Who doesn't qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

That's encouraging! She documented some of the inappropriate behavior. Should she mention that in her initial application?

Absolutely. She should be detailed about the circumstances that led to her quitting. Washington ESD will review it during adjudication.

what about people who work under the table? asking for a friend lol

If wages weren't reported to Washington ESD, there's no record to base a claim on. Your 'friend' would need documented wages from employers who paid into the unemployment system.

I learned this the hard way when I did some cash work last year. No pay stubs, no unemployment eligibility.

How does that work exactly? Do they just help you get through the phone queue?

Yeah, they handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when an agent is available. Really helpful when you need to discuss complex eligibility questions.

I'm in school part-time and work part-time. Got approved for unemployment when my hours were cut. It really depends on your specific situation.

My sister isn't in school so that shouldn't be an issue for her.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week in Washington?

You need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep records in WorkSourceWA. The requirements can vary based on your industry.

I hate the job search log requirement. So tedious to track everything.

That's good to know. My husband is being stationed in California next year.

Definitely look into those provisions when the time comes. The rules are more flexible for military-related moves.

What about gig workers like Uber drivers?

Gig workers are usually classified as independent contractors, so they typically don't qualify for regular unemployment benefits.

During COVID there was PUA for gig workers but that's long gone now.

That seems unfair if they've been paying taxes and unemployment insurance.

I agree it's a complex issue, but those are the current federal requirements that states have to follow.

I didn't know about religious exemptions. Good to know those protections exist.

This thread has been really helpful. I think my sister should definitely apply since her situation with workplace harassment might qualify as good cause.

How long did the appeal process take?

About 6 weeks from when I filed the appeal to getting the decision. It was worth the wait though.

Appeals can be tricky to navigate. That's another situation where Claimyr really helped me - I needed to talk to someone about appeal deadlines and requirements.

Wait, so even if you're approved you don't get paid for the first week?

Correct. It's called a waiting week. You still have to file your weekly claim but you won't receive payment for that week.

My dad is 67 and still working part-time. Good to know he could potentially qualify if he loses his job.

As long as he's able and available for work and meets the other requirements, age shouldn't be a barrier.

That happened to my friend who works at a ski resort. They couldn't get unemployment in the summer because they had 'reasonable assurance' of returning in winter.

School employees face similar issues with reasonable assurance between school years.

That makes sense. Better to try and be denied than not try at all.

Exactly. And if you're denied, you can always appeal if you think the decision was wrong.

Just make sure to file as soon as possible after becoming unemployed. There can be delays in processing, and benefits are typically only backdated to when you first filed.