Won an ESD appeal after being disqualified as a student - is it possible?

Yes, you absolutely can win this appeal! I went through almost the exact same situation last year. The key is proving that your school schedule doesn't prevent you from accepting full-time work. For your hearing, prepare documentation that shows: 1. Your class schedule (highlighting that classes are evenings/weekends) 2. Proof that you're willing and able to quit school if it interferes with employment 3. Your job search log showing you're applying to full-time positions 4. Any correspondence with potential employers showing availability Make sure to emphasize that you're a worker who happens to be taking classes, not a student who happens to be looking for work. That distinction matters to the administrative law judge.

they always do this to students its bs the whole system is rigged u prob wont win cuz thats how they save money. my cousin was in same boat and judge sided with esd even tho he was only taking online classes

I won my appeal!!! I was in almost the same situation in 2024. Taking night classes at Bellevue College while looking for work during the day. ESD flagged me and cut me off. The big thing that helped me win was bringing actual job application emails showing I was applying for daytime positions. I also had my academic advisor write a letter stating that my program was flexible and designed for working adults. Don't give up!

OMG Im dealing with this EXACT SAME ISSUE right now!!!! I got disqualified last month for taking ONE online class that doesn't even have specific meeting times?! Its ridiculous and I can't get through to anyone at ESD to explain. Have you been able to talk to someone directly to explain your situation?

My neighbor went thru something similar with her claim last fall. She was taking online classes and got disqualified but dont think she ever appealed it just found a job insted. good luck hope u win

To be clear on the legal specifics: Under Washington State law, attending school doesn't automatically disqualify you from receiving unemployment benefits. The key legal test is whether you're still available for full-time work and willing to adjust your school schedule if necessary. WAC 192-170-050 and 192-170-070 outline the requirements. The burden is on you to prove: 1. You're available for full-time work during all the hours and days that are typical for your occupation 2. Your school attendance doesn't substantially reduce your job prospects 3. You'd be willing and able to change your school schedule or withdraw from classes if required for work Bring documentation of job applications, offer your work history in similar roles with similar hours, and be prepared to testify that work takes priority over school. About 65% of these types of appeals are successful when properly documented.

i heard esd is super backed up right now so your appeal mite take way longer than 5 weeks just warning u

One thing nobody mentioned yet - make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even while disqualified and waiting for your appeal! If you win, they'll only pay you for weeks you properly filed claims. I learned this the hard way and lost out on about $2,900 in benefits I could have received retroactively.

I was going through this same problem back in January. Got denied because I started a part-time online program. I was too scared to appeal so I just gave up and took a job I didn't really want. Reading this thread I wish I had fought it! Let us know how your appeal goes!

Just wanted to update everyone - I had my appeal hearing yesterday and it went much better than expected! The judge seemed sympathetic when I showed my evening-only class schedule and all the daytime job interviews I've had. I also submitted a letter from my academic advisor explaining the program's flexibility, and presented my job search log showing I'm applying for full-time positions consistent with my previous work. I don't have the decision yet, but I feel cautiously optimistic. The judge specifically mentioned that being a student isn't automatically disqualifying if you maintain availability for work. Will update when I get the final ruling! Thank you all for the advice and support - it made a huge difference in how I prepared!