What disqualifies you for unemployment benefits in Washington?

Thank you! I do have some emails saved. Should I file a complaint with HR first or can I use the fact that I tried to resolve it internally as evidence?

Having attempted to resolve it through proper channels actually strengthens your case. Keep records of any internal complaints you made and their responses (or lack thereof).

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My current workplace has some safety issues I've been worried about.

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job that weren't part of your original agreement, harassment or discrimination, or domestic violence situations. You'd need to document everything though.

Thank you! That's reassuring about the good cause thing. Do I need to prove the hostile work environment somehow?

Yes, documentation helps a lot. Emails, witness statements, HR complaints you filed, anything that shows the pattern of behavior. Washington ESD will investigate both sides during adjudication.

What counts as misconduct exactly? Is being late a few times considered misconduct?

Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. A few late arrivals probably wouldn't qualify unless it was after warnings and you kept doing it. They look at whether you deliberately violated workplace rules.

How strict are they about the job search log? Do they actually check it?

Yes they can audit your job search activities anytime. Keep detailed records of every application, networking event, interview, etc. I learned this the hard way.

How many job searches do you have to do per week in Washington?

It's usually 3 per week but can vary based on your situation. Check your requirements in your eServices account to be sure.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach anyone at Washington ESD.

Yeah it's real, I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They basically handle the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold forever.

What counts as 'misconduct' vs just being bad at your job? I'm worried they might try to claim I was fired for cause.

Misconduct has to be willful or deliberate - like stealing, fighting, or repeatedly violating policies after warnings. Poor performance or honest mistakes usually don't count as misconduct for UI purposes.

This happened to my friend - she got disqualified after 8 weeks because her job search activities weren't detailed enough. Had to pay back everything.

What kind of detail do they want in the job search log? Just company name and date?

You need company name, contact method, date, position applied for, and result. They also want variety - not just online applications.

Wow, I didn't know there was a percentage threshold. How long do you have before they lower the bar?

I think it's after 5 weeks of benefits they'll consider jobs at 75% of your previous wage as suitable. But honestly, trying to get through to Washington ESD to appeal the disqualification was impossible.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it when I was having trouble getting through to Washington ESD. They have a service that helps you actually reach an agent instead of getting hung up on. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits? Is there a limit?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before they start reducing your benefits. Anything over that gets deducted dollar for dollar.

And you have to report ALL income, even if it's just $20 from a side gig. They cross-reference with tax records.

That's rough. What makes a job 'suitable' in their eyes?

They look at your skills, experience, and how long you've been unemployed. The longer you're out of work, the more they expect you to accept lower-paying jobs.

Have you actually used this service? Does it really work?

Yeah, I used it when I was stuck in adjudication for weeks. Got through to someone the same day and they were able to explain exactly what was holding up my claim.

What if I can only work certain hours because of childcare? Does that count as not being available?

You can have some restrictions on your availability, but they have to be reasonable. Limiting yourself to only weekday mornings might be too restrictive depending on your field.

I had childcare restrictions and still got approved. You just need to show you're genuinely looking for work within your available hours.

Even honest mistakes can look like fraud to them sometimes. Always better to over-report than under-report your earnings.

Exactly. If you're not sure about something, it's better to call and ask than guess wrong.

Good point. I can work full time and have reliable transportation, so that shouldn't be an issue for me.

This is important to clarify - poor performance alone usually won't disqualify you. Washington ESD looks for willful or negligent behavior that violates employer policies.

Good to know, though neither of those apply to me thankfully.

How long did it take for them to make a decision once you were able to explain your situation?

About 2 weeks after I finally got to speak with an adjudicator. The key was having all my documentation ready when I called.

Is that claimyr thing legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for three weeks about my adjudication.

Yes, it's legitimate. They basically help you get through the phone queue system. Saved me hours of redialing and getting disconnected.

That's scary. I was always on time and followed all policies. My issue was purely with management behavior, not my performance.

Performance issues and misconduct are different things. Poor performance alone usually won't disqualify you unless it was willful or you refused training/improvement opportunities.

This is really helpful. I didn't know about the labor dispute one. What counts as 'other compensation'?

Other compensation includes things like severance pay, vacation payout, pension payments, workers comp - anything that might reduce your need for unemployment benefits during the same period.

What about if you get a small freelance job while on unemployment? Does that disqualify you completely?

No, you can work part-time while on unemployment, but you have to report all earnings. They'll reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earn, but you won't be disqualified as long as you report it honestly.

What if you have a pre-planned vacation before you filed? Do you have to cancel it?

No, but you have to report it when you file your weekly claims. You won't get benefits for those weeks but it won't disqualify you from the whole claim.

Wait, even if you paid into both systems? That seems unfair.

Yeah, it's federal law. They consider retirement benefits as income that reduces your need for unemployment benefits.

So you can work part-time and still collect some unemployment? I didn't know that was allowed.

Yes, but you have to report ALL earnings on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on what you earned. It's not dollar for dollar though.

Just make sure you report every penny you earn or they'll consider it fraud, which is a whole other level of disqualification.

What if you're taking just one evening class? Would that be a problem?

Part-time classes usually aren't an issue as long as they don't interfere with your ability to work. It's when you're considered a full-time student that problems arise.

Generally yes, unless it's approved training. You have to be available for full-time work, so full-time school usually disqualifies you.

There are some exceptions for approved training programs though. Check with WorkSource about whether your program qualifies.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days with no luck.

They basically handle the calling for you and get you connected to a real person. Way better than sitting on hold for hours only to get hung up on.

How do they calculate which quarters count as your base period?

It depends on when you file. If you file in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024. They use the most recent completed quarters.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before it starts reducing your benefits. But you MUST report all earnings regardless of the amount.

How long does the appeal process take? I'm worried about being without income for months.

Mine took about 6 weeks total, but I eventually got all the back benefits once I won the appeal. Keep filing your weekly claims even during the appeal process.

Six weeks isn't bad. I've heard of some taking much longer, especially if it goes to a hearing.

What does count as good cause for quitting?

Unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, domestic violence situations. But you usually have to prove you tried to resolve the issue with your employer first.

My sister quit because of harassment and still got denied initially. She had to appeal and it took months to get approved.

How did you finally get through to appeal?

I ended up using Claimyr after trying for weeks. It's a service that helps you get connected to actual Washington ESD agents instead of sitting on hold forever. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

How much lower? Like if I was making $25/hour before, what would they consider 'suitable' after 6 months?

Generally starts at 100% of your previous wage, then drops to 75% after a few months, then 70% after longer periods. But it also depends on your skills and local job market.

What if you can work but have restrictions? Like you can't lift heavy things?

That depends on whether you can still do your usual work or similar work. If your restrictions prevent you from working in your field, it could be an issue.

This is why I'm so paranoid about filling out my weekly claims correctly. One wrong answer and you're screwed.

Exactly. When in doubt, call and ask. Better to get the right information upfront than deal with an overpayment notice later.

That makes sense, they probably don't want to subsidize strikes.

That's good to know. I was worried they'd expect me to take minimum wage jobs right away.

Early in your claim, suitable work is generally within your field and at a reasonable percentage of your previous wage. After several weeks, the requirements become less strict.

So if I got laid off, found a job for 6 months, then got laid off again, I couldn't file a new claim?

You might be able to, but it depends on how much you earned in the 6 months and whether you've exhausted your previous claim. It gets complicated.

Do you need to be a citizen or just have work authorization?

Just work authorization. Green card holders and people with work visas can qualify if they meet the other requirements.

I'm not military so that's not relevant to me, but good to know for others.

What counts as 'inappropriate jobs'? Like if I'm an accountant, can I just apply to accounting jobs?

At first yes, but over time you need to expand to related fields. Can't just apply to CEO positions when you were a clerk, has to be realistic.

Also make sure you're using WorkSourceWA to log your job searches - Washington ESD can check those records during audits.

Yes, if you're scheduled for an eligibility interview or fact-finding interview and don't show up, that can result in disqualification.

They usually give you a chance to reschedule if you have a good reason, but you need to contact them before the appointment.

Wow, they really monitor everything don't they?

Yeah, the system is pretty strict. The key is to follow all the rules exactly and document everything you do.

Even cash jobs? How would they find out about those?

They cross-reference with tax records, so yes, report everything. Better to be honest upfront than deal with fraud accusations later.

Is the waiting week still a thing? I thought they eliminated that during COVID.

They brought it back in 2022. So yeah, first week is unpaid but you still have to complete all the requirements.

How do you get training approved?

You have to get pre-approval from WorkSource or Washington ESD. Can't just start a program and expect them to approve it retroactively.

What's the minimum you need to have earned?

It's complicated but generally you need at least $1,000 in your highest quarter and total earnings of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. The exact formula is on the Washington ESD website.

Not always. They look at whether the absences were for good cause, if you followed company policy for reporting absences, and whether you had control over the situation.

I got fired for missing work due to my kid being sick and still got benefits. They said it was reasonable cause.

Potentially yes, if you can show it was 'good cause' for quitting. You'd need to document the issues and show you tried to resolve them first.

Safety issues are usually considered good cause, but you need evidence. Document everything and report safety violations to the proper authorities.

Same thing happened to my sister. She had to provide her class schedule and prove she was available for work at least 20 hours per week.

What activities count? I thought just applying for jobs was enough.

You need 3 work search activities per week. This can include job applications, networking events, career fairs, informational interviews, skills training, etc. Keep detailed records of everything.

yeah i learned that the hard way. now i keep a spreadsheet with dates, company names, contact info, everything

Do they verify this automatically or do you have to provide documentation?

They can request documentation if there are questions about your eligibility. Better to be upfront about your status when filing.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Spent weeks trying to get through to Washington ESD on my own and getting nowhere. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person who can look at your specific situation.

Is that service expensive? I'm already struggling financially.

What kind of disqualification did you have?

They thought I had quit my job when I was actually laid off. Took forever to sort out through their online system, but one phone call cleared it up.

Generally no, as long as you worked enough to qualify for a new claim. But if you had fraud or other serious issues on a previous claim, that could carry over.

You also can't double-dip. If you're already receiving unemployment from another state, you can't also get it from Washington.

Depends on the type of disqualification. Some are temporary until you meet certain requirements, others are permanent. You usually have the right to appeal any disqualification decision.

How long do you have to appeal a disqualification?

Usually 30 days from the date of the determination notice. Don't wait - appeal deadlines are strict.

The rules exist for a reason, but they're not trying to trick you. As long as you're honest and follow the requirements, most people don't have issues.

Still, it's a lot to keep track of. One mistake and you could lose everything.

It varies by type. Voluntary quit disqualifications usually last until you work a certain number of hours or weeks. Misconduct can be longer. Fraud disqualifications can be permanent.

The determination letter should tell you exactly what you need to do to remove the disqualification, if it's possible.

The key is to be honest, report everything accurately, and do your work searches. If you're unsure about something, ask before making assumptions.

And keep good records of everything - job searches, earnings, correspondence with Washington ESD. Documentation is your friend if issues come up.

Appeals go to an administrative law judge. You'll have a hearing where you can present your side. It's formal but not as scary as it sounds. You can represent yourself or have someone help you.

I won my appeal last year. The key is having documentation to support your case and being prepared to explain your situation clearly.

You're welcome! Just remember the basics - be honest, report everything, do your job searches, and don't turn down suitable work. Most people who follow the rules don't have problems.

And if you do run into issues, don't hesitate to get help. Whether it's calling Washington ESD directly or using a service like Claimyr to get through, it's better to address problems early than let them drag on.

Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful. I feel much more prepared now.

Good luck with your claim! Just remember to keep detailed records of everything in case you need to appeal later.

Makes sense, though hopefully none of those apply to most people filing claims.

That's reassuring. I think my situation should be straightforward since it's just a layoff due to budget cuts.

Layoffs are usually the easiest claims to get approved. Just make sure you have your employer information and dates ready when you file.

That's exactly the kind of situation where talking to someone would be helpful rather than guessing.

What if it's a temporary medical issue? Like recovering from surgery for a few weeks?

You need to report it to Washington ESD and they'll determine if you can still be considered available for work. Sometimes they'll put your claim on hold rather than disqualify you.

This is complex stuff - definitely worth talking to Washington ESD directly if you have questions about work authorization.

That's encouraging to hear. I think I'm going to try calling again and maybe look into that service if I can't get through.

Unless you're not part of the union or the strike, right? I think there are exceptions.

What if you accidentally put the wrong start date for a job or something minor like that?

Call and correct it immediately. Minor errors they'll usually fix, but anything that looks intentionally misleading is a problem.

Good to know. I think my situation was more about management style than any protected class issues.

Yeah, honorable discharge usually means you're good to go, but other than honorable can be problematic.

That doesn't apply to me but good info for others reading this.

That makes sense. I'm going to gather all my documentation about the work situation and be thorough in my application. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

You're welcome! Remember that even if you get an initial disqualification, you can appeal. Many people successfully overturn negative decisions with proper documentation.

I'm definitely going to check it out. This thread has been super helpful but I still have specific questions about my situation.

Great point. I'll start documenting everything from the beginning.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash.

It was worth it for me because I was able to get my benefits approved and received all the back pay. The peace of mind alone was valuable.

Not automatically, but you have to be able and available for work that exists in your labor market. If your restrictions are too limiting, you might be better off applying for disability benefits instead.

That makes sense. I can still do office work, just not physical labor, so I should be okay.

What happens if they determine fraud? Is it just disqualification or are there other penalties?

Fraud can result in having to pay back benefits, additional penalty payments, and disqualification from future benefits for a period of time. It's no joke.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. I have some emails but not sure if it's enough.

Even if you don't have perfect documentation, you can still make your case. Write down everything you remember with dates, times, and any witnesses present.

That's somewhat reassuring. I'm hoping they won't contest it since I was a good employee, but you never know.

Most employers contest everything as a matter of policy. Don't take it personally - just be ready to present your side of the story.

What if you have a pre-planned medical appointment? Do you have to report every doctor visit?

Regular appointments are usually fine, but if you're going to be unavailable for work for extended periods, that could be an issue.

Good suggestion. I'll look that up. Better to understand everything upfront than be surprised later.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much better prepared to file my claim now.

Good luck! The process can be stressful but if you have a legitimate claim and proper documentation, you should be fine.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into issues getting through to them. Thanks for sharing your experience.

That's a good perspective. I do have a legitimate reason for leaving, so I need to trust the system to work as intended.

Even for marijuana in a legal state?

Employers can still have drug-free workplace policies even where marijuana is legal. It's their right to set those standards.

That seems really unfair for older workers.

It is, but the UI system is designed to get people back to work quickly, not necessarily to the same level of employment they had before.

What about teachers who are off for summer?

Teachers usually can't collect UI during normal break periods if they have reasonable assurance of returning. It's a specific exclusion.

What if they ask for information you don't have anymore, like old pay stubs?

Contact them immediately to explain the situation. They'd rather work with you than assume you're being uncooperative. But again, actually reaching them is the hard part - that's where services like Claimyr come in handy.

What if it's just occasional gig work like Uber or DoorDash?

Still needs to be reported. Any income from work, even gig work, has to be declared when you file your weekly claims.

How do they determine the difference between a strike and a lockout?

It depends on who initiated the work stoppage. If the union called a strike, no benefits. If the employer locked out workers, benefits might be available.

So taking medical leave could hurt your UI eligibility later?

Not necessarily, but the timing and circumstances matter. If you're still unable to work when you file for UI, that's when it becomes an issue.

This is all really helpful. I feel like I understand the main pitfalls now. Thank you everyone!

And remember, if you do get disqualified or have questions about your claim, don't give up. The appeals process exists for a reason, and services like Claimyr can help you actually get through to Washington ESD to resolve issues. Good luck with your situation!