Final thoughts: most denials are for job search issues, not being available for work, or procedural problems. The good news is many of these can be successfully appealed if you have documentation and can explain your situation. Don't give up after the initial denial.

I went through something similar last year and it's really frustrating when you think you should qualify but get denied. From what I've learned, Washington ESD has gotten much stricter about enforcing all the requirements. The job search documentation requirement trips up a lot of people - you literally have to log every single application, phone call, or contact you make in your WorkSource account. Even if you're actively looking for work, if it's not properly documented in their system, they'll deny you. The appeal process does work though - I know several people who got their denials overturned once they could show they were genuinely looking for work. Make sure to file that appeal within 30 days and start documenting everything from now on. Good luck!

One last suggestion - check with your local workforce development office. They sometimes have emergency assistance funds or know about programs that aren't widely advertised.

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the stress must be overwhelming. One resource that might help immediately is contacting your landlord to explain the situation and see if they'll work with you on a payment plan or short-term extension. Many landlords would rather work with a good tenant than go through an eviction process. Also, if you haven't already, definitely apply for emergency food assistance through local food banks - that can free up any money you do have for rent. The Salvation Army and United Way often have emergency financial assistance too. You've got this - it's just a really tough stretch that won't last forever.

Good luck with your application! Most people who qualify get approved without major issues. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements.

Based on everyone's advice here, I just submitted my application! The online process was actually pretty straightforward - took about 25 minutes like someone mentioned. Now I'm just waiting to see what happens. Really appreciate all the detailed info from everyone, especially about the job search requirements and reporting part-time wages. Fingers crossed it goes smoothly, but at least I know about options like Claimyr if I run into issues getting through to them. Thanks for convincing me not to wait any longer!

UPDATE: I was able to get through to Washington ESD this morning and cancel my claim! The agent was very helpful and confirmed that since I hadn't received any payments, the cancellation was simple. She marked it as 'withdrawn due to return to work' and gave me a confirmation number. Thanks everyone for the advice!

That's fantastic news! It's great to see everything worked out so smoothly. For anyone else in a similar situation reading this thread, it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Call Washington ESD to formally cancel rather than just stopping weekly claims, 2) Get a confirmation number for your records, and 3) Make sure they mark it as "withdrawn due to return to work" rather than denied. Thanks for sharing your success story - it'll definitely help others who find themselves in the same position!

this whole thread is why i tell people to keep detailed records of everything unemployment related. you never know what random thing theyll want to verify months later

I went through the exact same thing last month! The hold appeared out of nowhere with zero explanation. After reading through this thread, I'm definitely going to try that claimyr service - seems like it's the only way to actually reach someone at Washington ESD. It's ridiculous that we have to pay a third party just to get basic information about our own claims. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, at least now I know I'm not alone in dealing with this broken system.