What disqualifies you for unemployment in Washington state?

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My supervisor was making my life hell but I don't have documentation of harassment.

Good cause includes unsafe working conditions, discrimination, significant changes to job duties or pay, domestic violence situations. Workplace harassment can qualify but you'd need to show you tried to resolve it first or that it was severe.

What exactly counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My situation was pretty bad but I don't know if it meets their standards.

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties/pay, harassment, or health issues. 'Unreasonable boss' alone usually isn't enough unless it rises to harassment or creates unsafe conditions.

That's reassuring. They never wrote me up or anything, just said my numbers weren't meeting expectations. Thanks for the info.

What counts as 'suitable work' though? Do they expect you to take any job even if it pays way less?

What exactly counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I've heard that term thrown around but never got a clear definition.

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, domestic violence situations, or health issues that prevent you from doing the work. Washington ESD evaluates each case individually.

Don't forget about the work search requirements! You have to apply for 3 jobs per week and keep a log, or you'll get disqualified.

That sucks! Did you appeal it? I've heard you can fight misconduct disqualifications if you have documentation.

Yeah I tried but couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to explain my side. The phone system is impossible.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD, I used a service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole appeal process way easier since I could actually talk to someone who understood my case.

This is so confusing though. My friend got denied because they said she was fired for attendance issues. How is that different from performance?

Attendance can be tricky - if it was due to illness or family issues that's different than just not showing up without reason. She should have appealed that decision.

This is so important! I almost made the same mistake. Any work or income has to be reported, even volunteer work that pays a stipend.

Wow, I didn't realize they were that strict about small amounts. Good to know before I file.

How long did your appeal take? I'm dealing with a misconduct disqualification right now and it's been 3 weeks since my hearing.

Mine took about 6 weeks total from filing the appeal to getting the decision. The hearing was actually pretty straightforward once I had my documentation organized.

How much do you need to earn to qualify? I worked part-time for most of last year.

You need at least $3,850 in your base period and wages in at least two quarters. Part-time work can still qualify if you meet the minimum requirements.

Never heard of that before. Did it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit. I was skeptical too but they actually got me through to Washington ESD when I couldn't after trying for 2 weeks straight. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Interesting, I've been trying to reach them about my adjudication for over a month with no luck.

ugh the phone situation is horrible! I've been trying to call for days about my adjudication.

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to Washington ESD when I couldn't reach them myself. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

How many job searches do you have to do each week? I keep seeing different numbers.

It's 3 job search activities per week currently, and they have to be documented in your WorkSource account.

Wait what? I thought they got rid of the waiting week during covid?

The waiting week is back now that the emergency programs ended. It's unpaid but you still have to file that first claim.

What about being late too many times? I had attendance issues at my last job but it was because of my car breaking down.

attendance issues can be tricky - if you had legitimate reasons and tried to work with your employer it might not be misconduct. but if you just kept showing up late without good reason that could disqualify you

What about if your hours got cut way down? My cousin's hours went from 40 to 15 per week.

That might qualify for partial unemployment benefits actually. She should file and see - reduction in hours can sometimes qualify.

Good to know since you mentioned safety violations - that was part of why I spoke up at my job.

I was having the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Try calling right at 8am when they open. That's the only time I've ever gotten through on my own.

Oh wow that's scary. What happened? Did you get in trouble?

had to prove i was still looking for work during the trip and that it didnt interfere with job search. was a pain but they didnt disqualify me

How do they calculate the base period? I've been working for 8 months at my current job.

It's usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file now it would be quarters from last year mostly.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week? I keep hearing different numbers.

It's 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Can be applications, interviews, networking events, job fairs, etc. You have to log them in your WorkSourceWA account.

Don't forget you also have to register with WorkSource within a certain timeframe or they'll stop your benefits.

That's terrible! Family emergencies should definitely count as good cause.

That's what I thought too. Turns out you need to exhaust other options first like FMLA or requesting time off. They want to see you tried to keep your job.

The job search thing is so annoying. What counts as a 'job contact'? Just applying online?

Job applications, contacting employers directly, networking events, job fairs, interviews - there's a list on the Washington ESD website. You have to keep a log with specific details about each contact.

I keep a spreadsheet with company names, dates, contact method, and position applied for. Makes it easier when they audit your job search log.

What about if you're doing gig work while collecting? Is there an income limit?

You can work part-time and still collect partial benefits, but you have to report all earnings. They'll reduce your weekly benefit amount based on what you earn.

What about students? I heard being in school can disqualify you?

It depends. If you're in school full-time, you usually need special approval from Washington ESD to remain eligible. Part-time students are generally okay as long as school doesn't interfere with work availability.

What about if you test positive for marijuana? It's legal in Washington now.

Still depends on company policy and job requirements. If it's against company rules or affects safety-sensitive work, it could still be misconduct.

I wish I had saved more stuff. I have a few emails but not much documentation of the verbal stuff that happened.

Even write down what you remember with dates and times. It's better than nothing and can help your case.

Have you tried filing a complaint with the governor's office? Sometimes that gets their attention.

I hadn't thought of that. At this point I'm willing to try anything!

Like I mentioned earlier, Claimyr really helped me get through to someone when I was stuck. Might be worth trying since you've been going in circles for months.

Is the waiting week still a thing? I thought they got rid of it during COVID.

They suspended it temporarily but it's back now. You still have to serve the one week waiting period for regular unemployment claims.

True, but there are some exceptions for family care under certain circumstances. The Family Medical Leave Act can sometimes protect your eligibility.

I got temporarily disqualified when I had to care for my sick mom. Took forever to get it sorted out with Washington ESD.

I mean it's frustrating but there are legitimate reasons for some of the rules. They have to prevent fraud somehow.

FRAUD? Most people are just trying to survive between jobs! The real fraud is how employers contest every claim to keep their tax rates low.

How long did the appeal take? I'm scared to mess up the job search requirements.

About 6 weeks total. Make sure you keep detailed records of every application, every contact with employers, even networking events count as job search activities.

That's what I'm thinking. Better to try and get denied than not try at all.

Exactly! And if you do get denied, don't give up. The appeal process exists for a reason and lots of initial denials get overturned.

How much can you earn while on unemployment before it affects your benefits?

In Washington you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 without reduction. Anything over that reduces your benefits dollar for dollar until you earn 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, then you get nothing that week.

I work as a substitute teacher. Does that affect my eligibility during summer break?

Substitute teachers can be tricky. It depends on whether you have reasonable assurance of returning to work. You should definitely apply and let Washington ESD make the determination.

I didn't know about standby status. How do you get approved for that?

Your employer has to provide specific information to Washington ESD about the expected callback date. It's not automatic - you have to meet certain criteria.

What if you move to another state temporarily to take care of family? Does that automatically disqualify you?

Not automatically, but you have to be available for work in Washington or meet specific criteria for being unavailable. It gets complicated so definitely contact Washington ESD if you're planning to move.

How did you handle the appeal? Did you need a lawyer?

No lawyer needed for most appeals. I gathered all my documentation, wrote a clear explanation, and presented my case at the hearing. The key is having proof to back up your version of events.

This gives me hope. I'm dealing with a similar situation right now where they're claiming I quit when I was actually terminated.

But what if they claim it was both? Like poor performance AND violating company policy?

Then Washington ESD looks at what was the primary reason and whether any policy violations were intentional or just mistakes.

How long did the appeal process take? I'm already tight on money.

Mine took about 6 weeks from filing the appeal to getting the decision. If you win you get backpay for all the weeks you were eligible.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD during my appeal too. Someone recommended Claimyr.com and it was a lifesaver - actually got me connected to a real adjudicator who could explain exactly what documentation I needed. Worth checking out if you end up needing to appeal.

That seems kind of discriminatory itself...

It's more about proving you're actively job searching. They know it's harder for older workers to find jobs so they may give more flexibility on the 'suitable work' requirements.

Do you need to be a citizen or is a green card enough?

Green card holders are generally eligible as long as they meet all other requirements. It's really about work authorization, not citizenship specifically.

This is super helpful. What about if you get fired during probationary period?

Probationary period doesn't matter for unemployment eligibility. Still comes down to whether it was misconduct or not.

Same here! The phone system is impossible. I heard about some service that helps you get through but can't remember the name.

It's called Claimyr - that's what I used when I couldn't get through on my own. Really helped with my situation.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits?

In Washington you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount before they start reducing your payment. Anything over that gets deducted dollar for dollar.

Good point about documentation. I should probably write down everything I remember about what led to my termination while it's fresh.

Yes! Dates, times, witnesses, any emails or texts. All of that could be important if they try to claim misconduct.

What do you mean by serving a disqualification period?

Some disqualifications aren't permanent. Like if you quit without good cause, you might be disqualified until you work and earn a certain amount at a new job.

You're right. I'm going to file online tonight. Thanks everyone for all the helpful info!

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims even while waiting for a decision on eligibility.

Is it expensive though? I'm already stressed about money.

It's worth checking out their site at claimyr.com - they have a demo video that explains how it works. For me it was worth it to actually get through and get my questions answered.

That's good to know. I was worried I'd have to somehow prove I wasn't a bad employee.

Nope, burden of proof is on them. Performance issues, honest mistakes, inability to do the job - none of that is misconduct by itself.

That's reassuring. My manager did make some comments about how I 'probably wouldn't qualify for unemployment' which made me nervous.

Employers often say that to discourage people from filing. Don't listen to them - file your claim and let Washington ESD decide based on the facts.

That's probably what I'll do. Better to try and get denied than to not try at all and wonder what would have happened.

Exactly! And keep track of everything - dates, documentation, correspondence. You'll need it if you have to appeal.

How did you prove retaliation? That seems hard to document.

I had emails showing the timeline - filed safety complaint on Monday, got written up for bogus reason on Wednesday, fired on Friday. The pattern was pretty clear.

Good luck getting through on the phone though. I've been trying for weeks.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Sometimes you need to think outside the box to actually reach someone at Washington ESD.

How much do you have to earn to requalify after a disqualification?

Usually 8 times your weekly benefit amount in covered wages. But it depends on the specific reason for disqualification.

Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses. This really helped me understand what to expect when I file my claim.

Good luck with your claim! Remember you have rights in this process and can always appeal if you disagree with their decision.

Good to know, thanks!

What about online classes? I'm thinking of taking some courses while job hunting.

Online is usually okay as long as it doesn't interfere with your availability to work. Just make sure you can still meet the job search requirements and be available for interviews.

That's scary. How often do they audit people?

It's random but they're more likely to audit if something seems off with your claim or if you're on benefits for a long time. Just be honest and keep documentation.

That's a good idea. Are the WorkSource counselors pretty knowledgeable about disqualification issues?

Yeah they deal with this stuff all the time. Plus they can help you strengthen your case if you do need to appeal a disqualification.

WorkSource is great but if you need to actually talk to Washington ESD directly about your specific case, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. They helped me get through when I was dealing with a tricky disqualification issue and needed to speak with an actual adjudicator.

Thanks everyone! This has been really helpful. I think I'll document what I can remember and apply, then see what happens.

Good luck! Don't let the fear of disqualification stop you from applying if you think you have a valid claim.

Even for job interviews? That seems harsh.

You can travel for job interviews but you have to report it and get prior approval in some cases. The rules are very specific about availability.

What about selling personal items on eBay? I sold some old electronics - do I need to report that?

If it's occasional personal items, probably not. But if you're regularly buying and selling for profit, that's considered self-employment income.

I haven't heard much about drug testing for regular unemployment. Is this new?

It's mostly for specific occupations or if you were fired for drug-related reasons. Regular UI claims don't typically require testing.

Same with tax debts. Washington ESD will offset benefits for state and federal tax obligations.

How much less? And what makes work 'suitable'?

Generally work is suitable if it pays at least 80% of your previous wage initially, but that percentage drops over time. Also considers your skills, experience, and transportation access.

I had to take a job paying 40% less than my previous one after being on UI for 4 months. They said it was suitable at that point.

Is that the service someone mentioned earlier? I might need to try that for my situation.

Yeah, same one. Really saved me time and stress when I was dealing with a potential misconduct disqualification that turned out to be a misunderstanding.

Is that separate from the 3 job applications per week?

It's part of the overall work search requirement. You need to register on WorkSourceWA AND do the weekly job applications. Both are required.

Even honest mistakes can look like fraud if you're not careful. Always double-check your weekly claims before submitting.

This thread has been so helpful. I had no idea there were so many ways to mess up unemployment eligibility.

The key is being honest and following all the rules. When in doubt, report it or ask Washington ESD for clarification rather than guessing.