Washington ESD denied my unemployment claim - what reasons can you be denied unemployment?

I have some emails saved but not much else. The harassment was mostly verbal. How do I prove good cause for quitting?

You'll need evidence like emails, witness statements, or documentation you filed complaints with HR. Good cause includes unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to job duties, or discrimination.

Yeah it says something like 'RCW 50.20.050' - not sure what that means exactly.

That's the voluntary quit statute. You definitely should appeal if you had good cause. The appeal deadline is usually 30 days from the denial date.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

That sounds too good to be true. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked for me. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals. Within like 20 minutes I was talking to an ESD rep about my adjudication issue.

wait what's a base period? i thought if you worked you automatically qualify for unemployment

Base period is typically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. Washington ESD uses this to calculate your benefit amount and determine if you worked enough to qualify.

I registered with WorkSource right away so that's not an issue. It's really just the hostile workplace situation.

For hostile workplace, gather any documentation you have - emails, text messages, witness contacts. Even a timeline of incidents can help your appeal case.

that's terrible! did you eventually win your appeal?

YES but it took forever and I almost lost my apartment waiting for the backpay. The whole system needs an overhaul.

What counts as a work search activity? I've been applying online but not sure if I'm doing enough.

Applications, networking contacts, job interviews, attending job fairs, using WorkSource services all count. Keep detailed records in case they audit your job search.

How do they define suitable work? Can they make you take any job?

Generally work is considered suitable if it matches your skills/experience and pays at least 70% of your previous wage. But after several weeks, the standards can be lowered.

I got questioned about this because I could only work certain hours due to my kids' school schedule. Thankfully they accepted my explanation.

Yeah they're pretty strict about availability requirements. You have to be ready to start work immediately when offered suitable employment.

Do you need to be a citizen or just have work authorization?

Just work authorization. Green card holders, work visa holders, etc. can qualify as long as they have valid work authorization.

That gives me hope! What kind of evidence did you present at your hearing?

Email chains, a written complaint I filed with HR, and testimony from a coworker who witnessed the harassment. Document everything you can remember with dates.

What happens if there's an error in their system and they think you committed fraud when you didn't?

you have to appeal and provide documentation to prove the error. it's a pain but usually gets resolved if you have the right paperwork

How much does something like that cost though?

It's worth it when you're facing a denial and running out of time to appeal. Way cheaper than losing your benefits entirely.

What about part-time evening classes? I'm taking some courses to improve my skills.

Part-time is usually okay as long as it doesn't interfere with your availability for work. Just be upfront about your schedule when filing weekly claims.

Good point. I'll make sure to report everything accurately if I win my appeal.

Exactly. Even small amounts of earnings need to be reported on your weekly claims. Better to over-report than under-report.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm definitely going to appeal and try to gather more documentation about the hostile workplace.

Good luck! And seriously consider using Claimyr if you need to talk to Washington ESD about your appeal status. The regular phone lines are basically useless.