Washington ESD unemployment - what if your employer lies to unemployment office?

This is more common than you'd think unfortunately. Washington ESD will investigate both sides of the story during adjudication. You need to gather any documentation you have - layoff notices, emails about budget cuts, witness statements from coworkers who were also laid off. The burden is on the employer to prove misconduct, not on you to prove innocence.

Same thing happened to me last year. My old boss claimed I quit when I was actually terminated. The adjudication process took forever because I couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to explain my side.

Document EVERYTHING right now while it's fresh in your memory. Write down exact dates, times, who said what during your termination. If you have any text messages or emails from that time period, screenshot them. Washington ESD adjudicators need specific details to make their determination.

This is why I hate the unemployment system. Employers can just lie and put honest people through hell. It's not fair that we have to prove we're telling the truth while they can make up whatever story they want.

You might want to contact the other people who were laid off with you. If they're also filing for unemployment and the employer is giving different stories, that could really help your case. Consistency matters a lot in these adjudications.

Been there. My advice is to submit a written statement through your online account explaining exactly what happened with as much detail as possible. Include dates, names, circumstances. Don't wait for them to schedule a phone interview - be proactive.

Quick update on the Claimyr thing I mentioned earlier - I used them again recently for a different issue and it's still working great. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

I work in HR and unfortunately see this happen sometimes. The key thing to remember is that Washington ESD investigators are trained to spot inconsistencies in employer claims. If your manager's story doesn't add up or conflicts with your documentation, they'll catch it.

Whatever you do, don't let them intimidate you into giving up. Some employers count on people just walking away rather than fighting the claim. You have rights and Washington ESD will investigate fairly if you provide the evidence.

My cousin went through this exact same situation last year with a vindictive manager. She ended up getting approved after providing email evidence that contradicted what the employer claimed. The adjudicator could see right through the lies.

Check if your company has an employee handbook or policy manual that outlines their termination procedures. If they didn't follow their own policies for firing someone, that could help your case too.

This is exactly why I always keep copies of important work emails and documents. You never know when you might need them later. Hope your case gets resolved quickly!

Had a similar situation years ago. The key is staying organized and persistent. Make copies of everything, keep detailed notes of all your interactions with Washington ESD, and don't give up. The system works if you work with it properly.

You should also consider filing a complaint with the state labor board if your employer is deliberately providing false information. That's a serious issue beyond just your unemployment claim.

Try calling Washington ESD early in the morning right when they open. I've had better luck getting through around 8 AM rather than later in the day when the lines are jammed.

Document the impact this delay is having on you too - bills you can't pay, stress, etc. Sometimes that human element helps adjudicators understand the urgency of resolving false claims quickly.

Don't forget that you have the right to request a hearing if the initial adjudication doesn't go your way. Sometimes having a live conversation with a hearing officer can make a big difference, especially when you have strong evidence like that HR email.

Keep checking your SAW account daily for any requests for additional information. Sometimes they ask for more documentation and you only have a limited time to respond. Don't miss those deadlines!

Just want to say hang in there. I know this process is incredibly stressful but you're doing everything right by gathering evidence and fighting back against false claims. The truth will come out.