What disqualify you from unemployment in Washington ESD - need to know my options

What counts as misconduct exactly? I was let go for performance issues but I wasn't stealing or anything like that.

Performance issues usually aren't misconduct unless it was willful or you ignored repeated warnings. Misconduct has to be something deliberate that goes against your employer's interests.

That's a good point. I was overthinking it. Better to try and get denied than not try at all.

Exactly! I thought I wouldn't qualify because I was part-time but I ended up getting approved. You never know until you apply.

How does that work exactly? Do they actually get you through to someone at Washington ESD?

Yeah, they handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Really helpful when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

I've heard of services like that but wasn't sure if they were legit. Good to know it actually worked for someone.

What if you have medical restrictions? I have a back injury that limits what I can do physically.

Medical restrictions don't automatically disqualify you as long as there are jobs in your field you can still do. You just need to be able to work within those restrictions.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week? I keep seeing different numbers.

it's 3 job contacts per week minimum but they want quality not just random applications. has to be jobs you're actually qualified for

That's right - it's about making genuine efforts to find work, not just meeting a number. Washington ESD can audit your job search activities.

How long did the appeal process take? Did you have to go to a hearing?

Took about 6 weeks total. I had a phone hearing where I explained my situation and provided documentation. The judge ruled in my favor.

I am getting two weeks severance. Does that mean I have to wait two weeks to file?

No, file right away. The severance just affects when your benefits start, not when you file your claim.

You're right. I'm going to file this weekend and see what happens. Thanks for the encouragement.

Good luck! The worst case is you get denied and you're in the same position you're in now.

What about online classes? I was thinking about taking some courses while I'm looking for work.

Online classes are usually fine as long as they don't prevent you from working full-time. Just make sure you can still meet the work search requirements.

That's kind of scary. What kind of stupid reasons have you seen?

Friend got cut off because she missed one job search contact during a week she was sick. Another guy got denied because he applied for jobs that were 'too far away' from his house. It's insane.

While the system can be strict, most denials are for legitimate reasons. As long as you follow the rules and document everything, you should be fine.

That's exactly the kind of thing claimyr.com helps with. They can get you connected to someone who handles overpayment issues instead of you trying to navigate the phone system yourself.

Thanks, I'll check that out. I've been calling for weeks with no luck getting through to anyone who can help.

Freelance work doesn't disqualify you but you have to report all income when you file your weekly claims. Even small amounts need to be reported.

ok good to know. better to report everything than risk getting in trouble later

What were you worried about specifically? Just curious if it was similar to my situation.

I had some attendance issues at my last job and thought that might count as misconduct. Turns out it wasn't enough to disqualify me.

That makes sense. I'll just tell the truth about what happened and see what they say.

Honesty is definitely the best policy with Washington ESD. They have access to a lot of information so lying will only make things worse.

How do you start an appeal? Is there a time limit?

you have 30 days from the date of the determination to file an appeal. there's info on the washington esd website about how to do it

Good to know they can reinstate you if you provide the right documentation. How long did that take?

About 3 weeks to get it sorted out. Would have been faster if I could have talked to someone directly instead of just submitting documents online.

That's another situation where claimyr.com would have been helpful - getting you directly to someone who could review your documentation faster.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I feel much better about filing now. Going to do it this weekend.

Good luck! Hope everything works out for you.

Let us know how it goes! Always helpful to hear about other people's experiences.