough.

You might qualify using an alternate base period that includes more recent earnings. Worth asking ESD about when you call.

The 'able and available' requirement means you have to be ready to accept suitable work immediately. Limited transportation can be an issue if it restricts your job search area significantly.

That seems unfair for people without cars. Public transit can get you most places in the metro area.

Standby is for temporary layoffs where you expect to return to the same employer. Regular UI is for permanent job loss. The application should ask about your employment situation to determine which type you need.

My employer wasn't clear about whether the layoff was temporary or permanent. I guess I should have asked more questions.

What kind of details do they want? I've been applying online but just writing down company names.

They want date, employer name, position applied for, method of contact, and results. Online applications count but you need to be thorough with documentation.

I'm stuck in identity verification hell right now. Sent them my documents three times and they keep asking for more.

That's exactly when services like Claimyr become really valuable. Getting an actual person on the phone can resolve those document issues much faster than waiting for the mail system.

I have an old misdemeanor conviction. Will that automatically disqualify me?

Not automatically, but it might limit your job search options which could affect the 'able and available' requirement. Depends on the type of conviction and jobs you're seeking.

What about online classes or night school? I'm only taking two evening classes.

Evening or weekend classes usually don't disqualify you as long as they don't interfere with your availability for work during normal business hours.

I'm 58 and getting nowhere with job applications. How do I prove I'm really trying when no one will hire me?

Document everything - every application, every rejection, every response. Show you're applying to a wide range of appropriate positions, not just senior-level roles.

I did some freelance work and reported it but they took away my whole week's benefits. Seems unfair when it was only $200.

There's a formula they use. Generally you can earn up to about $200-300 per week before it affects your benefits, but it depends on your weekly benefit amount.

I have a work visa but Washington ESD is questioning my eligibility. Is this normal?

Yes, they have to verify work authorization for all non-citizens. Make sure you have all your immigration documents readily available.

How do you prepare for an appeal hearing? I'm nervous about presenting my case.

Gather all documentation, write out your timeline of events, and practice explaining your side clearly and calmly. The hearing officer wants to understand what really happened.

I feel your frustration! The bureaucracy is insane. Have you tried going through your state representative's office? Sometimes they can help cut through the red tape.

Didn't think of that! Worth a try at this point.

Really? I stopped filing because I figured there was no point if I was denied.

Big mistake! You might have lost weeks of potential benefits. Check with ESD about whether you can still file for those missed weeks.

I have chronic pain but can still work most jobs. How do I prove I'm able and available?

Focus on what you CAN do rather than limitations. If you can perform most jobs in your field with reasonable accommodations, that should qualify you.

Thanks everyone for all this information. I'm definitely going to appeal my misconduct determination and gather evidence about my transportation issues.

Good luck! And seriously consider using Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at ESD during your appeal process. Having an actual conversation can make a huge difference in getting things resolved.