What disqualifies you from unemployment benefits in Washington state?

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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, insubordination, or violating safety rules are more likely to be misconduct.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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?

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Is that legit? How much does it cost?

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.

What if you forgot to report something small like $50? Will they disqualify you for that?

They might create an overpayment but probably won't disqualify you for a small honest mistake. The problem is when people deliberately hide income.

What's the work history requirement? I only worked at my last job for about 8 months.

You need to have worked in at least two quarters of your base period and earned a minimum amount. For 2025, I think it's around $1,000 total with at least $405 in your highest quarter, but check the Washington ESD website for exact numbers.

Wait, they can disqualify you after you're already getting benefits?

Yes, if you don't meet the ongoing requirements like job searching or if they find out later that you weren't eligible. That's why it's important to follow all the rules.

This happened to my brother - he got lazy with his job search and they cut him off. Had to pay back like $2,000 in benefits.

What about part-time students? I was thinking about taking some classes while unemployed.

Part-time is usually okay as long as you're still available for full-time work. But you need to check with ESD first - they have specific rules about training programs.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you?

They navigate the phone system and get you connected to an actual person. Check out claimyr.com - it's been a lifesaver for getting answers about disqualification issues.

How many job searches do you need to do per week? I heard it was 3 but someone told me it might be more now.

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but Washington ESD can require more depending on your situation or local job market. Always check your requirements in your online account.

Is this legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my disqualification and can never get through.

Yeah it's real, I used it last month when I needed to appeal a disqualification. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

That's interesting - I didn't know services like that existed. Did they help you understand why you were initially denied?

Yeah, the Washington ESD agent I finally reached explained that my denial was actually due to incomplete employer information, not misconduct like I thought. Got it sorted out within a week after that.

That's interesting, I didn't know services like that existed. How does it work exactly?

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent picks up. Super helpful when you're dealing with complex disqualification issues that need explanation.

What makes a job 'suitable'? I got offered a job paying half what I used to make and Washington ESD said I had to take it.

After a certain number of weeks on benefits, they lower the bar for what's considered suitable. Initially it has to match your skills and pay reasonably well, but later almost any job becomes 'suitable.

What about if you're going to school? Does that disqualify you?

Going to school doesn't automatically disqualify you, but you still have to be able and available for work. If your school schedule prevents you from accepting full-time work, that could be an issue.

How much does that cost? Seems like you shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to Washington ESD.

I was frustrated too but honestly it was worth it to get answers instead of calling for weeks. The video explains everything better than I can.

I might check that out if I can't get through normally. Thanks for the tip!

This is so important! Even $50 from a side job needs to be reported on your weekly claim. The penalties for not reporting can be severe.

wait what happens if you forget to report something small? like i made $30 driving for uber one week but forgot to put it down

You should report it on your next weekly claim and call Washington ESD to explain. It's better to self-report the mistake than have them discover it later during an audit.

Never heard of that, is it legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication.

Yeah it's real, they basically call for you and get you connected. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Might have to try that if I run into issues with my claim.

Wait, what if you do some gig work while on unemployment? Does that automatically disqualify you?

No, but you have to report ALL earnings when you file your weekly claim. If you earn too much in a week, you might not get benefits for that week, but it doesn't permanently disqualify you.

What if you get fired during your probation period? Does that automatically disqualify you?

Not automatically. Washington ESD looks at why you were fired, not just when. If it was due to lack of skills or not being a good fit rather than misconduct, you should still qualify.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week?

Three work search activities per week minimum. Can be job applications, networking events, job fairs, etc. Just make sure you document everything in WorkSourceWA.

Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless you were being deliberately negligent. If it was really about downsizing, that would be a layoff and you'd definitely qualify.

How do I prove it was really a layoff and not performance? They're not going to admit they lied on the termination paperwork.

During the adjudication process, Washington ESD will contact your employer and ask for documentation. If their story doesn't add up or they can't provide evidence of misconduct, you'll likely get approved.

How do they find out if you're working under the table?

They cross-reference with other agencies and employers. It's not worth the risk - the penalties are severe.

Yeah, they can make you pay back everything plus penalties and interest. Really not worth it.

What kind of documentation helped you win? I didn't keep much from my old job.

I had emails showing my boss praising my work just weeks before they fired me. Also had witnesses who could testify about the real reason I was let go. It took 3 months but I got all my back benefits.

Depends on the specifics. If you were repeatedly absent without excuse after warnings, that could be misconduct. But if you had medical issues or other valid reasons, you might still qualify.

it was mostly cause my car kept breaking down but i didnt have documentation

You should still apply! Let Washington ESD make the determination. Transportation issues can sometimes be considered beyond your control.

What's the minimum you need to have earned?

It's complicated but generally you need wages in at least two quarters of your base period and your total wages have to be at least 1.5 times your highest quarter. Washington ESD calculates this automatically when you apply.

What about green card holders?

Green card holders are fine as long as they have valid work authorization.

How do they determine if something was intentional vs just a mistake?

They look at patterns and whether you had knowledge of the requirements. One honest mistake usually gets treated differently than repeated 'errors'.

What about if you're released but have work restrictions due to parole? Does that affect eligibility?

As long as you can work and are available for work within your restrictions, you should be eligible. You'd need to document your job search efforts though.

I was having the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to Washington ESD agents by phone. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling!

Really? That sounds too good to be true. How does it work exactly?

It's legit - they basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual person. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

That sounds like your employer might have reported it incorrectly to Washington ESD. Did you appeal the decision?

Yes I appealed and won but it was a nightmare. Had to gather all kinds of documentation to prove I was laid off.

This is why it's important to get everything in writing when you lose your job. Employers sometimes report things wrong to avoid paying higher unemployment taxes.

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

The base period is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through December 2024.

I'm a citizen so that's not an issue for me. What about if you're going to school full-time?

Full-time students usually can't get regular UI benefits unless they were working before school started. There are some exceptions but it's complicated.

How do I know what my base period is? I'm confused about the dates.

your base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. so if you file in january 2025, your base period would be january-december 2024

Actually, Washington ESD uses a different base period calculation. It's the first four of the five complete calendar quarters before the week you file your claim, not just the previous calendar year.

What's the difference between temporary and permanent disqualifications?

Temporary ones like refusing work might disqualify you for just a few weeks. Permanent ones like quitting without good cause can disqualify you for your entire benefit year.

How many job searches do you have to do per week?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but can vary based on your situation. You need to log them in your WorkSourceWA account.

That's actually a situation where you might have good cause. Did you appeal the decision?

Yeah, I appealed but haven't heard back yet. It's been three weeks.

Childcare issues can be good cause depending on the circumstances. Make sure you document everything for your appeal.

So if my weekly benefit is $300, I can earn up to $295 without it affecting my claim?

Not exactly - you can earn that much before you lose benefits entirely, but any earnings get deducted from your weekly amount.

What if you worked but it was all cash under the table? Does that count?

No, only wages that were reported to ESD count. Cash jobs don't show up in their system.

This! I made the mistake of not reporting some Uber earnings and got hit with an overpayment notice. Always report ALL income, even if it's just a few dollars.

Do you have to report income even if it's under the amount that would reduce your benefits?

Yes, you have to report ALL gross income regardless. Washington ESD decides what affects your payment amount.

What about temporary injuries? I hurt my back but should be better in a few weeks.

It depends on whether you can still perform the type of work you're seeking. You might need medical documentation.

That seems unfair if the new job promised wasn't your fault.

I thought so too, but apparently the rules are pretty strict about voluntary quits regardless of the reason.

What about if you're going to school? I heard that can affect your eligibility.

Going to school can make you not 'available for work' unless you're in an approved training program. You have to be able to accept full-time work to qualify.

What if you're taking care of a sick family member? Does that count as not being available?

It depends on how much it limits your ability to work. If you can still work around it, you might be okay. But if it prevents you from accepting full-time work, that could be an issue.

How much does that cost? I'm trying to avoid spending money I don't have.

They focus on getting you connected rather than charging huge fees. Worth checking out their site for the details. Way better than spending hours trying to call Washington ESD yourself.

What if your hours got cut so much you basically had to quit? Would that count as good cause?

That might qualify as 'constructive dismissal' if the hour reduction was substantial enough. Washington ESD would need to review the specific circumstances.

That's good to know. My store has been cutting hours pretty drastically lately.

What if you can only work certain hours because of childcare? Does that count as unavailable?

It depends on how restrictive your availability is. You need to be available for a reasonable range of work opportunities.

Right, in the first few weeks you can refuse jobs that pay significantly less than your previous wage. But after a certain period, the definition of "suitable work" becomes broader and includes lower-paying positions.

I wish they explained these rules better upfront. I had to appeal and prove the job wasn't suitable for my situation.

That's scary! How strict are they about filing weekly claims on time?

VERY strict. You have to file every week even if you worked or had no income. Miss more than one week and they can close your claim.

You can reopen a claim if you miss filings, but there's a waiting period. Better to just file every week even if you don't think you'll get paid.

What about if you're taking care of a sick family member? Does that count as unavailable?

It depends on the circumstances. If it's temporary and you can still work around it, you might be okay. But if it prevents you from accepting full-time work, it could disqualify you.

Good point. I was thinking about maybe not mentioning the attendance issues but that's probably a bad idea.

Definitely don't hide anything. They'll find out anyway when they contact your employer. Better to be upfront and explain your side of the story.

I work seasonal construction and never had issues with this. Maybe it depends on the industry?

Construction is usually different because there's no guarantee you'll go back to the exact same employer. It's more about industries with predictable seasonal layoffs.

Does a small 401k withdrawal count as pension income for this purpose?

One-time withdrawals are usually treated differently than ongoing pension payments. You'd want to report it and let them determine how it affects your benefits.

That's scary. What if you genuinely make a mistake?

If it's clearly an honest mistake, they usually just have you correct it. But if there's a pattern or it seems intentional, that's when you get in trouble.

I made a mistake reporting my part-time hours once and they investigated me for fraud. Took months to resolve even though it was clearly an error.

Do they actually drug test for unemployment? I thought that was just for some jobs.

Not routinely, but if you were fired for failing a drug test at work, that counts as misconduct and disqualifies you from UI benefits.

How hard is it to win an appeal? Is it worth fighting?

It depends on your situation, but many appeals are successful if you have good documentation and can clearly explain what happened. The hearing is your chance to tell your story.

What if you got fired for attendance but it was because of medical issues?

Medical issues can complicate things. If you had FMLA or other protections, that could help your case. Depends on whether your employer followed proper procedures.

What if you can work but have restrictions? Like you can't lift heavy things?

Depends on the restrictions. If you can still perform some type of work and are actively looking for jobs you can do, you might still qualify. Washington ESD evaluates each case individually.

I know someone who got caught working under the table while collecting unemployment. They had to pay everything back plus penalties and couldn't file again for 2 years.

Yeah, Washington ESD doesn't mess around with fraud cases. They have sophisticated systems to detect unreported work and income.

What about disability benefits?

If you're receiving disability that says you can't work, then you can't also claim unemployment which requires you to be able and available for work. It's contradictory.

Same thing happened to me! They sent the appointment notice to my old address. Check your correspondence in your online account religiously.

This is exactly why services like Claimyr are helpful - they can help you stay on top of these communication issues with Washington ESD.

How much of a pay cut do you have to accept before work is no longer considered suitable?

Generally starts at 80% of your previous wage for the first few weeks, then drops to 70%, and eventually goes as low as the minimum wage threshold.

I'm 67 and still want to work. Would that disqualify me?

Not necessarily, but you'd need to show you're genuinely seeking work and available to start immediately.

Actually, harassment can be considered good cause for quitting if you can document it and show you tried to resolve it through proper channels first. You might want to appeal that decision.

really? i already gave up on it but maybe i should look into appealing. do you know how long i have to file an appeal?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination notice to file an appeal. If it's been longer, you might still be able to appeal if you have good cause for the delay.

I didn't know about the student thing. What if you're taking just one class part-time?

Part-time students are usually okay as long as they're available for work. It's full-time students who face restrictions unless they're in approved training programs.

What about attendance issues? I was fired for missing too many days but I have a chronic illness.

Medical issues can complicate things. If you have documentation of a disability and were following proper procedures for medical leave, that might not be misconduct. You'd probably need to appeal if they deny you initially.

Definitely document any medical conditions. Washington ESD has to consider whether the employer provided reasonable accommodations under ADA.

Even for marijuana? I thought that was legal now.

Legal doesn't mean your employer has to allow it. If they have a drug-free workplace policy and you violate it, that's still misconduct.

Those numbers sound about right. And the base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file, right?

Yes, exactly. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would typically be January 2024 through December 2024.

I think I meet those requirements since I've been working steady for 3 years. Good to know what to expect.

Can they take money from future paychecks for overpayments?

Yes, they can garnish wages and tax refunds to collect overpayments. They're pretty aggressive about collecting money they think you owe.

What about Social Security retirement benefits?

Social Security retirement can reduce your unemployment benefits dollar for dollar in some cases. It's complicated and depends on your specific situation.

I tried reading that but it's like legal jargon. Hard to understand what applies to my situation.

Yeah government websites are terrible. I always end up more confused after reading them lol

Does this apply to marijuana now that it's legal in Washington?

It depends on your employer's policy and whether it's safety-sensitive work. Even though it's legal, employers can still have zero-tolerance policies and fire you for positive tests.

What about if the company locks out non-union workers during a union strike?