What disqualifies you for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

There are several main reasons Washington ESD will disqualify you for unemployment benefits. The big ones are: 1) Quitting without good cause 2) Being fired for misconduct 3) Not being able and available for work 4) Refusing suitable work 5) Not actively searching for jobs. For quitting, you need to prove you had 'good cause' which includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job terms.

The main disqualifications for Washington ESD unemployment are: 1) Quitting without good cause, 2) Being fired for misconduct, 3) Not meeting the work/wage requirements, 4) Not being able and available for work, and 5) Refusing suitable work offers. For hostile workplace, you might qualify under 'good cause' but you'll need to document everything.

honestly the work requirements trip up a lot of people. You need to have worked in at least 2 quarters in your base period and earned a minimum amount. I think it's like $3,800 total but check the Washington ESD website for current numbers

I had a similar situation last year and Washington ESD approved my claim even though I quit. The key is being able to explain why any reasonable person would have quit in your situation. Document everything you can remember and be prepared for an adjudication process that might take 4-6 weeks.

Don't let fear stop you from filing! Even if you're not sure about your eligibility, you should still apply. Washington ESD will investigate and make the determination. The worst that happens is they deny your claim, but you won't owe money back unless you were dishonest on your application.

I got disqualified initially because they said I wasn't actively looking for work. You have to prove you're able and available, which means ready to accept suitable work immediately. Can't be too picky about jobs either.

The misconduct thing is tricky too. They don't just disqualify you for being fired - it has to be for deliberate misconduct or violating company policy after warnings. If you were laid off for performance issues or business reasons, that shouldn't disqualify you.

Had issues getting through to Washington ESD when I needed clarification on my disqualification. Kept getting hung up on after waiting forever. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that calls for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process way less frustrating.

ugh the system is so confusing and they make it sound like everyone is trying to cheat them. i got denied at first because they said i wasnt looking for work hard enough even though i was applying to jobs every day. had to appeal and it took forever

Another thing that can disqualify you is not reporting work or income while collecting benefits. Even if you work just one day or do gig work, you have to report it on your weekly claim. They will find out eventually and make you pay it all back with penalties.

misconduct is a big one too. If you were fired for breaking company rules, being late all the time, or anything they consider willful misconduct, you're probably disqualified. BUT you can appeal if you think it wasn't really misconduct

Another thing people don't realize - if you're getting any kind of pension or retirement pay, that can reduce your weekly benefit amount. Also if you do any part-time work while collecting, you have to report every penny or risk an overpayment.

The able and available requirement trips people up too. You have to be physically and mentally able to work, available for work during normal business hours, and not have restrictions that significantly limit your job opportunities. If you're going to school full-time or have childcare issues, that can be a problem.

Here's something a lot of people don't know - you can be disqualified for refusing 'suitable work' even if the job pays less than your previous job. After you've been on unemployment for a certain period, Washington ESD lowers the bar for what's considered suitable work.

THE SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING! I got disqualified because I didn't understand the job search requirements and didn't keep proper records. Had to appeal and it took months to get sorted out. Make sure you understand everything before you file!

I got disqualified because I moved to a different state and Washington ESD said I wasn't available for work in Washington anymore. Took months to get it sorted out and prove I was still looking for remote work with Washington companies.

For your specific situation with the hostile workplace, Washington considers several factors 'good cause' for quitting: harassment, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties or pay, or domestic violence situations. You'll need to prove the employer knew about the problem and didn't fix it.

also watch out for the waiting week thing. Even if you qualify, there's usually a one week waiting period before benefits start. And if you get disqualified but then win an appeal, you still have to serve that waiting week

If anyone needs to talk to Washington ESD about disqualification issues, seriously check out Claimyr. I was going crazy trying to get through their phone system to understand why I got denied. The service basically calls for you and waits on hold, then connects you when they get an agent. Way better than spending your whole day redialing.

Just want to add that even if you think you might be disqualified, still file your claim! Washington ESD has to investigate and give you a chance to explain your situation. I thought I'd be denied because I was fired, but it turned out my employer couldn't prove misconduct and my claim was approved.

One more tip - if you do get disqualified, don't give up! You have the right to appeal within 30 days. I won my appeal even after being initially denied. The key is providing detailed information and any documentation you have.

BTW if anyone is having trouble reaching Washington ESD for questions about their claim, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.

Bottom line - most disqualifications come down to: 1) How/why you left your job 2) Whether you're actively looking for work 3) Whether you're available to work 4) Whether you're honest on your application. If you can check those boxes, you should be fine.

Don't forget about drug testing! If you fail a drug test that was required for a job offer, that can disqualify you from benefits. Also if you were fired for being under the influence at work.

my cousin got disqualified because she moved out of state and couldn't prove she was looking for work in Washington. You have to stay available for work in the state unless you get special permission

MAKE SURE YOU APPEAL IF YOU GET DISQUALIFIED! I almost didn't because I thought it was hopeless but I ended up winning. The employer didn't even show up to the hearing so I got my benefits retroactively.

Another one - if you're collecting benefits and then refuse a job offer that's considered 'suitable work', they'll cut off your benefits. Suitable work is basically anything in your field or that pays at least 80% of your previous wage after the first few weeks

oh and don't lie on your application! They check everything with employers and if they catch you lying about why you left or how much you made, that's fraud and way worse than just being disqualified

For anyone struggling to get through to Washington ESD about their disqualification status, I'll mention Claimyr one more time. I was bouncing between busy signals and disconnects for weeks trying to check on my appeal. This service handles all that frustration and just connects you when they reach an agent. Really wish I'd found it sooner.

To summarize the main disqualifying factors: voluntary quit without good cause, misconduct firing, insufficient work history, not able/available for work, refusing suitable work, fraud, and various income issues. But remember - most disqualifications can be appealed and many people win their appeals with proper documentation.

glad this thread helped! the whole unemployment system is so complicated but at least now you know what to watch out for. definitely file if you think you qualify - worst case they say no and you appeal