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Also be aware that Washington ESD might contact your former employer to verify the reason for your separation. This is normal and doesn't mean there's a problem with your claim, it's just part of their process.
One last thing - if your claim gets denied for any reason, you can appeal within 30 days. Don't just give up if you get a denial letter, especially if you think it's wrong. The appeal process exists for a reason.
Don't forget that even if you get approved for unemployment after quitting, you still have to meet all the other requirements - filing weekly claims, job searching, being available for work, etc. The work search requirement is 3 job contacts per week in Washington.
The bottom line is that quitting doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment, but you need to have a really solid case for good cause. If your boss is truly creating a hostile work environment, document everything and be prepared to prove it. Don't suffer in silence just because you're worried about benefits.
Thank you everyone for all the advice! I feel much more prepared to handle this situation now. I'm going to start documenting everything and maybe try to get some advice from Washington ESD directly before I make my final decision.
Good luck! And seriously consider using Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. It saved me so much frustration trying to get through on my own.
Hope your sister gets everything sorted out quickly. Losing a job is stressful enough without having to navigate a complicated benefits system on top of it.
Just remembered - some local social services offices also keep unemployment brochures available. Places like community action centers or food banks often have them since their clients frequently need this information.
I know someone mentioned Claimyr earlier for getting through to Washington ESD. I used them too when I had questions about my benefit duration and they were really helpful. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to get clear answers.
Bottom line: you get 26 weeks maximum of regular unemployment benefits in Washington. File your weekly claims on time, do your job search activities, and keep good records. Don't overthink it - thousands of people go through this process successfully every year.
Connor O'Neill
Correct, the waiting week counts toward your 26 week maximum. So you effectively get 25 weeks of paid benefits plus the unpaid waiting week.
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Sean Murphy
Got it, thanks for clarifying that detail.
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