Washington ESD disqualification reasons - what disqualifies you from unemployment benefits?

What exactly counts as 'misconduct' though? Is it just like stealing or can it be other things too?

Misconduct includes things like violation of company policy, insubordination, excessive tardiness/absences, dishonesty, or any willful act that harms the employer's interests. It has to be more than just poor performance though.

Wait, is it really 3 per week? I thought it was more than that...

It's 3 for most people, but some folks might have different requirements based on their situation. You can check your specific requirements in your eServices account.

What exactly counts as 'misconduct' for getting fired? Is being late a few times enough to disqualify you?

It has to be willful misconduct that's work-related. Occasional tardiness usually isn't enough unless it was chronic and you were warned. Things like theft, violence, insubordination, or repeated policy violations after warnings typically qualify as misconduct.

This happened to my cousin! She did some freelance work and forgot to report it. Now she owes back like $2000 and is disqualified.

Exactly - and those overpayments can really add up fast with penalties and interest. Washington ESD takes unreported earnings very seriously.

How long did the appeal take? That sounds really stressful.

About 6 weeks total. The hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD to discuss my case. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

What about if you're getting Social Security? Does that disqualify you?

Social Security retirement benefits can reduce your UI benefits, but they don't automatically disqualify you. It depends on your age and the amount you're receiving.

Harassment can definitely be good cause for quitting! You'll want to document everything - emails, witness statements, any HR complaints you filed. The key is showing you tried to resolve it before quitting.

i have some texts and emails saved. do you think thats enough? i never went to HR because it WAS the HR person harassing me

That's actually a really strong case for good cause! Keep all that documentation. When HR is the problem, you're not expected to report to them first.

Wait, do online applications count as job search contacts? I've been applying to everything on Indeed but not sure if I'm documenting it right.

Online applications definitely count as long as you log them properly in WorkSourceWA with the employer name, position, date, and method of contact. Just make sure you're applying to jobs you're actually qualified for.

How strict are they about reporting? Like if you forgot to report $20 from a side gig?

They're pretty strict. Any work or wages need to be reported, regardless of amount. Better to report everything and let them calculate the reduction than to risk a fraud determination.

So if my car breaks down and I can't get to work, that could disqualify me?

Potentially yes, especially if it prevents you from accepting suitable work offers. You need to be genuinely available for full-time work to qualify for UI benefits.

Is that permanent or just while you're dealing with the legal stuff?

Usually just during incarceration or while the work-related case is active. Once that's resolved, you might be able to reapply depending on the circumstances.

What's a base period? I keep seeing that term but don't understand it.

The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January-December 2024.

How did you get that fixed? Did you have to appeal?

Yeah, I had to file an appeal and provide documentation. It was worth it though - I got all my benefits backdated once they had the full picture.

The suitable work rules are based on how long you've been unemployed. After a certain period, they expect you to accept jobs that pay less than your previous wage. It's frustrating but that's how the system works.

Yeah I learned that the hard way. Now I know to be really careful about any job referrals from WorkSource.

How does that work exactly? Do they actually get you through to Washington ESD faster?

Yeah, they handle all the calling and waiting for you. When they get an agent on the line, they connect you. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

What kind of proof do they want for unsafe working conditions? I quit my last job because my boss wouldn't fix safety issues but I'm worried about being disqualified.

Documentation is key - photos, emails, complaints to supervisors, OSHA reports if you filed any. The more evidence you have, the better your chances of proving good cause for quitting.

Do you know what the specific requirements are for non-citizens?

It varies by immigration status, but generally you need valid work authorization. Green card holders usually qualify, but it gets more complicated with other visa types.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to ESD agents. Saved me so much time and frustration trying to reach someone about my claim status.

Really? How does that work? I'm desperate at this point.

You just go to claimyr.com and they handle the calling for you. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I didn't know that! Is there a specific age where this kicks in?

It's complicated and depends on your Social Security status. If you're under full retirement age and receiving SS benefits, there are annual earnings limits that could impact both your SS and UI benefits.

I think veterans usually have some special provisions, but you're right that discharge type probably matters.

Yeah, there's definitely special rules for military service. Probably worth checking with ESD directly if you're a veteran with questions about eligibility.

What about if you're going to school part-time? Does that affect your availability?

Part-time school is usually okay as long as it doesn't interfere with your ability to work full-time. But full-time school will typically disqualify you unless you're in an approved training program.

What about part-time students? I'm thinking about taking some classes while I look for work.

Part-time students usually can still qualify as long as school doesn't interfere with your availability for work. The key is being able to accept full-time work if offered.

How do they define suitable? Like does it have to be the same type of job you had before?

Not necessarily the same type, but it should match your skills and experience reasonably. They also consider things like commute distance, hours, and pay compared to local standards for similar work.

That's really good to know! I would have assumed you should stop filing if there was a problem.

Nope, keep filing! The worst that happens is they don't pay you for those weeks, but if you stop filing you definitely won't get paid for them even if your disqualification gets overturned.

Yes, you report ALL income earned during the week you're claiming, regardless of when you get paid. So if you DoorDash on Tuesday, you report those earnings on that week's claim even if the payment doesn't hit your account until Friday.

Ugh that's going to be a nightmare to track. I guess I better start keeping better records.

Filing late occasionally shouldn't disqualify you, but it can delay your payments. However, if you miss filing a weekly claim entirely, you might lose that week's benefits permanently depending on the circumstances.

I missed a whole week once because I was sick and forgot. Washington ESD said too bad, no benefits for that week. Pretty harsh if you ask me.

Being fired during probation usually doesn't count as misconduct unless they can prove you did something wrong. 'Not a good fit' or performance issues typically qualify you for benefits as long as you were trying to do the job properly.

That's a relief! I was worried I wouldn't qualify since it was so early in the job.

Right, if you're receiving workers compensation benefits, you're considered unable to work, which disqualifies you from UI benefits. You have to choose one or the other.

That seems unfair since workers comp pays way less than unemployment usually.

I hear you on the frustration. The rules are complicated and they don't make it easy to understand what you need to do. Having a way to actually reach an agent when you have questions definitely helps.

Exactly! I used Claimyr twice when I had questions about my work search requirements and it saved me from potentially getting disqualified for doing something wrong.

What about medical marijuana though? If you have a prescription but your employer has a zero tolerance policy?

That's a tricky area. Even with medical marijuana being legal, many employers can still fire you for testing positive, and Washington ESD might still consider it misconduct depending on your job duties.

Good point. Better to be upfront about everything from the start rather than risk getting caught in a lie later.

Absolutely. The penalties for fraud are way worse than just being disqualified for a legitimate reason.

How long do you have to file an appeal if you get disqualified?

You have 30 days from the date of the disqualification notice to file your appeal. Don't wait - start gathering your documentation immediately if you think the decision was wrong.

Wait, they can require drug testing for unemployment? I've never heard of that.

It's not common, but in certain industries or if you're referred to specific jobs through WorkSource, drug testing might be required. Refusing when it's a legitimate job requirement could be considered refusing suitable work.

The good news is that most disqualifications can be appealed if you have good cause or if there was a misunderstanding. Don't give up if you think the decision was wrong!

Definitely appeal if you think it's wrong. I got my disqualification overturned after providing more documentation. The appeal process exists for a reason.

Thanks everyone. This thread has been really helpful in understanding what to watch out for. At least now I know what questions to ask if I ever need to file for unemployment.