What disqualifies you for unemployment in Washington - need to know before I apply

Thanks! I do have some emails saved. How much documentation do I need for hostile workplace to count as good cause?

As much as possible - emails, text messages, witness statements, any HR complaints you filed. Washington ESD looks for a pattern of behavior that would make any reasonable person quit.

How long did the appeal take? I'm worried about being without income for months while fighting it.

took about 6 weeks for my hearing, then another 2 weeks for the decision. but if you win, you get back pay for all the weeks you should have been paid

What's the minimum you need to earn in the base period? I worked part-time for most of last year.

You need at least $3,850 in your base period, with at least $2,500 in your highest quarter. Base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file.

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

I get the frustration, but honestly it was worth it for me. Way better than spending entire days trying to get through on my own.

I used Claimyr too when I had questions about my disqualification. Worked great, got through in like 20 minutes instead of hours of calling.

What were you doing for job search? The requirements are pretty specific - 3 job search activities per week, properly logged in WorkSource.

I was applying to jobs every day! But apparently some of my activities 'didn't count' according to them. Never got a clear explanation.

Misconduct has to be willful or wanton disregard of employer's interests. Being bad at your job usually isn't misconduct unless you were deliberately not following instructions or violating clear policies.

got fired for 'poor performance' and still got unemployment. as long as you were trying to do your job, they can't call it misconduct

What makes a job 'suitable'? Can I turn down jobs that pay way less than my previous job?

Generally, suitable work is anything you're physically and mentally capable of doing that pays at least your weekly benefit amount. The longer you're unemployed, the broader the definition gets.

My employer might say I quit even though I was basically forced out. How do I prove what really happened?

Document everything - keep copies of all communications, note dates and times of conversations, get witness statements if possible. The burden is on them to prove misconduct if they claim you were fired for cause.

Yes! And if you were ever found guilty of UI fraud, even years ago, that can affect new claims too.

What if you're taking care of family members? Does that affect the available for work requirement?

Depends on how much it limits your availability. If you can only work certain hours or need advance notice, that might be a problem. But reasonable childcare arrangements are usually okay.

And even if you're authorized to work, certain visa statuses might have restrictions that affect your eligibility.

What happens if you accidentally don't report something? Is that considered fraud?

If it's a genuine mistake and you report it as soon as you realize, usually they'll just adjust your benefits and maybe create an overpayment. But if they think you were trying to hide income, that's when fraud charges come into play.

Exactly. And if you do get disqualified, you usually have the right to appeal. Don't just give up if the initial decision goes against you.

I might get a small severance. Does that disqualify me completely or just delay when I can start collecting?

Usually just delays it. Washington ESD will calculate how many weeks the severance covers based on your previous weekly wage, and your benefits will start after that period.

I did talk to HR but they basically did nothing. Will that help my case?

Yes, that actually helps a lot. Shows you tried to work within the system before quitting. Make sure you have documentation of that HR complaint too.

Did they tell you right away if you'd be disqualified or did you still have to file and wait?

They couldn't guarantee anything, but they walked me through what the adjudicator would be looking for. Helped me gather the right documentation before filing.

Thanks everyone. This gives me a much better idea of what to expect. Going to gather my documentation and file this week.

Good luck! And remember, even if you get initially disqualified, you can appeal. Don't give up if you think the decision was wrong.