What disqualifies you from unemployment Washington ESD - need clarification

What counts as misconduct exactly? I'm worried about some attendance issues I had at my last job.

Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. A few tardies usually won't disqualify you unless it was part of a pattern after warnings.

Do they actually check the job search log regularly?

They can audit your job search activities at any time. Keep detailed records of every application, contact, and interview.

That's awful! How did you finally get through to them?

I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to a Washington ESD rep. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that before, sounds interesting though

WHAT ABOUT BEING PREGNANT?? I'm scared they'll disqualify me because I won't be able to work soon

Pregnancy alone doesn't disqualify you. You just need to be able and available for work. When you can't work due to delivery/recovery, you'd be temporarily unavailable but not disqualified.

Exactly right. Washington state actually has good protections for pregnant workers in the unemployment system.

Depends on the circumstances. If you had legitimate medical reasons and followed company policy for reporting absences, it might not be misconduct. If it was unexcused absences or you didn't follow procedures, it could be.

i had doctors notes for most of it but my boss said i was unreliable

You should definitely apply and appeal if denied. Medical absences with documentation often don't qualify as misconduct.

What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, networking contacts, attending job fairs, interviews, employment-related workshops. Has to be documented with dates, contacts, and outcomes.

You must report ALL work and earnings when filing weekly claims. Even one day of work needs to be reported. Washington ESD cross-references with employer wage reports.

yeah she learned that the hard way. now she owes back a bunch of money too

Not automatic. Washington ESD looks at whether it was willful misconduct. Occasional tardiness usually isn't enough unless there were repeated warnings and you continued the behavior.

They'll consider factors like: Were you warned? Did you have control over the situation? Was it a pattern of behavior? Single incidents rarely qualify as misconduct.

How long do appeals take?

Mine took about 6 weeks but I've heard it can vary. The hard part is getting through to Washington ESD if you need to ask questions during the process. That's where services like Claimyr really help.

Yes, if it was for misconduct. But Washington ESD will look at your entire work history, not just the most recent job. You might still qualify based on previous employment.

The key is whether the discharge was for misconduct connected with the work. Poor performance during a probationary period usually isn't misconduct.

what if you don't have a car?? does that disqualify you?

Not necessarily, but you need to be able to get to work somehow. Public transit, rideshare, etc. You have to be genuinely available for employment.

I had the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD reps without waiting on hold forever. Really saved me when I needed to clarify some job search questions.

is it expensive?

It's worth it when you need answers fast. Much better than spending hours trying to call yourself.

What's the difference between temporary and permanent disqualifications?

Temporary means you can requalify by meeting certain conditions. Permanent means you're ineligible for the entire benefit year and would need to reestablish eligibility.

I haven't heard of Washington ESD monitoring social media for job searches, but they do audit job search logs and can verify applications with employers.

Just keep good records and actually do the job searches. Don't try to game the system.

i know right? feels like they make it complicated on purpose

It is complex but the rules exist to prevent fraud and ensure benefits go to people who genuinely need them and are actively seeking work.

That's what I'm trying to do now, thanks for all the info everyone!

Good luck! And remember if you do get disqualified and need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about it, don't waste time on hold. Services like Claimyr can get you connected much faster.

Absolutely correct. Good documentation can be the difference between approval and disqualification, especially in borderline cases.

I'll definitely start keeping better records. This thread has been really helpful!

Exactly. Don't self-disqualify. Let Washington ESD make the official determination based on your specific circumstances.

thanks this makes me feel better about applying

Definitely helps! I feel much more confident about avoiding disqualification now.

same here, still nervous but at least i know what to watch out for