What can disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thanks for the list! What exactly counts as 'misconduct' for getting fired? I'm worried because I had some attendance issues at my last job but it was due to childcare problems.

Misconduct usually means willful or deliberate violations of company policy, not isolated incidents or issues beyond your control like childcare. Attendance problems due to circumstances outside your control typically don't qualify as misconduct.

What exactly counts as 'misconduct'? I'm worried because I had some attendance issues at my last job due to childcare problems.

Childcare issues usually don't count as misconduct if you made efforts to resolve them. Misconduct is more like stealing, violence, willful violation of company policy, or repeated insubordination.

Wait, is it 3 contacts or 3 applications? I've been doing 3 applications but not necessarily making contact with employers.

It's 3 job search activities which can include applications, contacting employers, networking events, job fairs, etc. Check your WorkSourceWA account for the specific requirements.

How much does that cost? I'm already struggling financially.

I think it's reasonable considering how much time it saves. Better than losing benefits because you couldn't get answers to important questions.

What if I do some freelance work occasionally? Do I need to report that too?

Yes, all income must be reported regardless of the source. Washington ESD has ways of finding unreported income and the penalties are severe.

This is so stressful! One mistake and they can take away your benefits retroactively?

How detailed do the job search logs need to be? I've been keeping track but wondering if I'm doing enough.

You need employer name, position applied for, date, and method of contact. Keep it all documented because they can audit your search activities anytime.

What about doctor appointments? I have regular medical treatments.

Medical appointments are usually fine as long as they don't prevent you from accepting full-time work. It's about your overall availability.

What about cash jobs? Like if someone pays me $50 to help them move, do I really need to report that?

YES, you need to report ALL income, even cash payments. Washington ESD is very strict about this and they have ways of finding unreported income.

That's good to know. I haven't had any side income but I was wondering about this exact scenario.

How do they determine if a job is 'suitable'? I'm worried about having to take anything that's offered.

They look at your skills, experience, prior wages, and how long you've been unemployed. Early in your claim, you can be more selective, but after several months they expect you to consider lower-paying positions.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Sometimes you need to talk to an actual person to get clarity on these rules.

I've never heard of that service. Does it actually work?

Worked for me. Got through to an ESD agent within a few hours instead of spending days calling.

What if you have a doctor's appointment or something minor like that?

Minor appointments are usually fine as long as you're generally available for work that week. It's more about extended periods where you genuinely can't work.

How does that work exactly? I've been dreading having to call them if I run into problems.

They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours or getting hung up on constantly.

That sounds too good to be true honestly. How much does it cost?

I was thinking about taking some online classes while I'm looking for work. Should I avoid that?

Part-time enrollment is usually okay, but check with Washington ESD first. Sometimes job training programs are actually encouraged and won't affect your benefits.

How do they define 'suitable'? I have a college degree but there aren't many jobs in my field right now.

Initially it's work similar to your previous job in pay and duties. But after several weeks, the definition expands to include other types of work you're capable of doing.

I feel the same way! The anxiety is real.

Just be honest and accurate in your reporting. Washington ESD would rather you ask questions than make assumptions.

Do they randomly drug test unemployment recipients or just for specific job referrals?

just for job referrals usually, but if you refuse to take a required test for a job they refer you to, that can be considered refusing suitable work

Are you required to accept all training offers?

Not all, but refusing without good reason could be seen as not making adequate effort to return to work.

That makes sense. Do they verify work authorization when you first apply?

Yes, it's part of the initial eligibility determination process. They'll ask for documentation if there are any questions.

Exactly! And good luck trying to appeal if you disagree with their decision.

Appeals are actually successful fairly often if you have documentation. Don't give up if you think a disqualification was wrong.

I might need to relocate for family reasons. How does that work?

You can usually continue your Washington claim even if you move, but you need to follow the proper procedures and notify ESD immediately.

Good to know! I'm not planning to move but my partner might get a job offer in another state.

If you do move, contact Washington ESD immediately to set up the interstate process. Don't just assume you can keep filing the same way.

What if it's just a small side business that barely makes any money?

Still needs to be reported. Washington ESD will evaluate whether the time you're spending on it interferes with your availability for other employment.

How do they find out about pension income if you don't report it?

They have access to various databases and do cross-checks. Better to report everything upfront than deal with overpayment issues later.

I had to verify my identity three times! So frustrating.

It's a pain but necessary to prevent fraud. Better to deal with it early than have your claim frozen later.

That seems unfair. Don't people with records need support to get back on their feet?

It depends on the specific situation and type of conviction. Each case is evaluated individually.

How long does the appeal process take? I'm worried about being without benefits during that time.

Mine took about 6 weeks for the hearing, then another 2 weeks for the decision. You can sometimes get benefits while the appeal is pending depending on the type of disqualification.

That's reassuring to hear from someone who actually used it. I might keep that in mind if I run into issues.

Same here, used it twice now. Worth it just for the peace of mind of knowing you can actually reach someone when you need to.

What about part-time evening classes?

Part-time classes that don't interfere with your availability for work are usually okay. It's about whether school prevents you from accepting a job.

Can you set up payment plans for overpayments or do they expect it all at once?

They do offer payment plans in most cases, but you need to contact them to set it up. Don't just ignore overpayment notices or they can garnish future benefits or tax refunds.

Thanks for the recommendation. I might try it if I can't get through on my own.

I tried Claimyr last week and finally got my adjudication questions answered. Worth every penny.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more informed about what to watch out for.

This thread should be pinned! So much useful information in one place.

Great point. I'll start keeping better records of my job search activities.

Screenshots, emails, everything. You never know when you'll need to prove something.

Absolutely. This discussion has been incredibly helpful for understanding what I need to do to stay compliant.

Agreed! Much better to prevent problems than try to fix them after the fact.

I'm not military but good to know for anyone who is reading this.

Yeah, it's pretty specific to military folks but worth mentioning since the rules are different from regular employment separations.

What if there's a strike at your workplace but you're not part of the union?

Non-union workers might still be eligible in some cases, but it depends on the specific circumstances. Washington ESD evaluates these situations case by case.

That's probably the safest approach. Better to over-report than under-report and risk problems later.

Exactly. Washington ESD would rather you ask questions upfront than discover issues during an audit or investigation.

Thanks everyone for all this information! I feel much better prepared now to avoid any issues with my claim.

Good luck with your claim! Just stay on top of the requirements and you should be fine.