What disqualifies you from unemployment in Washington - need to understand the rules

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I've been thinking about leaving my job because of a hostile work environment.

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, discrimination, or significant changes to your job that weren't in your original agreement. Document everything if you're dealing with hostile work environment.

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

Misconduct has to be willful or wanton disregard of employer interests. Being late occasionally usually isn't enough unless it's a pattern and you were warned repeatedly.

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

Misconduct has to be willful or wanton disregard of employer interests. Being late occasionally usually isn't enough unless it's a pattern after warnings. Washington ESD looks at whether you knew the rule and deliberately violated it.

What counts as 'misconduct' exactly? I was written up a few times for being late but nothing major.

Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. A few tardiness warnings probably wouldn't qualify as misconduct unless it was chronic and you ignored final warnings.

Thanks for the breakdown! What exactly counts as 'misconduct' for getting fired? Is it just serious stuff or can smaller things disqualify you too?

Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. Minor mistakes or personality conflicts usually don't count, but repeated policy violations, insubordination, or dishonesty can disqualify you.

How many job contacts do you need per week? I thought it was 3 but someone told me it's 5 now.

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but it can vary based on your situation. Check your WorkSource requirements - they'll tell you exactly what you need to do.

What counts as misconduct exactly? My cousin said they fired him for being late too many times but he had car trouble.

Misconduct generally means willful or wanton disregard of employer interests. Chronic tardiness can qualify, but if there were legitimate reasons like transportation issues, that might be appealable.

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

It depends on your situation but generally 3 job search activities per week. Check your WorkSource account for your specific requirements.

How much is too much? I might pick up some part-time work while I'm looking.

i think its like $350 or something but check the washington esd website they have calculators for partial benefits

How much can you earn before losing benefits? I might pick up some gig work while unemployed.

In Washington, you can earn up to your weekly benefit amount plus $5 before losing benefits. Anything over that reduces your payment dollar for dollar. Just make sure to report ALL earnings honestly.

Wait, is it really 3 per week? I thought it was just 2... now I'm panicking that I haven't been doing enough!

It's 3 for most people, but can vary based on your situation. Check your eligibility requirements in your Washington ESD account to be sure.

If you're behind on job search contacts, you can usually catch up by doing more the following weeks. Just document everything properly going forward.

I quit because my boss was making my life miserable but I didn't document anything. Would that still count as good cause?

It's harder without documentation but not impossible. You'd need to provide details about what happened and any witnesses during the adjudication process.

What about things like selling stuff online or doing odd jobs for cash? Do those count as income that needs to be reported?

Yes, any income should be reported including cash work, freelancing, or selling things. Washington ESD wants to know about all earnings during your claim week.

Oh wow, that's scary. Did you eventually get your benefits back?

Yeah but it took 3 months and I had to prove it was an honest mistake. Now I'm super careful about reporting everything.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how hard it is to reach Washington ESD.

Yeah I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got connected to an adjudicator in like 20 minutes to discuss my disqualification issue.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for getting through to Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked for me. Saved me hours of trying to call on my own. The agent was able to explain exactly what would disqualify me and what wouldn't.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying to jobs or other stuff too?

Applying to jobs, networking contacts, attending job fairs, career workshops, even updating your resume can count. But you need to document everything with dates, employer names, and what you did.

I had trouble reaching Washington ESD when they questioned my job search. Kept getting disconnected after hours on hold. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an actual agent who reviewed my documentation and cleared up the issue. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

When do they require you to go to WorkSource? Is it automatic or do they tell you?

Washington ESD will send you a notice if you're selected for reemployment services. It's usually after you've been on benefits for several weeks. You'll get specific instructions about what to do and when to report.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about a potential disqualification issue and can never get through.

Yeah it's real, they basically automate the calling process so you don't have to sit there hitting redial. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to discuss my eligibility.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my disqualification.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold. Saved me hours of frustration.

Where do you file the appeal? Is it online or do you have to mail something?

You can file appeals online through your Washington ESD account or mail/fax the appeal form. Online is faster.

Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while appealing! If you win, you'll get backpay for those weeks.

How much does that cost? I'm trying to save money while I'm unemployed.

It's worth checking out their site for pricing. For me it was worth it because I was stuck in limbo for weeks not knowing why my claim was denied.

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

Generally yes, unless you're in an approved training program or can prove you're still available for work around your class schedule.

How many job searches do you need to do each week in Washington?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but check your specific requirements when you file your weekly claim.

What if you quit because of a hostile work environment? Does that count as good cause?

Potentially yes, but you need documentation and proof that you tried to resolve it with the employer first. Washington ESD takes these cases seriously but you need evidence.

this is why i always document everything at work, you never know when you might need unemployment

How do they define reasonable commuting distance? I live in a rural area and most jobs are pretty far away.

Generally 2 hours roundtrip commute is considered reasonable, but they take into account your specific circumstances and local job market.

What if the job pays way less than what you used to make? Can you refuse it?

Early in your claim, you can refuse jobs that pay significantly less. But as time goes on, the standards get lower and you may have to accept lower-paying work.

What's the income limit? I'm working about 20 hours a week right now.

It depends on your weekly benefit amount. Generally if you earn more than 1.5 times your weekly benefit amount, you won't get any unemployment that week. But you might still qualify for partial benefits.

What if you're just taking one evening class? Does that count as being unavailable for work?

It depends on whether the class schedule interferes with your ability to accept full-time work. Evening classes are usually okay but you need to be available during normal business hours.

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

It's not a specific number of applications - it's about making a reasonable effort based on your profession and local job market. But you need to document everything in WorkSourceWA.

What about going on vacation? Do you have to report that to Washington ESD?

Yes, you need to report any time you're not available for work, including vacations. You might not be eligible for benefits for those weeks.

Even for like a weekend trip? That seems harsh.

Short trips might be okay if you're still available for work, but longer trips definitely need to be reported. The key is whether you're available to accept a job offer during that time.

So if my weekly benefit is $300, I can earn $300 without losing any benefits?

Exactly. But if you earn $400, your benefit would be reduced to $200 that week.

This is where having all your documentation ready when you file is really important. Missing or expired work authorization documents can delay or deny your claim.

That's actually a common issue. The WorkSource registration requirement should be communicated clearly when you file your initial claim.

You should appeal that if it wasn't properly communicated. Lack of notice can be grounds for overturning a disqualification.

How did you finally get through to them? I've heard their phone lines are impossible.

I ended up using Claimyr to get connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. Worth every penny to not spend hours on hold getting nowhere. The service handled the calling and got me through to someone who could actually help with my case.