When can you not collect unemployment in Washington - got denied and confused

There are several reasons Washington ESD can deny unemployment benefits. The main ones are: 1) Misconduct (what yours sounds like) 2) Voluntary quit without good cause 3) Not meeting work/wage requirements 4) Not actively seeking work 5) Being fired for criminal acts. For misconduct, they look at whether you willfully violated company policies despite knowing better.

You should definitely appeal this! I had a similar situation where I got denied for misconduct but won on appeal. Washington ESD often denies first then you have to prove your case. You have 30 days from the determination date to file your appeal.

Before you appeal, you might want to try calling Washington ESD to get clarification on exactly why they denied you. I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have this video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Here's the full list of when you can't collect unemployment in Washington: Fired for misconduct, quit without good cause, didn't earn enough wages, refused suitable work, not available for work, not actively job searching, involved in a labor dispute, receiving other benefits that disqualify you, or committed fraud. Your situation sounds like misconduct determination.

ugh the Washington ESD system is so harsh. I got denied because I quit my job due to harassment but apparently I didn't document it enough for them to consider it 'good cause.' The whole system seems designed to deny people.

For misconduct, Washington ESD looks at whether it was a one-time mistake vs. repeated violations. They also consider if you knew the policy and willfully violated it. Being late occasionally due to circumstances might not be misconduct, but a pattern of tardiness after warnings usually is.

I work in HR and see a lot of unemployment claims. Washington ESD usually sides with employers on misconduct unless the employee can prove extenuating circumstances. But don't give up - appeals do get overturned sometimes.

Another thing people don't realize - you can be denied for not meeting the base period earnings requirement. You need to have earned a certain amount in your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters before filing). Check your monetary determination letter.

Don't forget about the job search requirements too. Even if you win your appeal, you have to be actively seeking work and document it. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to keep a log.

I had luck with Claimyr too when I needed to talk to Washington ESD about my denial. Much easier than trying to call directly. The phone system there is impossible.

Also be aware that if you're receiving other benefits like workers comp or disability, that can disqualify you from unemployment. And if you're not a US citizen, there are additional requirements you have to meet.

The key thing is don't give up after the first denial. A lot of legitimate claims get denied initially and then approved on appeal. Washington ESD seems to deny first and ask questions later sometimes.

One more thing - if you do appeal, keep filing your weekly claims even while the appeal is pending. If you win, you'll get back pay for those weeks. If you don't file, you lose those weeks forever.