What disqualifies from unemployment benefits in Washington - need to understand the rules

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I've been dealing with a really toxic work environment but wasn't sure if that would qualify.

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, or health issues. You'll need documentation though - emails, medical records, witness statements, etc.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits? I might pick up some gig work to help make ends meet.

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. Anything over that gets deducted dollar for dollar. But you MUST report all earnings even if it's just $10.

What happens if you have a legitimate reason for missing like being sick or having a family emergency?

You can usually reschedule if you call ahead, but if you just no-show they'll disqualify you. Always better to call and explain the situation beforehand.

That's so frustrating! I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication and can never get through. The phone system just hangs up on you after being on hold forever.

I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They handle the calling for you and get you connected to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. It was a lifesaver when I needed to appeal my disqualification.

Is that even if it's just marijuana? I thought that was legal in Washington now.

Doesn't matter if it's legal for personal use. If your employer has a drug policy and you violate it, that's considered misconduct. Washington ESD will disqualify you for misconduct regardless of whether the substance is legal.

You have to be able and available for full-time work. If your school schedule prevents you from accepting full-time employment, that could disqualify you. However, there are some exceptions for approved training programs.

How do you get approval for training programs? I'm thinking about going back to school for a certification.

Do they verify this during the application process or later during adjudication?

Usually during the initial application, but sometimes issues come up later if there are discrepancies in your work history or SSN records.

Volunteer work generally doesn't disqualify you unless it's interfering with your ability to seek and accept employment. There might have been a misunderstanding about the circumstances. Did you appeal the decision?

Yeah I appealed but the hearing officer was just as bad. They didn't want to hear my side of the story at all.

That's awful. Have you tried documenting the age discrimination? Sometimes having proof can help with appeals.

How do you document something like that? Most employers won't come right out and say they won't hire older workers.

Do they ask about criminal history on the unemployment application?

Not directly, but it can come up if there are issues with your work history or if employers mention it during verification calls.

I've been dealing with this exact issue. My doctor says I can't do heavy lifting but Washington ESD keeps referring me to warehouse jobs. It's been a nightmare trying to get someone on the phone to explain my situation.

You might want to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used them when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about my adjudication issue. They actually got me connected to an agent who could help with my specific situation.

That seems really unfair. How can they expect you to take a job that costs more to get to than you'd make?

The 'suitable work' definition does consider commute time and transportation costs, but you have to document and argue these points. It's not automatic - you need to show the math that the job wouldn't be financially viable.

I thought pregnancy was protected? Can they really disqualify you for that?

They can't discriminate based on pregnancy itself, but if medical complications prevent you from working, that could affect your eligibility. It's complicated and often requires documentation from your doctor.

What if seasonal work is just the nature of your industry? Like construction or tourism?

You can still get benefits, but you need to show you're actively seeking work outside your seasonal pattern. The job search requirements are the same regardless of your industry.

What if you're just doing freelance work occasionally? Like graphic design or writing?

You have to report all freelance income and it counts against your benefits. Plus if you're actively marketing yourself as a freelancer, Washington ESD might say you're not truly available for employment.

Is that for all types of retirement income or just certain kinds?

It's complicated and depends on how the pension is funded and when you earned it. Best to be upfront about all retirement income when you apply.

What about just going on vacation for a week? Do you have to report that?

Technically yes, you're supposed to report any time you're not available for work. Even a week-long vacation should be reported when you file your weekly claim.

This has been really helpful. I feel like I have a much better understanding of what to watch out for. Thanks everyone!

And remember, if you do run into issues and need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Sometimes having an actual conversation with an agent can clear up confusion before it becomes a bigger problem.

Thanks for bringing up the base year earnings requirement - that's definitely something people overlook! I didn't realize about the Social Security Disability conflict either. That seems like a catch-22 situation where you're stuck between two government programs with conflicting requirements. Do you know if there are any exceptions or workarounds for people in that situation?

There are some limited exceptions for people on Social Security Disability. If you're receiving SSDI but can still work part-time (under their substantial gainful activity limits), you might be able to argue that you're available for suitable work within your restrictions. However, it's a very narrow path and requires detailed medical documentation showing exactly what type of work you can perform. Most people in this situation end up having to choose between the two programs. It's definitely worth consulting with a disability attorney if you're caught in this situation, as they know the specific criteria both agencies use.