Why would you get denied for unemployment benefits in Washington State?

What counts as 'good cause' for quitting? My neighbor said she quit because of a hostile work environment but got denied anyway.

Good cause is pretty specific - things like unsafe working conditions, discrimination, significant changes to job duties or pay, or domestic violence situations. Hostile work environment can qualify but you need documentation and usually need to have tried to resolve it first.

Wait, you have to start job searching immediately? I thought there was like a waiting period where you didn't have to do anything.

Nope, job search requirements start with your first week of claiming. The only 'waiting week' is that you don't get paid for the first week, but you still have to meet all the requirements including job search.

How much do you need to have earned? I worked part-time for about 8 months before getting laid off.

It's complicated but generally you need at least $1,000 in your highest quarter and total base period wages of at least 1.5 times your highest quarter amount. Washington ESD calculates this automatically when you apply.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It actually got me connected within a few hours instead of days of trying.

Really? How does that work exactly? I'm desperate at this point, I've been calling for 2 weeks straight.

They basically handle the calling process for you and notify you when an agent is available. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on. Worth checking out if you're stuck like I was.

What if you were fired for attendance but you had medical issues? Does that count as misconduct?

If you have documented medical issues and followed proper procedures for requesting accommodations, that usually wouldn't be misconduct. But you'd need medical documentation and evidence you tried to work with your employer.

What about if you're only available for part-time work? Can you still get benefits?

Generally no, you have to be available for full-time work. There are some exceptions for certain circumstances but it's pretty strict. Washington ESD wants to see you're genuinely seeking and available for substantial work.

Wait, you can't move and still collect? What if you move for family reasons or to look for work?

You can move but you have to show you're still actively seeking work and available for employment. If you move somewhere with limited job opportunities in your field, or if you're not genuinely available for work, they'll deny you.

Is there any unemployment for gig workers then? I drive for rideshare and always wondered about this.

There was PUA during COVID but that's ended. Generally independent contractors don't qualify for regular unemployment unless they also had W-2 employment that meets the wage requirements.

How hard is the appeal process? Do you need a lawyer?

You don't need a lawyer but it helps to be organized. Gather all your documentation, write a clear statement explaining your situation, and be prepared for a phone hearing. The Administrative Law Judge will listen to both sides and make a decision.

What if you forget to report something small? Like $50 from a one-time job?

You should report it as soon as you remember. Washington ESD has ways to find out about unreported earnings, and it's better to be honest and fix it yourself than get caught later.

Yeah, they don't mess around. Better to over-document everything than assume they'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

This is all really helpful. I'm definitely going to make sure I have everything documented before I apply. Thanks everyone!

How long do you have to file? I was laid off 3 weeks ago but haven't filed yet because I was hoping to find something quickly.

You can backdate your claim but only for a limited time and with good cause. File as soon as possible - you can always stop claiming if you find work, but you can't always get back pay for weeks you delayed filing.

My claim has been in adjudication for 3 weeks. Is that normal? I'm starting to panic about my bills.

3 weeks is unfortunately pretty normal right now. I used Claimyr to get through to an agent and check on my adjudication status. At least then I knew what was happening instead of just waiting and wondering.

I might try that. The uncertainty is almost worse than knowing I'm denied at least then I could plan.

How strict are they about the weekly claim deadlines? What if you're a day late?

Pretty strict. You can sometimes get late claims accepted if you have good cause, but it's not guaranteed. Better to set reminders and file on time every week.

That's really helpful perspective. What advice would you give someone who's about to be laid off?

Document everything - your layoff notice, any severance information, your employment history. Be prepared to explain exactly what happened and why you're unemployed. And file your claim right away, don't wait.

I get that they need to prevent fraud, but sometimes it feels like they're trying to deny everyone just to save money.

I had that same feeling until I actually got approved. The process is thorough but if you really qualify and follow the rules, it does work. Just takes patience and documentation.

Yes! Washington ESD has a handbook on their website that covers most of the requirements, but honestly it can be pretty dense to read through. I'd recommend checking out their "Unemployment Benefits Handbook" and the job search requirements page specifically. Also, WorkSourceWA has good info about the job search activities that count. One thing that really helped me was calling the teleclaim line just to hear the recorded messages about requirements - sometimes hearing it explained differently clicks better than reading it. Good luck with your claim!