What disqualifies you from unemployment benefits in Washington - need to know before filing

The main disqualifications are quitting without good cause, being fired for misconduct, refusing suitable work, and not meeting work search requirements. Being laid off due to slow business should be fine as long as there wasn't misconduct involved.

You need to report ALL income including cash work. Even small amounts can affect your benefits. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this and they do check.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks to get clarification on disqualification rules but can never get through. The phone system is impossible. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! They'll find ANY excuse to deny you. I got disqualified because I supposedly didn't do enough job searches but I was applying everywhere. Make sure you document EVERYTHING or they'll screw you over.

Here's the complete list of what disqualifies you from Washington unemployment: 1) Quitting without good cause 2) Being fired for misconduct 3) Refusing suitable work without good cause 4) Not actively seeking work 5) Not being able and available for work 6) Fraud or misrepresentation 7) Not meeting base period wage requirements.

also dont forget about the waiting week. even if you qualify you dont get paid for the first week

The job search thing is what gets most people. You have to do 3 job search activities per week and log them in WorkSourceWA. Can't just apply randomly - has to be documented properly.

I got disqualified once for not being available because I was taking care of my sick mom. Even though it was temporary they said I wasn't available for work. You have to be ready to work immediately.

Drug testing can also disqualify you if you're fired for failing one. Had this happen to a coworker.

I tried calling Washington ESD so many times about my disqualification but kept getting hung up on. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through the same day. Turned out my disqualification was a mistake.

Don't forget about the voluntary quit issue. If you quit for any reason other than good cause connected to work, you're disqualified. Good cause is pretty narrow - unsafe conditions, harassment, major schedule changes, etc.

Identity verification is another thing that can hold up your claim. If Washington ESD can't verify your identity, they'll put a hold on benefits until you provide documentation.

school attendance can also affect eligibility. if youre in school full time you might not qualify unless its approved training

The able and available requirement trips people up too. You have to be physically and mentally able to work, and available for work during normal business hours. Health issues can disqualify you.

Immigration status matters too. You have to be authorized to work in the US to qualify for unemployment benefits.

Criminal background can affect things if you're in prison or have work restrictions. Not just having a record, but active legal issues.

Self-employment income has to be reported too. If you're making money from a side business while claiming unemployment, that counts as income.

The penalty for fraud is serious - you can be disqualified for a year or more, plus have to pay back benefits with penalties. Not worth the risk.

Labor disputes can also disqualify you. If you're out of work because of a strike or lockout, you might not qualify for benefits.

Claimyr helped me understand my disqualification issue too. I was confused about the misconduct determination and they helped me get through to an adjudicator who explained everything. Sometimes you just need to talk to the right person.

Thanks everyone for all the info! Sounds like I should be okay since I was laid off due to business reasons. I'll make sure to report the cash work I did and document everything properly. Really appreciate all the help!