Washington ESD reasons for unemployment benefits - what qualifies you?

Yes, substantial reduction in hours can qualify as good cause for leaving! Washington ESD recognizes several qualifying reasons: involuntary termination (layoffs, firing for non-misconduct), voluntary quit with good cause (unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant hour/wage reduction), and some other specific situations like domestic violence or illness.

That's encouraging! My hours were cut by more than 60% so that sounds substantial. Do I need to prove I tried to work with my employer first?

You should document that you discussed the situation with your employer if possible, but the key is showing the reduction made the job unsuitable. Keep any emails or communications about the hour cuts.

The most common qualifying reasons I've seen are: job elimination/layoffs, termination for reasons other than misconduct, quitting due to workplace harassment or discrimination, health issues that make you unable to perform the job, domestic violence situations, and significant changes to job duties or compensation that weren't agreed to.

What about if you get fired for attendance issues? Does that automatically disqualify you?

Not automatically - Washington ESD looks at the circumstances. If attendance issues were due to illness, transportation problems, or other factors beyond your control, you might still qualify. It depends on whether they determine it was misconduct.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and it's impossible! The phone lines are always busy and when I do get through I get disconnected. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents - they handle the calling for you. Check out claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get answers about my claim.

Another qualifying reason people don't always know about is constructive dismissal - when working conditions become so bad that a reasonable person would quit. This includes things like hostile work environment, significant schedule changes without agreement, or being asked to do illegal activities.

That's good to know. In my case it was purely the hour reduction, but my coworker might qualify under this since they moved her to overnight shift with no notice.

Yeah constructive dismissal is tricky to prove though. You need good documentation showing you tried to resolve the issues first.

Don't forget about able and available requirements too. Even if you qualify based on how you lost your job, you still need to be physically able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment. Washington ESD is pretty strict about the job search requirements.

What exactly are the job search requirements? I know I need to do WorkSourceWA but how many applications per week?

You need to register with WorkSourceWA and make at least 3 job search activities per week. This can include applications, networking events, job fairs, or other approved activities. Keep detailed records!

And make sure you're searching for suitable work - it needs to match your skills and experience, at least initially.

I qualified after being laid off due to company downsizing. The process was pretty straightforward since it was clearly involuntary separation. Filed online and got approved within 2 weeks. Make sure you have all your employment history ready when you file.

Lucky you got approved so fast! Mine has been in adjudication for over a month.

Adjudication can take forever, especially if there are any questions about the separation reason. That's when having good documentation really helps.

Medical reasons can qualify too but it's complicated. If you have a disability or health condition that prevents you from doing your specific job, you might qualify. But you still need to be able and available for other suitable work.

What if the medical issue is temporary? Like recovering from surgery?

Temporary medical issues can qualify if they prevent you from performing your job duties. You'll need medical documentation and Washington ESD will evaluate whether you're able to do other work.

The Washington ESD system is so confusing! I've been trying to figure out if I qualify for weeks. Got fired for what my boss called 'poor performance' but I think it was really because I complained about safety violations. Not sure if that counts as misconduct or not.

That could be retaliation which would not be misconduct on your part. Do you have any documentation about the safety complaints you made? Emails, incident reports, anything like that?

I have emails where I reported the safety issues to HR. Should I include those when I file my claim?

Definitely include those! Firing someone for reporting safety violations could be wrongful termination. You'd probably qualify for benefits in that case.

Seasonal work ending can qualify too, depending on the circumstances. If you were hired for a specific season and that season ended, it's usually considered involuntary separation even though you knew it was temporary.

Good point! I worked construction and always file for unemployment during winter months when work slows down. Washington ESD is used to seasonal claims.

Another thing - if you're on standby status with your employer, you might qualify for benefits during the time you're not working. This is different from regular unemployment but Washington ESD handles these claims too.

What's standby status exactly? Is that like being on call?

Standby is when your employer expects to recall you to work within a specific timeframe, usually union jobs or certain industries. You can collect benefits while waiting to be called back.

I tried calling Washington ESD about my eligibility question and gave up after being on hold for 3 hours. The automated system doesn't give enough detail about what qualifies as 'good cause' for quitting.

Same here! I was getting nowhere with the phone system until someone told me about Claimyr. They got me connected to an actual Washington ESD agent who explained my situation. Saved me hours of frustration trying to call myself.

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm desperate to talk to someone who can give me real answers.

You just give them your info and they handle calling Washington ESD for you. When they get an agent, they connect you. Way better than sitting on hold all day. The demo video shows the whole process.

Don't overlook workplace discrimination as a qualifying reason. If you quit due to harassment based on protected characteristics (race, gender, age, etc.), that's good cause for leaving and you should qualify for benefits.

Do you need to file a complaint with HR first or can you just quit and claim discrimination?

It's better if you documented the discrimination and tried to address it through proper channels first, but it's not always required. Washington ESD will look at the totality of circumstances.

Military spouses have some special considerations too. If you have to quit because of a military relocation, that's usually considered good cause. There are also provisions for domestic violence situations.

That's helpful! My husband is military and we might be relocating soon. Good to know I won't be penalized for that.

The key thing is being honest about your separation reason when you file. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify the information, so don't try to hide anything or misrepresent what happened. If there's a dispute, it goes to adjudication and they'll investigate.

That makes sense. I have nothing to hide about my situation - the hour reduction is well documented. Sounds like I should go ahead and file.

Yeah definitely file if you think you qualify. The worst they can do is deny you, and you can always appeal if you disagree with their decision.

Just remember that even if you qualify initially, you need to keep meeting the ongoing requirements - filing weekly claims, job searching, being available for work. Washington ESD can stop your benefits if you don't comply with these requirements.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now. The hour reduction definitely sounds like it qualifies.

Good luck with your claim! The process can be frustrating but it sounds like you have a solid case.