One last thing for the original poster - make sure you apply as soon as you become unemployed if you think you might qualify. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file your claim, so don't wait around trying to figure out every detail first.

Just wanted to add that if you're still confused about whether your work history qualifies, you can also visit a local WorkSource office in person. They have staff who can help you understand the base period requirements and even help you apply if needed. Sometimes it's easier to get these questions answered face-to-face rather than trying to navigate the website or phone system. Plus they can help you explore other resources if unemployment doesn't work out.

Thank you! I didn't know I could request my claim file. I'll definitely do that ASAP. I'm still so angry they'd accuse me of theft when I've never stolen anything in my life. I worked there for 3 years with perfect drawer counts until this inventory issue came up and I refused to go along with their sketchy requests.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress - false accusations are incredibly damaging and traumatic. As someone who's been through a similar appeal, I want to emphasize that your 3-year track record of perfect drawer counts is actually huge evidence in your favor. Make sure to get documentation of your employment history, any performance reviews, and especially any records showing you had no prior issues with cash handling. The fact that they're making this accusation 4+ months after termination, with no investigation at the time, and completely contradicting their original "business decision" reason is going to look very suspicious to the judge. Document everything about the inventory falsification pressure too - that shows a clear motive for retaliation. You've got this! The truth has a way of coming out in these hearings, especially when employers can't provide actual evidence to back up their claims.

One more thing - if you owe child support or have other government debts, they can garnish your unemployment benefits. Just something to be aware of if that applies to your situation.

The bottom line is unemployment benefits aren't meant to be a permanent solution - they're temporary assistance while you find new work. If you approach it with that mindset and stay compliant with all the requirements, the advantages usually outweigh the disadvantages.

This thread has been really helpful! I'm in a similar situation as a school paraprofessional. Going to file this week too and see what happens.

I'm a school custodian and went through this same situation last year. The good news is that Washington ESD approved me after about 4 weeks of review. What really helped my case was showing that even though I've worked at the same school for 3 years, I don't have any written contract or formal guarantee that I'll be rehired each year. They just verbally ask me to come back. Also, make sure to emphasize that you work full-time hours even though you're classified as part-time - that was a key factor in my approval. I'd recommend filing as soon as possible since the adjudication process can take a while, and you want to get that clock started. Don't let the bureaucracy discourage you - if you're truly not guaranteed to return, you deserve those benefits during the summer months when you have no income.

One more thing to be aware of: If your benefit year from the August claim is nearing its end, make sure it hasn't expired. Benefit years last 52 weeks from when you first filed, but you can only receive benefits for a maximum of 26 weeks within that period. If you're approaching either of those limits, you might need to file a new claim rather than reactivating the old one. Check your remaining balance in eServices to confirm you have benefits available for that one week.

Just wanted to add a practical tip from my experience: When you restart your claim that week, make sure to have all your employer information handy (company name, address, your supervisor's contact info, etc.) because the system might ask you to update your work separation details since you'll be reporting a new temporary layoff. Also, when you file your weekly claim for the furlough week, be very clear in any comment sections that this was an "employer-initiated temporary layoff/furlough with definite return date" - this helps ESD process it faster and reduces the chance of them flagging it for additional review. The whole process should be pretty straightforward since you already have the claim established. Just don't overthink it!