What does nonmon determination mean on Washington ESD unemployment claim?
I just got a letter from Washington ESD about my unemployment claim and it mentions a 'nonmon determination' but I have no idea what this means. The letter is really confusing and doesn't explain it clearly. My claim has been pending for over a month and I'm worried this is bad news. Has anyone else gotten one of these nonmon determinations? What exactly does it mean for my benefits?
55 comments


Ella rollingthunder87
A nonmon determination usually refers to a non-monetary determination. It's basically Washington ESD making a decision about your eligibility that isn't related to your benefit amount. Could be about job separation issues, availability for work, or other qualification requirements.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Oh that makes more sense. My separation was kind of complicated so that's probably what it's about. Do you know how long these take to resolve?
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•It really depends on the complexity. Could be anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The important thing is to respond to any requests for information quickly.
0 coins
Yara Campbell
Yeah nonmon = non-monetary. I got one of these last year when they questioned whether I was actually laid off or if I quit. Had to provide documentation from my employer to prove it was a layoff. Super stressful but it worked out in the end.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Did you have to call them or did they contact you for the documentation?
0 coins
Yara Campbell
•They sent me a letter requesting specific documents. I uploaded everything through the secure messaging system on the ESD website.
0 coins
Isaac Wright
I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status but can never get through on the phone. The wait times are insane and I keep getting disconnected. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Might be worth checking out if you need to talk to someone about your nonmon determination.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Wow really? I've been calling for days with no luck. How does that service work exactly?
0 coins
Isaac Wright
•It basically automates the calling process and waits in the queue for you. When an agent becomes available, it connects you. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.
0 coins
Maya Diaz
•That sounds too good to be true. Is it legit? I'm always skeptical of these third-party services.
0 coins
Tami Morgan
Non-monetary determinations cover several categories: job separation (quit vs laid off), availability for work, ability to work, job search requirements, and misconduct issues. Each type has different documentation requirements and appeal processes. Check your determination letter carefully - it should specify which category yours falls under.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•The letter mentions 'separation issue' so I think that's what mine is about. I was technically laid off but my employer made some comments about performance.
0 coins
Tami Morgan
•That's a tricky situation. You'll want to document everything about the layoff - any written notices, emails, witness statements. If ESD determines it was misconduct rather than a layoff, you could be disqualified.
0 coins
Rami Samuels
ugh i hate these determination letters they never make sense. why cant they just write in plain english instead of all this bureaucratic nonsense
0 coins
Haley Bennett
•I totally agree! The whole system is designed to confuse people and make them give up on their claims.
0 coins
Ella rollingthunder87
•While the language could be clearer, these determinations follow legal requirements. The important thing is understanding what action you need to take.
0 coins
Douglas Foster
Had a nonmon determination last month and panicked thinking I'd lose my benefits. Turns out it was just routine verification that I was available for work. Sometimes these sound scarier than they actually are.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•That's reassuring to hear. Did you have to do anything or did it just resolve automatically?
0 coins
Douglas Foster
•I had to fill out a form confirming my availability and submit it online. Took like 5 minutes and was approved within a week.
0 coins
Haley Bennett
The whole Washington ESD system is a joke. They make everything so complicated on purpose to discourage people from getting benefits they're entitled to. These nonmon determinations are just another way to create bureaucratic hurdles.
0 coins
Nina Chan
•While the system has issues, non-monetary determinations serve an important purpose in ensuring only eligible claimants receive benefits.
0 coins
Haley Bennett
•Sure, but they could make the process clearer and more transparent instead of sending confusing letters that require a law degree to understand.
0 coins
Ruby Knight
Check if there's a deadline to respond to your determination. Some require action within 10 days or you could lose your right to appeal. Don't let it sit - even if you're not sure what to do, at least acknowledge receipt.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Good point! The letter does mention a response deadline. I better read it more carefully.
0 coins
Ruby Knight
•Yes, missing those deadlines can be really costly. Better to respond with questions than not respond at all.
0 coins
Diego Castillo
My neighbor used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and said it was a game changer. She'd been trying to reach ESD for two weeks about her claim issue and got through same day. Might be worth the investment if you're stuck.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•I'm seriously considering it at this point. The regular phone system is completely useless.
0 coins
Diego Castillo
•Yeah, she said it was way less stressful than the endless calling and getting hung up on. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get answers.
0 coins
Logan Stewart
Nonmon determinations can also be about things like school attendance if you're a student, or if you have any work authorization issues. The category really matters for understanding what they're questioning.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•I'm not a student and I'm authorized to work, so it's probably just the job separation thing. Still nerve-wracking though.
0 coins
Logan Stewart
•Job separation determinations are very common. Just be honest and provide any documentation you have about the circumstances.
0 coins
Mikayla Brown
whatever you do dont ignore it!! my cousin ignored one of these letters thinking it would go away and they denied his whole claim. took months to fix it through appeals
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Definitely not ignoring it! That sounds like a nightmare. I'll make sure to respond by the deadline.
0 coins
Mikayla Brown
•good! yeah he learned the hard way that ESD doesnt mess around with those deadlines
0 coins
Sean Matthews
The determination should also explain your appeal rights if you disagree with their decision. Keep that information handy just in case you need it later.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•I'll look for that section in the letter. Hopefully it won't come to that but good to know my options.
0 coins
Sean Matthews
•Appeals can take a while but they do give you a chance to present your side of the story with evidence.
0 coins
Ali Anderson
Been there with the confusing ESD letters. Sometimes calling and talking to someone is the only way to really understand what they're asking for. That Claimyr thing sounds useful for getting through the phone maze.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Yeah, I think I'm going to try it. The letters are just too vague and I need real answers.
0 coins
Ali Anderson
•Smart move. Sometimes 5 minutes with an actual person saves hours of worrying and guessing.
0 coins
Zadie Patel
Make sure you keep copies of everything you submit to ESD regarding this determination. Document all your communications in case you need them later for appeals or other issues.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Good advice. I'll start a file with all the paperwork and correspondence.
0 coins
Zadie Patel
•Trust me, having everything organized will save you headaches down the road if any other issues come up.
0 coins
A Man D Mortal
The waiting is the worst part of these determinations. Try not to stress too much - most of them get resolved favorably if you provide the requested information promptly and accurately.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Thanks for the reassurance. It's hard not to worry when your income depends on it.
0 coins
A Man D Mortal
•Totally understand. Just focus on what you can control - responding thoroughly and on time.
0 coins
Declan Ramirez
If you end up needing to provide employer documentation, give them a heads up that ESD might be contacting them. Some employers are more cooperative when they know what to expect.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•That's a good point. I should probably give my former manager a call to explain the situation.
0 coins
Declan Ramirez
•Yeah, it can prevent any misunderstandings or delays in getting the information ESD needs.
0 coins
Emma Morales
Update us when you find out what the determination is about! Always curious to hear how these situations turn out for other people.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Will do! Hopefully it's something simple that gets resolved quickly.
0 coins
Emma Morales
•Fingers crossed for you! Most of the time these things work out fine once you get through the process.
0 coins
Katherine Hunter
Just remember that getting a nonmon determination doesn't automatically mean bad news. It's just ESD doing their due diligence to verify eligibility. Stay positive and respond appropriately.
0 coins
Tony Brooks
•Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. Feeling much less anxious about this now that I understand what it means.
0 coins
Katherine Hunter
•That's great to hear! Knowledge really does help reduce the stress of dealing with the unemployment system.
0 coins