Wash. Rev. Code § 50.20.070 (2026)

(1) With respect to determinations delivered or mailed before January 1, 2008, an individual is disqualified for benefits for any week he or she has knowingly made a false statement or representation involving a material fact or knowingly failed to report a material fact and, as a result, has obtained or attempted to obtain any benefits under the provisions of this title, and for an additional twenty-six weeks beginning with the first week for which he or she completes an otherwise compensable claim for waiting period credit or benefits following the date of the delivery or mailing of the determination of disqualification under this section. However, such disqualification shall not be applied after two years have elapsed from the date of the delivery or mailing of the determination of disqualification under this section.

(2) With respect to determinations delivered or mailed on or after January 1, 2008:

(a) An individual is disqualified for benefits for any week he or she has knowingly made a false statement or representation involving a material fact or knowingly failed to report a material fact and, as a result, has obtained or attempted to obtain any benefits under the provisions of this title;

(b) An individual disqualified for benefits under this subsection for the first time is also:

(i) Disqualified for an additional twenty-six weeks beginning with the Sunday of the week in which the determination is mailed or delivered; and

(ii) With respect to determinations delivered or mailed on or after October 20, 2013, subject to an additional penalty of fifteen percent of the amount of benefits overpaid or deemed overpaid;

(c) An individual disqualified for benefits under this subsection for the second time is also disqualified for an additional fifty-two weeks beginning with the Sunday of the week in which the determination is mailed or delivered, and is subject to an additional penalty of twenty-five percent of the amount of benefits overpaid or deemed overpaid;

(d) An individual disqualified for benefits under this subsection a third time and any time thereafter is also disqualified for an additional one hundred four weeks beginning with the Sunday of the week in which the determination is mailed or delivered, and is subject to an additional penalty of fifty percent of the amount of benefits overpaid or deemed overpaid.

(3) All penalties collected under this section must be expended for the proper administration of this title as authorized under RCW 50.16.010 and for no other purposes.

(4) All overpayments and penalties established by such determination of disqualification must be collected as otherwise provided by this title.

Conflict with federal requirements—Effective date—2013 c 189: See notes following RCW 50.16.010.

Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—2007 c 146: See notes following RCW 50.04.080.

Effective date—1973 1st ex.s. c 158: See note following RCW 50.08.020.

Severability—1951 c 265: See note following RCW 50.98.070.