I went through this exact same process last year after being laid off from my office job. The "qualifying separation determination" basically means Washington ESD is verifying that your job separation qualifies you for benefits. Since you were laid off due to company downsizing (not fired for cause or voluntarily quit), you should definitely be approved. The process took about 3 weeks for me, but that was during a less busy time. Just keep filing your weekly claims while you wait - don't stop doing that even though it's pending! The anxiety is real but layoffs are pretty much the most straightforward approvals they handle.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Got my qualifying separation determination letter last week and have been panicking ever since. Reading through all these responses is such a relief - I had no idea this was such a routine part of the process. I was also laid off (from a restaurant that closed permanently) but the formal language in the letter made it sound like I was being investigated for fraud or something. It's so reassuring to hear that layoffs are basically automatic approvals once they verify everything with the employer. Thanks for posting this question because I was too nervous to ask myself!

I went through something similar when I was caring for my sick father. What really helped my case was getting a letter from the hospital or doctor that confirmed the dates of the emergency and that your presence was necessary. Even though you have the admission records, a letter specifically stating that you were needed there during those exact dates when you missed work can be really powerful evidence. Also, if you have any text messages or emails from that time period showing you were dealing with the emergency, save those too. Washington ESD really does look at the full picture when there are genuine family emergencies involved.

I'm sorry to hear about your mom's hospitalization - that's such a stressful situation. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like you definitely have a valid case for unemployment benefits. The fact that you had a genuine family emergency and can document it with hospital records really strengthens your position. I'd especially follow the advice about getting a letter from the hospital that specifically confirms you were needed there during those exact dates you missed work. Even though it feels overwhelming right now, file your claim as soon as possible and be completely honest about what happened. Washington ESD does look at each situation individually, and having a clean work record for 2 years shows this wasn't a pattern of behavior. Keep us updated on how it goes!

Update us when you find out! I'm in a similar situation and would love to know how it goes.

I'm just starting out as a freelancer and reading through this thread has been really eye-opening. I had no idea that 1099 workers couldn't get regular unemployment benefits in Washington. This is definitely something I need to plan for - maybe I should look into setting up an emergency fund or consider mixing in some W-2 work alongside my freelance projects. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and knowledge!

This has been a really informative thread. I had no idea churches could opt out of unemployment taxes. Learn something new every day I guess.

I work in payroll for a mid-sized company and we deal with various types of employers. One thing to keep in mind is that even if your church was exempt from unemployment taxes, you should still file the claim because Washington ESD needs to make the official determination. Sometimes organizations think they're exempt when they're actually not, or they may have changed their election status at some point. The worst that can happen is you get denied, but at least you'll know for sure. In the meantime, definitely look into other support programs through DSHS as others have mentioned - there are often temporary assistance options available while you're job searching.

I'm going through something similar right now - my employer is claiming I abandoned my job when they actually terminated me for "restructuring." It's so frustrating when they can just lie like that! One thing that helped me was thinking about WHY my employer might be lying. In my case, I think they don't want their unemployment insurance rates to go up from having to pay out benefits. That could be worth mentioning at your hearing - give the judge a reason to understand your employer's motivation to misrepresent what happened. Also, make sure you keep filing your weekly claims! I almost made that mistake early on. Even though you're disqualified right now, you need to keep certifying so you can get backpay if you win your appeal. The fact that you applied immediately after being let go is definitely in your favor. I did the same thing and my lawyer said that's one of the strongest pieces of evidence that I didn't voluntarily quit. People who quit usually take time before filing because they know they might not qualify. Stay strong and stick to the truth! The system isn't perfect but it's not completely rigged either.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My former employer claimed I "no-call no-showed" when they actually laid me off due to downsizing. It's incredibly stressful when you know you're telling the truth but have limited documentation. Here are a few things that have helped me prepare for my upcoming hearing: 1. I created a detailed written statement with exact dates, times, and what was said during my termination meeting. Even without witnesses, having specific details shows you're not making things up. 2. I gathered all my recent pay stubs to show I was working consistently right up until termination - no pattern of missing work or problems that would lead to quitting. 3. I'm bringing screenshots of job applications I submitted immediately after being laid off. This shows I was actively looking for work right away, which supports that I didn't choose to leave. 4. I found old performance reviews and any positive feedback emails that show I was a valued employee in good standing. The most important thing my friend who won a similar appeal told me was to stay calm during the hearing and let the employer explain their version first. Often they'll contradict themselves or provide details that don't add up. Then you can point out the inconsistencies when it's your turn to speak. You've got this! The truth has a way of coming out, especially when you're well-prepared. Keep us updated on how your hearing goes!