What disqualifies you from unemployment in Washington - need to understand before I apply

Job abandonment (not showing up without notice) is typically considered quitting without good cause, which can disqualify you from Washington ESD benefits. However, if you can prove the work environment was truly hostile and you had no other reasonable option, you might have a case for good cause. Other common disqualifications include: being fired for misconduct, refusing suitable work, not being able and available for work, or not meeting job search requirements.

The main disqualification reasons for Washington unemployment are: 1) Fired for misconduct 2) Quit without good cause 3) Refusing suitable work offers 4) Not actively seeking work 5) Not able/available for work 6) Earnings over weekly benefit amount. Your situation sounds like it could go either way depending on what documentation you have about the hostile environment.

I had a similar situation last year and ended up using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD to explain my case properly. The phone system is impossible otherwise - I was getting disconnected constantly trying to reach someone about my disqualification. They have a service at claimyr.com that gets you connected to actual agents. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made all the difference in getting my case reviewed properly.

wait so if you get fired you automatically can't get unemployment?? that doesn't seem right

The job search requirement is a big one people forget about. In Washington you have to make at least 3 job search contacts per week and keep detailed records. If you don't meet this requirement they'll stop your benefits even if you were initially eligible.

I got disqualified initially because Washington ESD said I quit without good cause, but I appealed and won. The key was having documentation - I had emails showing my employer was violating safety protocols and refusing to fix known hazards. Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job terms, or discrimination.

Another thing that can disqualify you is if you're not a US citizen or don't have work authorization. Also if you're receiving certain other benefits like workers compensation you might not be eligible for unemployment at the same time.

The system is so confusing! I got denied initially and spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone at Washington ESD to understand why. Finally used one of those callback services - I think it was Claimyr - and got connected to an actual person who explained that I hadn't reported some freelance income correctly. Simple fix once I could actually talk to someone.

Prison time will definitely disqualify you lol. Also if you're on strike from your regular job you can't get unemployment benefits during the strike period.

Medical issues can be tricky too. If you can't work due to illness or injury, you might not meet the 'able and available' requirement for unemployment. That's when you'd typically need to look at disability benefits instead.

Don't forget about the earnings disqualification. If you work part time while collecting unemployment, you can earn up to a certain amount without losing benefits, but if you earn too much in a week you'll be disqualified for that week.

Age discrimination might be good cause for quitting but you'd need solid proof. Same with sexual harassment or other illegal treatment. Washington ESD takes these seriously but they need documentation, not just your word against theirs.

The whole system seems designed to deny people benefits. I got disqualified twice before I figured out how to navigate their requirements properly. Now I keep detailed records of everything just in case.

Military folks have some special considerations too. If you're discharged under dishonorable conditions that might affect eligibility, but most types of military discharge won't disqualify you from unemployment benefits.

Just apply and see what happens! Even if you think you might be disqualified, let Washington ESD make that determination. Sometimes situations that seem like clear disqualifications actually qualify under certain circumstances.

One more thing - if you receive severance pay, that might affect when your unemployment benefits can start. It doesn't disqualify you permanently but might delay when payments begin.

The Claimyr thing mentioned earlier actually worked great for me too. I was stuck in adjudication hell for my disqualification issue and couldn't get through to anyone. Used their service and got connected to an agent who walked me through exactly what documentation I needed to provide. Saved me probably months of frustration.