Washington ESD - what happens if an employer contests unemployment claim?

When an employer contests your Washington ESD claim, it triggers what's called an adjudication process. You don't automatically lose benefits - Washington ESD will investigate both sides of the story before making a decision. They'll typically send you a questionnaire asking for your version of events, and they might contact you by phone for an interview.

I went through this exact situation last year. My employer contested saying I was fired for misconduct when really I was laid off due to budget cuts. The key is documenting everything - save any emails, texts, or written communications that support your side of the story.

Just a heads up - trying to reach Washington ESD during adjudication can be a nightmare. I spent weeks trying to get through to check on my case status. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

UGH employers are the worst about this stuff!! They fire you or force you out then try to block your unemployment just to be spiteful. The system is totally rigged in their favor.

The most important thing is to respond to ALL communication from Washington ESD promptly. If they send you forms or request a phone interview, don't delay. Missing deadlines can result in automatic denial even if you have a strong case.

been there done that, employer said i was fired for attendance when i had doctors notes for everything. took like 6 weeks to get resolved but i eventually got approved and all my back pay

What exactly counts as being 'forced to quit'? My manager was creating such a hostile work environment that I couldn't take it anymore, but technically I did resign. Would that qualify for benefits?

Same thing happened to my neighbor last month. Her old job contested saying she quit but she was actually pushed out due to 'restructuring' aka they wanted to hire someone younger for less money. She's still waiting to hear back from Washington ESD.

One thing to keep in mind - even if the employer contests, you can still potentially qualify for benefits if you can prove you quit for 'good cause' related to the work. This includes things like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties or hours, harassment, or not being paid properly.

Also wanted to mention - I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I needed to follow up on my adjudication status. Saved me literally hours of trying to get through Washington ESD's phone system. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get answers.

Whatever you do, don't let them intimidate you into dropping your claim. Employers contest valid claims all the time hoping people will just give up. Stand your ground if you know you're entitled to benefits.

quick question - if the employer contests and loses, do they face any penalty for filing a frivolous contest? seems like there should be consequences for wasting everyone's time

Here's what typically happens step by step: 1) Employer contests within 10 days of being notified, 2) Washington ESD sends you a fact-finding questionnaire, 3) They may conduct phone interviews with both parties, 4) An adjudicator reviews all evidence and makes a decision, 5) You receive written notice of the decision. If denied, you can appeal within 30 days.

I'm going through this right now too! My employer is claiming I was fired for poor performance but I have performance reviews that say otherwise. The waiting is killing me financially but I know I'm in the right.

Pro tip: if you end up having to do a phone hearing, treat it like a court proceeding. Be professional, stick to facts, and have all your documentation organized. Don't get emotional even if the employer's representative is lying through their teeth.

just remember that most contested claims actually get approved if the worker was truly eligible. employers contest a lot of legitimate claims hoping people won't fight back. don't let them bully you out of benefits you earned

Update on the Claimyr thing - used it again yesterday to check on my partner's claim status and got through to Washington ESD in under 10 minutes. Seriously worth it when you need actual answers instead of just the automated system responses.

Another thing - if your employer provides false information during the contest, that could actually work in your favor. Washington ESD adjudicators can usually spot inconsistencies in stories, especially if you have documentation that contradicts their claims.

been following this thread and wanted to add - even if you lose the initial adjudication decision, you can still appeal and request a hearing with an administrative law judge. that's where a lot of people actually win their cases

Hang in there OP! I know it's stressful but the system generally works if you're patient and provide good documentation. Most people who were legitimately eligible end up getting their benefits, even when employers contest.