What happens when you file an appeal for Washington ESD unemployment denial?

6-8 weeks?? That seems like forever when you're not getting any benefits. Did you have to keep filing weekly claims during that time?

Yes, you should keep filing your weekly claims even during the appeal. If you win, they'll pay you retroactively for all those weeks.

Wait, my employer gets to participate too? What if they lie about why I was fired?

That's exactly why you need good documentation. Bring anything that contradicts their story - emails, performance reviews, witness statements if you have them.

This is why I used Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD agent when I had questions about my appeal. Trying to call the regular number was impossible - kept getting hung up on. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made it so much easier to understand what I needed for my hearing.

Try to stay calm during the hearing. Stick to the facts and don't get emotional. The judge has heard it all before.

Easier said than done when your livelihood depends on it! But thank you, I'll try to remember that.

Are you kidding me?? How is that fair? So you could be waiting months and months without any income?

Unfortunately yes. The system is designed to be thorough but it's definitely not designed to be fast.

They said I was fired for misconduct but it was really just a personality conflict with my supervisor. I have emails showing I was doing my job fine.

Good, save those emails! For misconduct appeals, you need to show either that what you did wasn't actually misconduct, or that it wasn't willful and wanton disregard of your employer's interests.

Three levels?? What are the three levels?

First the administrative law judge hearing, then Board of Appeals if someone appeals that decision, then potentially superior court if you want to take it that far. Most people can't afford to go to court though.

Good point, I'll make sure my address is updated. How often should I check?

i checked like every few days when i was waiting for my hearing notice. paranoid but better safe than sorry

That's really good to know, thank you. English is fine for me but I'm sure others reading this might need that info.

How did you prepare? Like what specifically did you do to get ready?

I wrote out a timeline of everything that happened, gathered all my documents, and practiced explaining my side of the story. Also read through Washington ESD's policies online so I understood the rules they were applying.

Yes, you can have a lawyer, but you have to pay for it yourself. Most people represent themselves because unemployment lawyers are expensive and the benefit amounts often don't justify the cost.

Yeah that's what I was afraid of. Might have to go it alone then.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. How did you survive financially during that time?

Had to borrow money from family and pick up some gig work. It was rough but I eventually got all my back benefits when I won.

Never heard of Claimyr before but sounds like it might be worth trying. The regular Washington ESD phone number is basically useless.

Yeah I've tried calling Washington ESD probably 50 times and gotten through maybe twice. Always gets disconnected or just busy signal.

Online is faster and you get confirmation that it was received. I'd go that route unless you have some reason to prefer mail.

Thanks, online it is then. Hopefully the system actually works when I try to submit it.

How much more time did the Board of Appeals take?

About 3 more months from when I filed the second appeal to when I got the final decision. But they don't do another hearing - they just review the written record from the first hearing.

I hear you but getting angry doesn't help your case. Focus on the facts and documentation.

easy to say when youre not the one struggling to pay rent while waiting months for a decision

Are you allowed to record it? I thought court proceedings couldn't be recorded by participants.

These aren't court proceedings, they're administrative hearings. Rules are different. But you should ask permission first.

Good to know about the back benefits timeline. At least there's some light at the end of the tunnel if things go well.

Exactly. The process sucks but if you have a legitimate case and do your homework, you've got a decent chance of winning.

That's actually reassuring to hear from someone who worked there. Any insider tips for presenting a strong case?

Be organized, stick to relevant facts, and don't get personal or emotional about your employer. The judge wants to know what happened, not how you feel about it. Also, if you have witnesses who can support your version of events, mention that during the hearing.

Good luck! Remember, you have nothing to lose by appealing if you think you were wrongly denied.

And if you need to talk to Washington ESD about anything related to your case, seriously consider using Claimyr. Saved me so much frustration and actually got the answers I needed to prepare properly.

I'll definitely look into that. Thanks again everyone - this thread has been incredibly helpful!