What reasons can you be denied unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

What counts as 'misconduct' exactly? I was written up a few times but never anything major.

Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. Minor stuff usually doesn't count unless it's a pattern that shows you deliberately disregarded your employer's interests.

Actually it depends on your area - some regions require more than 3. Check your local WorkSource office requirements.

How strict are they about documenting the job searches? Do they actually verify?

They can audit you anytime and ask for proof. Keep detailed records in WorkSourceWA or you could get disqualified.

How much does something like that cost though? I'm already broke which is why I need unemployment.

I think it's worth it if you have complex questions about your eligibility. Better to know upfront than get denied later and have to appeal.

I'll check that out, thanks. The Washington ESD phone system is impossible.

What's a base period? Is that just the last year you worked?

It's the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be October 2023 through September 2024.

You can sometimes use an alternate base period if the regular one doesn't qualify you - it uses the last 4 completed quarters instead.

What about if you were fired for performance issues? Like you tried your best but just couldn't do the job well enough?

Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless you were deliberately not trying or ignoring training. Inability to do the job is different from unwillingness.

Did you appeal the decision? That sounds like it should qualify as good cause.

Yeah I'm appealing but it's taking forever. The whole system is designed to deny people first and make you fight for it.

That's exactly when Claimyr helped me - getting through to someone who could actually look at my case details during the appeal process. Check out claimyr.com if you need to talk to an actual person.

Wait, so even if everything goes perfectly, I won't get paid for the first week I file?

Correct. The waiting week is unpaid but you still have to file your weekly claim for it.

What if you're in school part-time? I'm thinking about taking some classes while unemployed.

Part-time is usually okay as long as it doesn't interfere with your ability to work. You have to be available for full-time work during normal business hours.

This is getting complicated. Maybe I should just try to find a job instead of dealing with all these rules.

What about if you did both - had a regular job and some 1099 work on the side?

The regular job wages would count toward your base period, but the 1099 income wouldn't. You'd file based on your W-2 employment.

How did you get that fixed? Did you have to go to an office in person?

I had to send in copies of my Social Security card and driver's license. It was a pain but they eventually sorted it out.

Good to know. I wasn't planning to move but that could definitely trip people up.

I work construction and we get laid off every winter. How does that work with unemployment?

Construction usually isn't seasonal in the same way. You should be able to collect as long as you meet the other requirements.

That makes sense I guess. Workers comp means you can't work, unemployment means you can work but can't find a job.

Is that legit though? Sounds too good to be true that there's actually a way to get through to them.

I was skeptical too but it worked. They have a video demo showing how it works - https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Worth checking out if you're stuck.

How do you figure out which state to file in?

Generally you file in the state where you worked most recently, but if you worked in multiple states it gets more complicated.

The job search requirement feels impossible when you're older. Employers clearly don't want to hire people my age.

I get it, but Washington ESD doesn't care about the discrimination aspect. You still have to document your searches and be available for any suitable work offers.

That's helpful to know. The military situation stuff seems really specific.

This has been super helpful everyone. Sounds like I need to be really careful about how I document everything from the start.

Exactly. And don't assume they'll tell you what they need - be proactive about providing documentation.

Good point. I do have a non-compete but it's pretty narrow in scope.

As long as it doesn't prevent you from taking most jobs in your field, you should be okay. But be prepared to explain it if they ask.

Thanks everyone. This thread has been way more helpful than the Washington ESD website. I feel like I actually understand what I'm getting into now.

Good luck! File as soon as you're eligible and don't let the process intimidate you. Most people who qualify do get approved eventually.