Filing a Claim

• You may file an unemployment claim by visiting your local Employment Security Department office, over the telephone or by visiting the Washington Employment Security Department website. You must have worked a minimum of 680 hours in the prior four calendar quarters to file a claim. When you file your claim, you must provide your personal information, including name, address and Social Security number as well as the names of every employer you worked for during the previous two years. You must also provide information regarding the reason for your separation. If you were fired, you must provide details of your termination.
  
  

Determining Eligiblity

• Once the Employment Security Department receives your claim, your information will be reviewed to determine your eligibility. If you are unemployed as the result of an involuntary termination, a representative will contact both you and your employer to investigate the claim. A hearing will be scheduled during which both you and your employer will have an opportunity to present your arguments as to why the claim should or should not be approved. The representative may also ask questions of both you and your employer during the hearing. Within two weeks following the hearing, you will receive written notification of whether your claim has been approved or denied.
  
  

Appeals

• If you disagree with the Employment Security Department's decision, you have the right to file an appeal. The appeal must be made in writing and include information about the decision that you want to appeal, the reasons you disagree, your name, address and Social Security number. The appeal must be filed within 30 days of the initial decision date. Once your appeal is received, it will be forwarded to the Office of Administrative Hearings. An administrative law judge will conduct a hearing and give both you and your employer another chance to present your arguments. If the judge rules against you, you can request a final review from the Commissioner of the Employment Security Department.
  
  

Considerations

• The outcome of your claim ultimately depends on the reason for your termination. If you were fired for violating a company policy or engaging in criminal conduct, the Washington Employment Security Department is not likely to grant your claim. However, if you were fired without cause or if the employer simply felt you were not a good fit for the position, you may still qualify. When filing your unemployment claim, do not provide false or misleading information as this is considered fraud and can result in your disqualification from receiving future benefits. Consider enlisting the help of a qualified attorney to assist you in the appeals process.