What disqualifies you from unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

How do they determine if it's misconduct? The argument was about overtime scheduling and I refused to work weekends because of my kid's daycare situation.

That doesn't sound like misconduct to me. Misconduct has to be willful violation of company policy or standards. Refusing overtime for childcare reasons is usually considered reasonable.

That's reassuring, thanks! What counts as 'misconduct' exactly? I was always on time and did my job well.

Misconduct has to be willful and work-related - things like theft, violence, repeated policy violations after warnings. Being laid off means they just didn't have enough work, which is totally different.

What counts as 'misconduct' exactly? Is being late a few times enough to disqualify you?

Misconduct has to be willful or deliberate. Just being late occasionally usually isn't enough unless it's a pattern and you were warned repeatedly.

What exactly counts as 'misconduct' though? Is being late a few times enough to disqualify you?

Misconduct has to be willful or deliberate. A few tardies usually won't qualify unless it's a pattern after warnings. Things like theft, fighting, or repeatedly violating company policy are more likely to result in disqualification.

What counts as 'good cause' exactly? My supervisor was pretty hostile but I don't have documentation of everything.

Good cause includes harassment, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, or significant changes to your job terms. Document everything you can remember with dates if possible.

That's helpful thanks. So if I was officially laid off due to company downsizing, the previous attendance issues shouldn't matter?

Exactly - if you were laid off for lack of work or business reasons, previous disciplinary actions typically won't disqualify you. Washington ESD looks at the reason for separation from your most recent job.

Wait, you got approved even though you were chronically late? That seems like misconduct to me.

I think it depends on the circumstances. I had documentation about bus schedule changes that weren't my fault.

Exactly right - context matters a lot in these decisions. Washington ESD looks at the whole situation, not just the surface facts.

Thanks! What exactly counts as 'misconduct' for a discharge? Is it just like stealing or fighting, or are there other things?

Misconduct includes willful violations of company policy, excessive unexcused absences, insubordination, theft, dishonesty, or deliberate acts that harm the employer's interests. It has to be something you did intentionally that went against reasonable employer expectations.

What counts as 'suitable work'? I've been pretty picky about jobs that match my experience level.

Generally has to pay at least 70% of your previous wage and be within your skill set, but after a certain number of weeks they can require you to take lower paying work.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I'm thinking about leaving my current job because my boss is making the workplace really hostile.

Hostile work environment can qualify as good cause, but you need to document everything and usually try to resolve it first through HR or management. Washington ESD looks at whether a reasonable person would have quit in your situation.

Wait, is it really 3 per week? I thought it was more than that. And what counts as a 'contact'?

Yes, minimum 3 per week unless you're in certain programs. Contacts include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, interviews, or contacting employers directly about opportunities.

Wait, I thought it was only 2 job contacts per week?

It's 3 contacts for most people, but can be reduced to 2 if you're in certain training programs or have other approved activities.

The job search thing is no joke - they actually check your log and can ask for proof of applications.

How do they define 'suitable work'? Does it have to be in my field or same pay level?

Generally work is suitable if it's in your field or uses your skills, pays at least minimum wage, and working conditions are safe. After some time on benefits the requirements can get looser.

Never heard of that service - does it actually work? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks.

Yeah it worked for me. You go to claimyr.com and they handle getting through the phone system. Saved me hours of calling.

That might be helpful if I need to appeal or clarify something. Good to know there are options.

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? Is it pretty strict?

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties or pay, or domestic violence situations. It has to be work-related and something a reasonable person would quit over.

How do they calculate the base period? Is it just the last year?

It's actually the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, they look at January-December 2024.

Do online applications count as job search contacts? That's mostly how I've been applying places.

Yes, online applications count! Just make sure you record the company name, position, date, and method of contact in your job search log.

I got audited last year and they wanted proof of every single job contact. Screenshots, confirmation emails, everything. Keep good records!

I did some DoorDash one day last week but only made like $40. Do I really need to report that?

YES absolutely report it! Any work at all needs to be reported, even if it's just a few dollars. Better safe than sorry.

This is so important. I got an overpayment notice for $1,200 because I didn't report some small freelance work. Had to appeal it.

Good to know! I was worried they'd say I'm not available for work if I'm doing deliveries.

Yeah just make sure you report every penny you earn from DoorDash on your weekly claims or you could get hit with an overpayment later.

How much does that service cost? I'm already worried about money.

It was worth it for me to actually talk to someone who could explain what was happening with my claim. Way better than playing phone tag for weeks.

Never heard of that but might be worth trying if you get stuck in the system

How detailed does the job search log need to be? I've been applying online but not keeping great records.

You need employer name, contact info, position applied for, date, and method of contact. Start keeping better records now - they can audit going back several weeks.

What counts as a valid job contact? Is applying online sufficient or do you need to do more?

Online applications count but you need to keep detailed records - company name, date, position, how you applied. I use a spreadsheet to track everything.

They also accept networking contacts and job fairs as job search activities. Check the Washington ESD website for the full list of acceptable activities.

What kind of proof do they need for hostile work environment? I have some text messages from coworkers about the situation but no formal documentation.

Text messages can help, but witness statements from coworkers and any documentation of incidents (emails, written warnings from the manager, etc.) would be stronger evidence. The key is showing the situation was intolerable for a reasonable person.

What's the difference between misconduct and performance issues? My boss said I wasn't meeting sales targets but I was trying my best.

Misconduct usually involves willful violation of company rules, dishonesty, or deliberate acts. Not meeting performance standards despite good faith effort is typically not misconduct. You should be eligible if it was just performance.

What kind of documentation would I need to prove hostile work environment? I have some emails but not much else.

Emails are good! Also witness statements, HR complaints if you filed any, performance reviews showing sudden changes after complaints, medical records if stress affected your health.

Is that service legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's real. They basically call Washington ESD for you and conference you in when they get an agent on the line. Saved me hours of frustration.

This is so important! My friend got her benefits stopped because she wasn't logging her job searches properly in the system.

The job search thing is annoying but you really can't skip it. They check up on it randomly and if you can't prove you've been looking, they'll cut you off.

Is that service legit? I'm always worried about giving my info to third parties.

Yeah it's real, they just help you get connected to actual Washington ESD staff. Way better than trying to call myself.

What made the work 'unsuitable' in your case? I'm worried about this since I have some physical limitations.

The job was way below my usual pay grade and in a completely different field. But you have to be careful - they consider things like commute distance, your skills, and how long you've been unemployed when determining if work is suitable.

Interesting, I've been dreading having to call Washington ESD. How much does something like that cost?

I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it for me to get my questions answered quickly instead of spending all day trying to get through. Much less stressful than the normal calling process.

What if I can only work certain hours due to childcare? Does that automatically disqualify me?

Not automatically, but you need to show you're actively seeking work within your availability and that there are jobs available during those hours.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits? I might pick up some part-time work.

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before it starts reducing your benefits. Anything over that reduces your UI payment dollar for dollar.

That's terrible! Can you appeal something like that?

Yes, you can appeal within 30 days of the determination. I eventually won my appeal but it took months to get resolved.

How long did your adjudication take? I'm hearing it can take weeks and I really need the income soon.

Mine took about 5 weeks which was really stressful. I kept calling Washington ESD but could never get through to check on the status.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit? How much does it cost?

Yeah it's totally legitimate, they just help you get through the phone queue. I was skeptical at first but desperate to reach someone at Washington ESD. Much easier than spending hours trying to call.

I might try that too, been trying to call Washington ESD for 2 weeks about my pending claim with no luck.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

I thought it was worth it to get answers directly from Washington ESD rather than guessing. The peace of mind was valuable when my claim was in jeopardy.

How much does that cost? I'm already strapped for cash waiting for my first payment.

It's worth checking out their site for details, but honestly getting through to ESD to resolve issues quickly can prevent bigger problems down the road.

What if you get fired for poor performance but it wasn't intentional?

Poor performance usually isn't misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job. Inability to do the work is different from unwillingness.

How does that work exactly? I've been trying to call ESD for weeks about a question on my claim.

They basically handle the calling for you and connect you when they get an agent on the line. Saved me so much time and frustration.

I didn't get any severance, just my final paycheck. Will that affect anything?

Your final paycheck shouldn't delay benefits as long as it's just for time you actually worked. Severance is different because it's meant to replace wages after you stop working.

Yeah, you have to report ALL work and earnings, even if it's just a few hours. The system is strict about that.

wish they made that clearer upfront instead of penalizing people for honest mistakes

True, failing a drug test at work or being fired for drug/alcohol use will disqualify you from benefits.

How do they determine if you have enough work history? I've been working for about 2 years at my warehouse job.

They look at your wages in the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed. You need to have earned at least $1,088 in your highest earning quarter and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your high quarter amount.

What if the job pays way less than my previous job? Do I have to take it?

Early in your claim, you can be more selective. But as time goes on, the definition of 'suitable work' expands. A job paying significantly less might not be suitable initially, but could be after several months.

I turned down a job that paid $5/hour less than my previous one after 2 months unemployed and didn't get disqualified. But I documented why it wasn't suitable.

You can go to school while on unemployment, but you still have to be able and available for work. Full-time school might be an issue unless it's approved training.

Good to know. I was just thinking about maybe one evening class to learn some new skills.

What if I get sick for a few days? Do I just not file that week?

You still need to file your weekly claim, but you'd answer 'no' to being able and available. You won't get paid for that week, but it keeps your claim active.

What kind of penalties are there for fraud? I accidentally reported wrong information once and I'm worried.

If it was truly accidental, usually just correcting it is enough. Fraud penalties can include repayment, additional fines, and disqualification from future benefits for a certain period.

Washington ESD doesn't require a specific format, but you need to track: employer name, date of contact, position applied for, and method of contact. Keep this info for at least 3 years.

Three years?! I had no idea it was that long. I better start a spreadsheet.

What about temporary disabilities? Like if you're recovering from surgery?

You might be able to get benefits if you can show you'll be able to work again soon and are looking for work you can do with your current limitations.

How long did it take for them to decide? I'm worried about the adjudication process taking forever.

Mine took about 3 weeks for the adjudication decision. They interviewed both me and my former employer before approving it.

What about if you get fired for not meeting sales quotas? Is that misconduct?

Usually no - inability to perform isn't misconduct unless you were deliberately not trying or violated company policy.

That sounds like an error in how your employer reported your separation. You can appeal that decision and provide documentation of the layoff.

How long do I have to appeal? The notice was confusing about the timeline.

You have 30 days from the date on the determination letter. Don't wait - file the appeal as soon as possible.

How much does that cost? I'm already broke which is why I need unemployment lol

It's worth checking out their site for details. For me it was worth it to get actual answers instead of guessing about my eligibility.

Thanks I'll look into that. I really need to talk to someone who knows the rules.

What counts as job search activities? Just applying or other stuff too?

Applications, networking events, job fairs, interviews, creating profiles on job sites, career counseling sessions - lots of things count.

How long did the adjudication take for your misconduct case? I'm worried if I get disqualified it'll take forever to resolve.

Mine took about 6 weeks but that was with Claimyr helping me reach the right people. Before that I was stuck for months trying to get through on the phone myself.

Never heard of Claimyr before but if it actually works that could be a game changer. The phone lines are impossible.

What about part-time school? I'm thinking of taking some classes while unemployed.

Part-time is usually okay as long as it doesn't interfere with work availability. Full-time programs can be disqualifying unless approved for training benefits.

What's the base period earnings requirement? I worked part-time for most of last year.

You need at least $1,200 in covered wages during your base period, plus wages in at least two quarters. For part-time work, as long as you meet these minimums you should be okay for that requirement.

What about online classes or part-time school? I was thinking about taking some courses while looking for work.

Part-time is usually okay as long as it doesn't interfere with work availability. Online classes give you more flexibility but you still need to be available for work during business hours.

I'm not in school and I'm definitely available for work. The DoorDash thing is just to make ends meet while I look for another full-time warehouse job.

That sounds fine then. Just make sure you're genuinely looking for full-time work in your field and can accept job offers if they come up.

Can you collect if you move to another state temporarily?

You can collect while temporarily out of state for job search or family emergency, but you have to report it and may need to register with that state's job service.

This is really helpful. My situation was definitely about working conditions and scheduling conflicts, not performance or rule violations.

I agree with this. I was fired for 'not being a good fit' during my probationary period and still got benefits. The key is being honest about what happened.

Good point. How strict are they about the job search documentation?

Pretty strict. They can audit your job search activities at any time, so keep detailed records of every application.

I got caught slacking on my job searches and they made me pay back 2 weeks of benefits. Don't mess around with the requirements.

What if you forgot to report some small cash job? Can you fix it later?

You should report it ASAP. Call Washington ESD or update your claim. It's better to be proactive than have them discover it during an audit.

What counts as a job search activity? I've just been applying to jobs online.

Online applications count, but you can also do things like networking events, job fairs, updating your resume, creating profiles on job sites, etc. Just make sure you document everything with dates and details.

I keep a spreadsheet with all my job search activities. Company name, position, date, method of contact. Makes it easy if they ever audit me.

What about part-time school? I was thinking about taking some evening classes.

Part-time education is usually okay as long as it doesn't interfere with your ability to work or job search. Washington ESD has specific rules about this.

What if you have childcare limitations? I can only work certain hours because of my kids' school schedule.

That can be tricky. You need to show you're available for a substantial portion of the job market in your field. Limited availability might affect your eligibility.

What about if you're doing freelance work while unemployed? Do you have to report that?

Yes, any income from freelance or contract work has to be reported on your weekly claim, even if it's just a small amount.

I learned this the hard way - got an overpayment notice for not reporting $200 in freelance work.

What if I have a job interview out of state? Can I still claim that week?

As long as you're available for work during the week and the travel is job-related, it should be fine. But definitely report it if asked.

Yeah I had to report my severance pay and it reduced my weekly benefits for several weeks until it was used up.

I don't have any severance but good to know. This is all so complicated!

Even for marijuana in Washington where it's legal?

Yeah, because it's still against most company policies and federal law. Your employer can still fire you for it.

How much freelance work is too much? I do some side projects occasionally.

You have to report ALL income, no matter how small. They'll reduce your benefits accordingly but hiding it will get you disqualified for fraud.

How do they determine if something was intentional fraud vs an honest mistake?

Usually depends on the pattern and amount. One small mistake that you correct is different than consistently not reporting income over multiple weeks.

This is why I always double-check my weekly claims before submitting. Take your time and read everything carefully.

Thanks, that helps calm my nerves a bit. I just hear so many scary stories online.

The scary stories usually involve people who weren't following the rules or were trying to game the system. Just be honest and follow the requirements and you'll be okay.

What about online classes or part-time school?

Part-time might be okay if you can still meet the work search requirements and are available for full-time work. Online classes don't automatically disqualify you if they don't interfere with work availability.

Is this legit? Sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

It's legitimate - they don't ask for personal info or anything sketchy. The value is worth it when you actually need to talk to someone at Washington ESD instead of waiting on hold for hours.

I might try this if my claim gets complicated. Thanks for sharing!

What about if you're taking online classes part-time? Does that affect eligibility?

Part-time classes are usually okay as long as you're still able and available for full-time work. You just need to report it when you file your weekly claims.

That's not accurate. Washington allows unemployment benefits for people who quit with good cause, including hostile work environment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties, and other valid reasons.

Maybe technically but they make it nearly impossible to prove. The system is rigged against workers.

I successfully got benefits after quitting due to harassment, so it is possible. You just need to document everything and be prepared to explain your situation clearly.

Wait, you have to register with WorkSourceWA? When do you have to do that?

Usually within your first few weeks of claiming. Washington ESD will tell you when it's required. It's part of the work search requirements.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. When you're dealing with complex issues like misconduct appeals, you really need to talk to an actual person at Washington ESD to understand your options.

I'll check that out. I've been calling for weeks with no luck getting through.

Yes, you can appeal most disqualifications. You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal with Washington ESD.

Good to know, thanks!

Yeah, the definition of 'suitable work' changes the longer you're unemployed. After a few months they expect you to take jobs that pay less than your previous wage.

Wish I had known that before turning down the job. Had to go through a whole appeal process.

What if you disagree with the company's reason for firing you? Can you still get benefits?

Yes, you can appeal Washington ESD's decision if they deny you based on the employer's claims. You'll need to present your side of the story and any evidence you have.

None of that applies to me - I was just caught up in layoffs when they downsized the warehouse operations.

Sounds like you should be fine then. Layoffs due to lack of work are usually straightforward for unemployment approval.

Good advice. I was laid off about 3 weeks ago so I should probably get on this soon.

Definitely file this week if you can. You can backdate your claim to some extent but it's better to file promptly. The sooner you file, the sooner you might start receiving benefits.

No, you can't collect benefits in two states at the same time, but having collected in another state previously doesn't disqualify you from Washington benefits if you meet the other requirements.

How long do you usually have to respond to those requests?

Usually 10-14 days, but it varies. The key is to respond even if you don't have all the information they want - explain what you're missing and when you can provide it.

What if you're not part of the union but your workplace is shut down because of someone else's strike?

That's different - if you're not participating in the labor dispute and are just affected by it, you might still be eligible for benefits.

Do they tell you when these standards change, or do you just have to guess?

They don't really announce it, but generally after 5-7 weeks they start considering work that pays 75% of your previous wages as suitable, and it gets more flexible from there.

Is that service legit? I'm desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my pending adjudication.

Yeah, it worked for me. They basically help you navigate the phone system to get through to a real person instead of getting stuck in the automated system or disconnected.

What if you honestly forgot to report some small income? Like $50 from a side gig?

Report it as soon as you remember! Honest mistakes are treated differently than intentional fraud, but you still need to fix it immediately.

Good to know. I want to make sure I report everything correctly from the start.

What about if you quit because of a hostile work environment? Does that count as good cause?

Yes, if you can document the hostile environment and show you tried to resolve it first. Washington ESD looks at whether a reasonable person would have quit under those circumstances.

This is exactly what happened to me. Had to document everything with HR first before quitting to show good cause.

What did you need to prove good cause? I'm in a similar situation with a toxic workplace.

Documentation is key - emails, witness statements, anything showing you tried to resolve the issue first. Also need to show the situation was intolerable for a reasonable person.

Good cause for quitting in Washington includes harassment, significant changes to job conditions, or unsafe working conditions. But you usually need to try to resolve it with the employer first.

How much can you earn before it affects your benefits? I might get some part-time work.

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5 before it starts reducing your benefits. Anything over that reduces your benefits dollar for dollar.

What if you're available for part-time work but not full-time due to childcare issues?

That can be tricky. You generally need to be available for full-time work unless you have a history of part-time work in your base period. There are some exceptions but they're limited.

Did you have to pay it back? That sounds scary.

Yeah, I had to repay the overpayment plus penalties. Don't mess around with this - be completely honest on your weekly claims.

I'm taking one online class in the evenings. Is that going to be a problem?

Probably not if it's just one evening class and doesn't interfere with your ability to work during normal business hours. But document it just in case.

Is that something I do separately or is it part of the unemployment application?

It's separate - you register at worksourcewa.com. Washington ESD will remind you to do it but it's required for maintaining your benefits.

Yeah I forgot to update my WorkSource profile and got a notice from ESD about it. They're pretty strict about keeping everything current.

I was thinking about doing some DoorDash while I look for a full-time job. How does that work with benefits?

You can do gig work, just report all your earnings. They'll reduce your benefits by a portion of what you earn, but you might still get some unemployment money plus your gig earnings.

The formula is confusing but basically they ignore the first $5 you earn, then reduce your benefits by 75% of anything over that.

Religious restrictions are usually considered a valid reason for limiting availability, but you have to clearly document it and may need to appeal if they initially deny it.

I tried explaining but they didn't care. This whole system is designed to screw people over.

That does sound frustrating, but reducing hours that drastically might actually qualify as constructive dismissal. Did you appeal the decision?

tried to appeal but could never get through to anyone at ESD to explain my situation properly. gave up after 3 months of trying

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - situations like yours where you need to actually talk to someone but can't get through the regular channels.

What counts as a job search contact? Does applying online count?

Yes, online applications count. You can also include networking contacts, job fairs, interviews, and contacting employers directly. Just keep detailed records with dates, company names, and contact methods.

How did the appeal process work? Was it complicated?

It was actually pretty straightforward. You request an appeal online, then have a phone hearing with an administrative law judge. Both you and your employer can present evidence and testimony.

What if you have childcare issues? Does that affect the able and available requirement?

You need to be available for work during normal business hours. If childcare limits your availability, you should discuss this with Washington ESD to see if you still qualify.

Good cause quits can qualify for benefits. You'd need to document the unsafe conditions or harassment and explain why quitting was your only reasonable option.