Washington ESD protest period for unemployment - how long do employers have?

Thank you! So if they already got the notice when I filed 3 weeks ago, they might have already missed their chance?

Exactly. The 10-day clock starts ticking from when Washington ESD mails them the notice, not from when you filed. If it's been 3 weeks and they haven't protested yet, they're likely past the deadline.

Did the appeal work for them or were they out of luck?

they had to prove good cause for missing the original deadline which they couldnt do so washington esd denied their late protest

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work to get through to Washington ESD?

It automates the calling and waiting process so you don't have to sit there hitting redial constantly. When they connect you to an agent, you get a callback instead of waiting on hold forever.

Interesting, I might try this. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for two weeks about my adjudication status with no luck.

What kind of proof would they need? I was never written up or disciplined at all.

They'd need documentation like disciplinary records, witness statements, or clear policy violations. If you have no write-ups and were laid off due to business reasons, their protest would likely fail anyway.

That's why it's important to know your rights. Washington ESD has clear timelines that protect claimants from indefinite challenges.

True but most people don't know these rules and employers take advantage of that ignorance

It's 10 calendar days from when the employer receives the Notice of Application for Benefits from Washington ESD, not from when you filed. If they just told you yesterday about protesting a claim you filed last month, they're way past the deadline.

Oh wow, so they can't actually contest it now? Should I call Washington ESD to confirm?

Yes, definitely call to confirm. That's exactly the type of question Claimyr helps with - getting through to Washington ESD agents quickly to verify claim status and deadlines.

Washington ESD typically sends notices by regular mail to the employer's last known address. They'd have to prove the address was wrong or that mail service failed, which is very difficult.

Exactly. And even then, they still have to prove the employee shouldn't receive benefits, which sounds unlikely in OP's case.

That's reassuring to hear. Sounds like Washington ESD is pretty strict about the deadlines.

yep they dont mess around with late protests unless theres a really good reason

10 days seems short though. What if the employer is out of town or the notice gets delayed in mail?

That's what the good cause exception is for. But it has to be truly extraordinary circumstances, not just being busy or forgetting to check mail.

How much does that service cost? I'm already tight on money waiting for my unemployment benefits.

I don't remember the exact amount but it was worth it for the peace of mind. Way cheaper than losing weeks of benefits due to confusion about the process.

Good advice! I kept my final paystub that says 'laid off - lack of work' so that should help if they do try to contest.

Perfect! That kind of documentation makes it very hard for employers to successfully argue termination for cause.

That's a relief. I was worried I'd have to pay back everything if they protested.

Only if Washington ESD ultimately rules in the employer's favor, which sounds unlikely based on what you've described.

Should I be proactive and contact Washington ESD now or wait to see if my employer actually files something?

You could call to ask about the status, but if they're past the 10-day deadline anyway, you're probably fine. The agent can tell you if any protest has been filed.

Yeah, I think my manager was just trying to scare me. I haven't gotten any notices from Washington ESD about a protest being filed.

Exactly. Washington ESD would notify you immediately if a protest was filed. No news is good news in this case.

That's true. Some states give employers 30 days which seems excessive.

Right, 10 days forces employers to act quickly if they have legitimate concerns but prevents frivolous last-minute challenges.

Does it work for all types of Washington ESD questions or just certain issues?

It connects you to regular Washington ESD agents so you can ask about anything - claim status, protests, adjudication, weekly claims, whatever you need help with.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about my situation now. Sounds like my employer probably missed their chance to contest.

You're welcome! Just keep filing your weekly claims and you should be all set. The system is designed to protect workers in situations like yours.