What will disqualify you from collecting unemployment in Washington - complete list?

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I left my last job because my boss was creating a hostile work environment but I'm worried they won't see it that way.

Hostile work environment can qualify as good cause if you can document it. Did you file any complaints with HR or keep records of incidents?

I worked full time for 8 months so I should be good on that front. How much do you need to earn total?

You need at least $5,655 in your base period and earnings in at least two quarters. Sounds like you'll meet that easily.

What kind of documentation do they want? Just applications or more than that?

You need employer name, contact info, position applied for, date, and method of contact. They can audit your records anytime so keep everything organized.

I learned this the hard way - got my benefits stopped for 6 weeks because I couldn't prove one of my job contacts. Now I screenshot everything and keep a spreadsheet.

I don't have a car right now but can use public transit. Would that count against me?

As long as you can get to work using available transportation, you should be fine. The key is being able to accept any suitable job offer.

What about part-time school? I'm thinking about taking a couple evening classes while unemployed.

Part-time school is usually okay as long as it doesn't interfere with your ability to work. Full-time school is where you run into problems.

How does that work exactly? Do they call for you or something?

They handle the calling process and get you connected to an actual Washington ESD representative. Way better than spending all day hitting redial.

Interesting, never heard of that before. Might be worth trying if I run into issues with my claim.

What if you were written up a few times but never fired for cause? I had some attendance issues due to my car breaking down.

Attendance issues due to transportation problems might not count as misconduct if you made efforts to resolve it. The employer has to prove it was willful disregard of their interests.

I got fired for being 10 minutes late three times in two months. HR said it was policy violation but I don't think that's misconduct?

That's a gray area. Depends on whether you knew about the policy and if the employer can show you willfully violated it. You'd probably need to appeal if they deny your claim.

How do they determine what's suitable? Can I turn down a job that pays way less than what I was making?

Early in your claim, suitable work is usually in your occupation at similar wages. After several weeks, the wage requirements drop and they consider a broader range of jobs suitable.

I turned down a job that would have required a 2-hour commute each way. Washington ESD said that was acceptable because transportation issues don't count as good cause.

What if I do some freelance work? Do I have to report that too?

Yes, ALL earnings including freelance, gig work, cash jobs, everything. They cross-reference with tax records so they'll find out eventually.

This is so confusing. I did one DoorDash delivery and made $12. Do I really have to report that?

Technically yes, you should report all earnings. Better to over-report than get caught in an audit later.

What about just visiting family in another state for a few days? Do I have to report that?

As long as you're still available for work and can return immediately if offered a job, short trips within the US are usually okay. International travel is different.

Wait, you have to file even if you know you won't get paid that week?

Yes! You have to maintain your claim by filing every week. If you skip weeks, they assume you're no longer claiming benefits and close your claim.

Same thing happened to me. Had to refile and start the whole waiting period over again. Such a pain.

I might need to try that. The phone system is so frustrating and I want to make sure I understand everything before I mess up my claim.

Yeah the phone system is terrible. I spent three days trying to get through before someone told me about Claimyr. Definitely worth it if you need real answers.

How hard is it to win an appeal? Do you need a lawyer?

You don't need a lawyer but it helps to have documentation. The key is proving your version of events with evidence. Success rate varies depending on the reason for disqualification.

I won my appeal after getting fired. Took 4 months but I got all my back benefits. Had to prove my employer lied about the misconduct.

Thank you everyone for all this information. I feel much more prepared now to file my claim and avoid any issues.

Good luck! The system seems scary at first but once you understand the rules it's not too bad. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search.