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

How do I document a hostile work environment? I have some emails but not sure if that's enough proof for Washington ESD.

Save all emails, text messages, witness statements, and any HR complaints you filed. Washington ESD will review everything during adjudication.

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

3 per week minimum, and they check WorkSource too

Never heard of that service, is it legit?

Yeah it's real, they just help you get through to ESD agents faster instead of waiting on hold forever.

Good to know there's an option if I can't get through to them directly.

That sounds like you should have appealed the decision. Sometimes there are coding errors in the system.

I did appeal and won, but it took 3 months to get my benefits. The whole system is broken.

This is really helpful! What counts as 'suitable work' that I can't refuse?

Generally work that pays at least 80% of your previous wage or minimum wage (whichever is higher), matches your skills, and is within reasonable commuting distance.

Wait, I thought it was 75% of previous wage?

It varies by how long you've been unemployed. Starts at 80% and decreases over time.

How much can you earn while still getting benefits?

You can earn up to your weekly benefit amount minus $5. Anything over that reduces your benefits dollar for dollar.

Same situation I had with getting through to them. Claimyr really helped me connect with an agent to explain my side of the story.

I might have to try that, this is so frustrating

Attendance issues can sometimes be overturned if you had valid reasons like childcare problems

Poor performance isn't usually misconduct unless it's willful. If you were trying your best but the job wasn't a good fit, that's different than deliberately doing bad work.

That makes me feel better, I was definitely trying but the expectations were unrealistic

What does able and available actually mean?

You have to be physically and mentally capable of working, available for work during normal business hours, and actively seeking employment.

You're supposed to register within your first week of filing for benefits. It's in the handbook they send but a lot of people miss it.

Yeah I definitely didn't read that carefully enough. Lesson learned.

What kind of false statements are they looking for?

Anything on your weekly claims - work hours, earnings, job search activities. They cross-reference everything.

That's why it's good to talk to an actual person at Washington ESD if you have questions, but good luck getting through

Which is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - saved me hours of calling and actually got to speak with someone who could help

Full-time school can make you unavailable for work, but there are exceptions for certain training programs approved by Washington ESD.

Good to know, I was thinking about taking some classes while unemployed

That's scary, what if you're out of town or something?

Doesn't matter, they expect you to check your mail and respond quickly. Really unfair if you ask me.

How do they verify job searches?

They can contact employers you claim to have applied with. I know someone who got caught lying about applications.

Exactly right. Keep records of everything - job applications, work search activities, any communications with Washington ESD.

Yeah this thread has been super helpful. I feel more confident about filing now that I know what to watch out for.

How long do you have to file an appeal?

30 days from the date on the determination letter. Don't wait because they're strict about deadlines.

And if you need help understanding the determination or appeal process, definitely worth getting in touch with an ESD agent through whatever means necessary.