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Freya Pedersen

What disqualifies you from unemployment benefits in Washington state?

I'm trying to understand all the different ways you can be disqualified from unemployment benefits in Washington. I know quitting without good cause is one, but what are all the other reasons? My friend got disqualified and she's not sure why, and I want to make sure I don't accidentally do something that would mess up my claim. Can someone break down the main disqualification reasons?

There are several things that can disqualify you from Washington ESD unemployment benefits. The main ones are: 1) Being fired for misconduct (not just poor performance), 2) Quitting without good cause, 3) Not being able and available for work, 4) Refusing suitable work offers, 5) Not actively searching for jobs, and 6) Not being authorized to work in the US. Your situation with reduced hours might qualify as constructive dismissal if the reduction was substantial enough.

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Thanks! What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My hours went from 40 to like 8 per week.

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Substantial reduction in hours can be good cause. Generally if your hours are reduced by more than 25% or your pay drops significantly, that could qualify. You'll need to document the change.

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There are several major disqualification reasons in Washington state. The most common ones are: 1) Quitting without good cause, 2) Getting fired for misconduct, 3) Not being able and available for work, 4) Refusing suitable work, 5) Not actively searching for jobs. Each one has specific criteria that Washington ESD uses to determine if you're disqualified.

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Thanks! What exactly counts as 'misconduct' for getting fired? Is it just like stealing or can it be other things too?

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Misconduct includes things like repeated tardiness, insubordination, violating company policies, dishonesty, or anything that shows deliberate disregard for your employer's interests. It has to be connected to your work though.

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There are several main categories of disqualifications in Washington. The big ones are: 1) Quitting without good cause connected to work, 2) Being fired for misconduct, 3) Not being able and available to work, 4) Refusing suitable work without good cause, 5) Not actively searching for work. Each has different penalty weeks attached to it.

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

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It has to be willful or wanton disregard of the employer's interests. Occasional tardiness usually isn't enough unless it's a pattern after warnings.

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Don't forget about the work search requirements! In Washington you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep detailed records. If you don't do this or can't prove you did it during an audit, they'll disqualify you. I learned this the hard way when they did a random check on my job search log.

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How detailed do the job search records need to be? I've just been writing down company names.

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You need company name, contact method, date, position applied for, and result. They want to see real effort, not just random applications.

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I had to deal with a disqualification appeal last year and it was a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD to understand what happened. Spent weeks calling and either getting busy signals or being disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach an agent who explained my situation. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier than trying to call on my own.

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How much does something like that cost? I'm already struggling financially.

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It was worth it for me because I was able to get my benefits reinstated. The time I saved not sitting on hold for hours was valuable too.

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Income while receiving benefits can also disqualify you! If you work part-time and don't report it correctly, or if you make too much in a week, you can get an overpayment notice and potentially face fraud charges. Always report ALL income, even small amounts.

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What's the income limit before you lose benefits completely?

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It's complicated - they reduce your benefits dollar for dollar after you earn more than your weekly benefit amount. But if you earn 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, you get nothing that week.

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Drug testing failures can disqualify you too, especially if you're applying for certain types of jobs. Washington ESD has specific rules about this that not everyone knows about.

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I didn't know they could require drug testing for unemployment. When does this come up?

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Usually if you're referred to a job through WorkSourceWA and the employer requires it, or if you're in certain job training programs.

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The main disqualifications in Washington are: 1) Quitting without good cause 2) Being fired for misconduct 3) Refusing suitable work without good cause 4) Not being able and available for work 5) Not actively seeking work 6) Making false statements on your claim. There are also some temporary disqualifications like not registering with WorkSource within a certain timeframe.

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

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Misconduct has to be willful or deliberate. A few tardies usually won't qualify unless it's a pattern after warnings. Things like theft, insubordination, or violating safety rules are more likely to be misconduct.

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There are several main categories of disqualifications in Washington state. The most common ones are: 1) Quitting without good cause, 2) Being fired for misconduct, 3) Not being able and available for work, 4) Refusing suitable work, and 5) Not meeting the job search requirements. Each type has different rules and some are temporary while others are permanent.

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Thanks! What counts as 'misconduct' exactly? I'm worried about something that happened at my last job.

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Misconduct includes things like theft, violence, repeated tardiness after warnings, insubordination, or violating company policies after being warned. It has to be willful or deliberate behavior that goes against your employer's interests.

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The able and available thing trips up a lot of people. You have to be physically and mentally able to work, available during normal business hours, and actively looking for work. If you're going to school full-time, have medical restrictions, or can only work very limited hours, you might get disqualified.

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What if you're taking care of kids? Does that affect the available for work requirement?

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You still need to be available for work during normal hours. Having childcare issues can be a problem unless you have arrangements in place.

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The main disqualifications in Washington are: being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, not being able and available for work, refusing suitable work, or not actively searching for jobs. Attendance issues can be tricky - it depends if Washington ESD considers it misconduct or just poor performance.

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How do they determine if attendance issues count as misconduct? I was late a lot but never missed full days.

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Washington ESD looks at whether you willfully violated company policy. Being late repeatedly could be considered misconduct if you knew the policy and ignored it. But if you had valid reasons like transportation issues or family emergencies, that might not be misconduct.

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The main disqualifications are: being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, not being able and available to work, refusing suitable work, or not meeting the work/wage requirements. You need to have worked enough hours and earned enough wages in your base period too.

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What counts as 'misconduct'? I was fired for being late a few times but it wasn't intentional - my car kept breaking down.

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Being late occasionally due to car trouble might not be misconduct if it wasn't willful or repeated after warnings. Washington ESD looks at whether you deliberately violated workplace rules.

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The main disqualifications in Washington are: 1) Quitting without good cause connected to work 2) Being discharged for misconduct 3) Refusing suitable work without good cause 4) Not being able and available for work 5) Not actively seeking work. There's also fraud obviously, and not meeting the wage requirements in your base period.

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

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Good cause has to be connected to your work - like unsafe conditions, harassment, significant change in job duties, or reduction in hours/pay. Personal reasons usually don't count unless they're really compelling.

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Don't forget about the work search requirements! You have to apply for at least 3 jobs per week and keep a log. If you don't do this consistently, they can disqualify you. Also if you turn down a job offer that's considered suitable for your skills and experience.

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What makes a job 'suitable'? Can they force you to take something way below your previous salary?

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Generally after the first few weeks, you're expected to consider jobs at 80% of your previous wage. It gets more flexible over time, but you can't just hold out for your dream job indefinitely.

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I had a friend who got disqualified because she wasn't available for work due to child care issues. The 'able and available' requirement is pretty strict - you have to be ready to start work immediately if offered a job. Going on vacation without reporting it can also disqualify you.

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Yep, and you have to report any travel when you file your weekly claim. Even a weekend trip out of state needs to be reported.

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That seems really strict. What if you have a family emergency out of state?

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You can still travel for emergencies, but you have to report it and explain why you weren't available for work during that time.

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The main disqualifications in Washington are: quitting without good cause, getting fired for misconduct, refusing suitable work, not actively searching for jobs, being unavailable for work, or committing fraud. There are also some lesser-known ones like failing drug tests required by employers or not participating in required reemployment services.

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What counts as "good cause" for quitting? My sister said her boss was creating a hostile work environment but they still denied her.

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Good cause includes things like harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties or pay, or domestic violence situations. She should definitely appeal if she has documentation of the hostile environment.

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The main disqualifications are: quitting without good cause, being fired for misconduct, not being able and available to work, refusing suitable work, or not meeting wage requirements. Washington ESD looks at each case individually though.

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

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Usually has to be willful or repeated violations of company policy. Being late occasionally probably wouldn't qualify as misconduct unless it was a pattern after warnings.

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There are several main categories of disqualification in Washington. The big ones are: quitting without good cause, being fired for misconduct, refusing suitable work, not being able and available for work, and not meeting the job search requirements. Some are temporary (like not doing your job search) and others can be for the duration of your benefit year.

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What counts as 'misconduct' exactly? Is being late a few times considered misconduct?

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Misconduct has to be willful or deliberate violation of company policy. Occasional tardiness usually isn't enough unless it's excessive and you were warned multiple times.

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The main disqualification reasons for Washington ESD unemployment include: being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, refusing suitable work, not being able and available for work, and not meeting the job search requirements. There are also earnings thresholds you need to meet during your base period.

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

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Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. Occasional tardiness usually isn't enough unless it's part of a pattern after warnings. Things like stealing, violence, or repeatedly violating company policy would qualify as misconduct.

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Quitting doesn't automatically disqualify you, but Washington ESD will look at whether you had 'good cause' for leaving. Hostile work environment can qualify as good cause if you can document it. The main disqualifiers are: being fired for misconduct, quitting without good cause, not being able and available for work, refusing suitable work, or not meeting the job search requirements.

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What counts as documentation for hostile workplace? I have some emails but nothing that explicitly says harassment.

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Emails are good evidence. Also any written complaints you filed, witness statements, or records of HR meetings. Even if it's not explicitly called harassment, patterns of unfair treatment can establish good cause.

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I got disqualified initially because Washington ESD said I quit without good cause, but I was able to appeal and win. The key is documenting everything. Keep emails, write down conversations with your boss, save any notices about schedule changes. The burden is on you to prove you had good cause.

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How long did the appeal process take? I'm worried about going months without any income.

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Mine took about 6 weeks total. You can usually get help from legal aid if you need it for the appeal hearing.

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Don't forget about the work search requirements - you have to apply for 3 jobs per week and keep detailed records. If you don't do this or can't prove you did it during an audit, they'll stop your benefits until you comply.

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This is so important! I got audited and had to provide proof of all my job applications. Make sure you're keeping screenshots and contact information.

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How often do they audit people? I've been filing for 2 months and haven't heard anything.

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It's random but seems more common now. They can audit you anytime during your claim period.

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Been there with the disqualification thing. Washington ESD is really strict about the job search requirements too. You have to apply for at least 3 jobs per week and keep detailed records. If you don't meet that requirement or can't prove you're actively looking, they'll disqualify you.

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Do they actually check your job search activities or just trust that you're doing it?

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They can audit your job search log at any time. I got selected for a random audit and had to provide proof of all my applications. Better to keep good records from day one.

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You should still apply even if you're not sure. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. If they disqualify you, you can always appeal the decision. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised and get approved.

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This is good advice. I thought I'd be disqualified for sure but got approved anyway. The adjudication process took forever though.

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How long did your adjudication take? I'm worried about how long I'll have to wait for an answer.

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Mine took about 5 weeks, but I've heard some people wait 8-10 weeks. It's frustrating but worth it if you get approved.

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I had a similar situation and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to check on my claim status. Finally used claimyr.com to get connected to an actual agent who explained exactly why my claim was being reviewed. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

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

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It's legit - they just help you get through the phone system faster. I was able to talk to a real Washington ESD agent within 20 minutes instead of spending hours getting busy signals.

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That sounds amazing. I hate trying to call government offices, always takes forever.

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I got disqualified for 'voluntary quit' even though my boss was making my life hell. Apparently you have to prove you had 'good cause' which is really hard to do.

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You can appeal that decision! Hostile work environment can be good cause if you document it properly. Did you file an appeal with Washington ESD?

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Yeah I'm in the middle of an appeal hearing process now. Wish I'd known about documenting everything beforehand.

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I spent months trying to get through to Washington ESD about my disqualification status and kept getting disconnected. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person who explained exactly why I was disqualified. Worth checking out their demo video: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

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How much does that cost? I'm already broke waiting for my claim to process.

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They don't charge upfront or anything complicated. Just helps you get through to actual Washington ESD staff when you need answers about your claim status.

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That actually sounds helpful. I've been calling for weeks about my adjudication status with no luck.

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I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months trying to get through their phone system about a disqualification issue. It's nearly impossible to reach anyone! Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person at ESD. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

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How much does that cost? I've been trying to call for weeks about my adjudication.

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It's worth whatever they charge just to actually talk to someone. The regular phone system is completely broken - you'll waste hours getting hung up on.

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I might try this. I've been calling every day for two weeks about my disqualification and can't get through.

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Being unavailable for work is a big one people overlook. If you're in school full-time, have childcare issues, or health problems that prevent you from working, you can be disqualified. You have to be able and available for work each week you claim.

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What if you have limited availability due to transportation issues? Does that count as unavailable?

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It depends on how limited. If you can only work certain hours or locations, you need to show you're still actively looking within those constraints.

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Don't forget about the work search requirements! You have to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. If you don't do this or can't prove you did it, they'll disqualify you. I learned this the hard way when they audited my claim.

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How strict are they about the job search log? Do they actually check it regularly?

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They do random audits and if you get selected, you have to provide detailed proof of all your job contacts. Keep everything documented!

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Don't forget about the work search requirements! You have to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log. If you miss this or don't do it properly, they can disqualify you retroactively.

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Wait really? I thought it was just 2 job contacts per week?

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It's 3 for most people, but can be different based on your situation. Check your requirements in your eServices account to be sure.

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Don't forget about the work search requirements! You have to apply for at least 3 jobs per week and keep detailed records. I got disqualified temporarily because my job search log wasn't complete enough for Washington ESD's standards.

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How detailed do the job search records need to be? I've been writing down company names and dates but not much else.

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You need company name, position applied for, date, how you applied (online, in person, etc.), and contact information. Keep everything organized because they can audit your records anytime.

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You also get disqualified if you're not actively looking for work. Washington ESD requires you to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a job search log. Some people think they can just collect benefits without looking for work - that's a big mistake.

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Wait, is it 3 contacts per week? I thought it was 2?

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It's 3 per week unless you're in an approved training program or have a union referral. Check your WorkSourceWA account for the exact requirements.

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Do I need to register with WorkSourceWA before I can file for unemployment?

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I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about a potential disqualification issue but can't get through on the phone. The hold times are insane and I keep getting disconnected. Has anyone found a better way to contact them?

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I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual agent. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

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Is that legit? How much does it cost?

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Yeah it's real, I used it last month when I had an adjudication issue. They don't mention pricing upfront but it was worth it to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD instead of calling 50 times myself.

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You can also get disqualified for not reporting income correctly. Even small amounts from side gigs need to be reported when you file your weekly claim.

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