What will disqualify you from unemployment in Washington ESD?

What counts as 'suitable work'? I'm worried they'll say I should take any minimum wage job even though I made $25/hour before.

Generally suitable work is something in your field or pays at least 80% of your previous wage for the first few months. But after a while they expect you to expand your search.

How do you report part-time work? Do you have to report it even if it's just a few hours?

Yes, you have to report ALL work and earnings when you file your weekly claim, even if it's just one hour. Better to over-report than under-report.

This is so important! Washington ESD cross-checks with employers so they'll find out if you don't report work.

Wait, you can't travel at all while on unemployment??

You can travel but you have to report it on your weekly claim and you might not get paid for those weeks depending on the circumstances.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already struggling financially.

Check out claimyr.com for details. For me it was worth it to avoid potentially losing weeks of benefits over a misunderstanding.

That's true, but Washington ESD doesn't randomly drug test UI claimants. It's usually only an issue if misconduct involved substances.

It depends on the circumstances. If you had legitimate reasons (medical issues, family emergency) it might not be misconduct. But chronic tardiness without good cause usually is.

That's what I was afraid of. I was late a lot because of childcare issues but I don't know if that counts as a good reason.

You should definitely talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation. Childcare can be considered good cause in some cases.

What kind of proof do they want? I've been applying online but I don't always save screenshots.

Keep confirmation emails, take screenshots of applications submitted, save job postings. Document everything with dates and contact info.

That makes sense. Do they verify that when you first apply?

Yes, they cross-check with other databases. If your work authorization expires while you're on benefits, you need to update them immediately.

How do they find out if someone lies?

They cross-check with employers, tax records, other state agencies. Washington ESD has access to a lot of databases.

This is why it's so important to be completely honest even if you think it might hurt your claim.

I thought going to school while on unemployment was encouraged?

There are approved training programs that don't affect your benefits, but regular college classes might make you unavailable for work during class hours.

Did they give you different advice than what you found online?

Yes! The online info was confusing but the agent explained exactly how my specific program would be handled. Some rules have exceptions that aren't clear from the website.

What if it's just occasional freelance work?

still have to report it. even $50 in freelance income needs to be reported on your weekly claim

What about other than honorable discharge?

That gets reviewed case by case. Not automatically disqualifying but they'll look at the circumstances.

How do you know which is which?

Washington ESD will send you a determination letter explaining the type and length of disqualification. You can appeal if you disagree.

Appeals are really important. Don't just accept a disqualification if you think it's wrong. You have 30 days to appeal.

How did you get it cleared up?

Had to provide proof that I never received the notice and show that my address was correct in their system. Eventually they reversed it but I lost 3 weeks of benefits while it was being sorted out.

Agreed. Better to ask first than try to fix a disqualification later.

Thanks everyone. This has been really helpful. I'm going to be extra careful about documenting everything and reporting accurately.

What's the waiting week? I don't remember doing that.

it's the first week you file where you meet all requirements but don't get paid. if you worked or weren't available that week it doesn't count and you have to serve it later

What happens if you move to a state that doesn't have an agreement with Washington?

You might have to transfer your claim to the new state or potentially lose benefits. That's definitely something to clarify before moving.

That's reassuring. I've been so paranoid about making mistakes.

Just stay on top of your weekly claims, keep good records, and don't hesitate to ask questions when you're unsure about something.

Glad it was helpful! I feel much more confident about staying compliant now.