What are the two types of unemployment problems - Washington ESD classification question

From my experience dealing with Washington ESD, they typically classify unemployment issues into two broad categories: eligibility issues and payment issues. Eligibility problems include things like work separation reasons, availability for work, job search requirements, and whether you qualify for benefits at all. Payment issues are usually about processing delays, incorrect benefit amounts, overpayments, or technical problems with weekly claims.

Actually I think there might be more nuance to it than just those two categories. When I called Washington ESD they mentioned monetary vs non-monetary determinations which seems like a different way of looking at it. Monetary is about your benefit amount and non-monetary is about whether you can receive benefits at all.

Ugh I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for three weeks about my claim issue and can never reach anyone. The phone system is impossible. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a real person there?

speaking from experience the two main types are usually about WHY you lost your job vs HOW much money you should get. if you got fired or quit thats one type of problem, if your benefit amount is wrong thats another type

I think what your caseworker meant was probably separation issues vs ongoing eligibility issues. Separation is about why you left your last job (quit, fired, laid off) and ongoing eligibility is about things like being able and available for work, doing your job search, etc.

From what I've seen in my appeals work, Washington ESD generally looks at two things: 1) Are you eligible for unemployment benefits at all? and 2) If eligible, are you maintaining that eligibility week by week? The first covers initial qualification and job separation. The second covers ongoing requirements like job search, reporting work, being available.

The Washington ESD website actually has some info about this if you dig around. They talk about initial claims vs continuing claims which is kind of the same distinction. Initial is establishing your right to benefits, continuing is maintaining that right.

honestly the washington esd system is so messed up i dont think they even know how to categorize problems properly. ive been dealing with them for months and get different answers every time i talk to someone

If you're stuck on getting through to Washington ESD about your case, I had success using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Worth a shot if you've been trying to call for weeks. At least then you can get a clear answer about which category your problem falls under.

To answer your original question more directly - yes there are generally two main types of unemployment problems: qualification issues (did you earn enough, why did you leave your job, are you able to work) and compliance issues (are you doing job search, reporting earnings, filing on time). Everything else falls under one of those umbrellas.

Just want to add that timing matters too with these categories. Some problems can only be fixed during certain windows, especially if you need to appeal a determination. Don't wait too long to address whatever type of problem you have.

This thread has been super helpful! I was confused about the same thing when dealing with my own Washington ESD issues. Glad to see I'm not the only one who finds their system confusing.