What reasons would you not get unemployment - Washington ESD denial reasons?

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I left my last job because my boss was impossible to work with.

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties, harassment, or constructive dismissal. Personality conflicts usually don't qualify unless it rises to the level of creating a hostile work environment.

How do they calculate the base period? Is it just the last year you worked?

Base period is usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So if you file in January 2025, your base period would be January 2024 through September 2024.

Is that legit? I'm always skeptical of services that claim they can get you through to government agencies.

Yeah it's real. I used it when I had questions about whether my job separation would disqualify me. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting disconnected.

What counts as a valid job search contact? Does just browsing job websites count?

No, browsing doesn't count. You need to actually apply for jobs, contact employers directly, attend job fairs, or do other active search activities. Just looking at postings isn't enough.

They're really strict about this too. A friend of mine got disqualified because her job search log wasn't detailed enough when they reviewed it.

Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you. It depends on whether it was for misconduct. If you were laid off due to lack of work, you should qualify. If you were fired for things like attendance issues, policy violations, or poor performance, that might be misconduct.

What if you were fired for something that wasn't really your fault, like a misunderstanding?

That's where it gets tricky. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. You'll have a chance to tell your side of the story during the adjudication process.

Do you need to be a citizen or is a work visa enough?

You don't need to be a citizen, but you do need valid work authorization. Green card holders, people with work visas, etc. can qualify as long as they meet the other requirements.

This is HUGE. Even if you only work a few hours, you have to report it on your weekly claim. The penalties for not reporting are severe.

Exactly. And it's not just wages - you have to report things like vacation pay, severance, pension payments, etc. Anything that counts as income.

Going to school can make you ineligible if it interferes with your ability to work. You have to be able and available for work during normal business hours. Full-time students often don't qualify unless they're in approved training programs.

What about evening classes or online school? Does that matter?

Evening or online classes might be okay if they don't interfere with your ability to accept work. But Washington ESD will evaluate each case individually.

Actually, in Washington state, receiving Social Security retirement benefits doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment. But there might be reductions in your weekly benefit amount.

Yes, after you've been claiming for a certain period, Washington ESD can require you to accept 'suitable work' even if it pays less than your previous job. The definition of suitable work changes over time.

How much less can they require you to accept? Like if I made $25/hour before, what's the minimum they'd make me take?

It varies, but generally after 5 weeks you may need to accept work paying at least 80% of your previous wage, and after 10 weeks it can be even lower. The exact percentages depend on your situation.

Wait, so even if I qualify I don't get paid the first week? That doesn't make sense.

Actually, Washington eliminated the waiting week requirement. You can be paid for your first week of unemployment if you're otherwise eligible.

oh really? when did that change? i thought there was still a waiting period

Having a criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. The key is whether you lost your job due to criminal activity. If you were fired for theft or other criminal behavior, that would likely be considered misconduct.

Yes, you're required to register for work search services through WorkSource Washington, usually within a week or two of filing your claim. It's part of the work search requirements.

Yeah, I missed that requirement and had to appeal. Eventually got it sorted out but it delayed my benefits for weeks.

No, Washington state doesn't have an asset test for unemployment benefits. Having savings or other assets won't disqualify you as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements.

Regular unemployment is for employees, not self-employed people. However, there might be other programs available depending on your situation. You'd need to check with Washington ESD about what options exist.

This is tricky territory. You have to be able to work to qualify for unemployment. If mental health issues prevent you from working, you might need to look into disability benefits instead.

But what if you can work but just not in your previous field due to trauma or something? Like if you were in a car accident and can't drive for work anymore?

That might still qualify you for unemployment as long as you're able to work in other capacities and actively seeking suitable work that doesn't require driving.

You generally need to be available for work during normal business hours to qualify. If you can only work limited hours or specific shifts, that might affect your eligibility depending on how restrictive your availability is.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash.

It's worth checking out their website at claimyr.com for current info. The peace of mind of talking to an actual Washington ESD agent about your situation can be invaluable, especially if you're unsure about potential disqualifications.

Thanks everyone, this has been really helpful. I feel much more prepared to file my claim now.

Good luck! And remember, even if you get initially denied, you can always appeal the decision if you think it was wrong.