What disqualifies you for unemployment benefits - Washington ESD rules?

Thanks! What exactly counts as 'misconduct' for getting fired? Is it just criminal stuff or broader than that?

Misconduct includes willful violations of company policy, repeated tardiness after warnings, insubordination, dishonesty, or any deliberate act that harms the employer's interests. It has to be intentional though - poor performance alone usually isn't misconduct.

How many job search activities do you need to do per week? I've been doing 3 but not sure if that's enough.

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but check your individual requirements on your Washington ESD account. Some people have different requirements based on their situation.

Really? I thought you could get partial benefits if you were working part-time and looking for more hours.

You can get partial benefits if you're working part-time, but you still have to be available for full-time work. The availability requirement is separate from the work search requirement.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They actually get you connected to real Washington ESD agents. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

Never heard of that service before. Does it really work? I'm desperate at this point.

Yeah it actually worked for me. I was able to get my adjudication questions answered within a day instead of waiting weeks trying to call myself.

What if you genuinely forgot about some small amount of income? Like a $50 freelance job?

Even small amounts need to be reported. If they find out later, you could face an overpayment demand and potential fraud charges. Always better to over-report than under-report.

Close! You need at least $3,960 in your highest quarter AND total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter earnings. So if your highest quarter was $4,000, you'd need at least $6,000 total in your base period.

thanks for the correction. these rules are so confusing

What about online classes? I'm thinking about taking some courses while I'm unemployed.

Online classes can still count as school attendance. You need to check with Washington ESD about whether your specific program would affect your eligibility. Some training programs are actually encouraged.

What if you're not part of the union but your workplace is shut down because of a strike?

That's a complicated situation. You might be eligible if you're not directly involved in the labor dispute, but Washington ESD would need to review your specific circumstances.

Makes sense. They probably verify that when you first apply.

Suitable work has specific criteria including commute distance and wage requirements. If the job was that far away and paid below minimum wage, you should have been able to refuse it. Good thing you appealed!

exactly! but i had to fight for months to prove it. the initial determination was completely wrong

That's something I never thought about. Probably depends on the type of conviction.

Unsafe working conditions can qualify as 'good cause' for quitting. You'll need to document the unsafe conditions and show that you tried to resolve the issue with your employer first. Definitely worth appealing!

I have photos and emails about the safety issues. Should I submit all of that with my appeal?

Yes, submit everything! Photos, emails, any documentation of complaints you made to your employer or safety agencies. The more evidence you have, the better your case.

Wait, so even if you're approved, you don't get paid for the first week?

Exactly. The first week is unpaid, then you start receiving benefits from the second week onward if you're eligible.

In Washington, receiving Social Security retirement benefits doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it might reduce your weekly benefit amount. You'd need to report it on your weekly claims.

What's WorkSourceWA? Is that separate from the Washington ESD application?

It's Washington's job search website. You have to register there as part of your unemployment application. It's where you'll log your job search activities too.

How much does something like that cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to the agency.

I agree we shouldn't have to, but the reality is their phone system is overwhelmed. The service was worth it for me to get my questions answered quickly instead of stressing for weeks.

So if I do some Uber driving while unemployed, I need to report that income?

Yes, absolutely! Any income from gig work, freelancing, or self-employment needs to be reported on your weekly claims. They'll adjust your benefits based on what you earned that week.

Thanks for mentioning that. Good to know there are special considerations for military folks.

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

You're welcome! The key is to always be honest on your claims and follow the rules carefully. If you're ever unsure about something, it's better to ask than to guess wrong.