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.