btw make sure u start doing ur job search activities ASAP. u need 3 job search activities EVERY week or they'll deny benefits. and keep good records of everything!!

Just wanted to add - since you're in construction, you might want to check if your union has any specific guidance about filing unemployment claims. Some construction workers have different rules or considerations, especially if you're typically seasonal or expect to be called back when work picks up. Also, Washington allows you to file claims online through the ESD website, but if you run into any technical issues or have questions about your specific situation, don't hesitate to call their customer service line (though as others mentioned, it can be tough to get through). The key thing is to stay consistent with filing your weekly claims even if you don't get paid for the waiting week.

UPDATE: ULP called me back and agreed to take my case! They're assigning me an attorney who specializes in "voluntary quit" cases. I have a meeting with them next week to go through all my evidence. They said based on what I described, I have a decent chance of winning my appeal, especially since I have texts showing I tried to work with my employer on the schedule issue before leaving. Thanks everyone for your advice! I'll post another update after my hearing to let you know how it goes. For anyone facing a similar situation, definitely reach out to ULP as soon as possible!

Congratulations Emma! So glad ULP was able to take your case. Just wanted to add that when you meet with your attorney, make sure to bring any documentation of your childcare arrangement too - like contracts with your daycare provider, their operating hours, pickup/dropoff policies, etc. This helps establish that the schedule change created a legitimate conflict you couldn't resolve. Also, if you have any medical records showing stress or health impacts from the impossible schedule, that can sometimes strengthen a "good cause" argument. The key is showing you made reasonable attempts to accommodate the new schedule but it was genuinely impossible due to circumstances beyond your control. Rooting for you at your hearing! ULP attorneys really know their stuff when it comes to these voluntary quit cases.

One more thing - if you do qualify and start receiving benefits, keep detailed records of all your job search activities. Washington ESD can audit your claim and ask for proof of your job search efforts.

Bottom line - you won't know for sure until you apply. Since you had that W-2 employment last year, it's definitely worth trying. The worst they can say is no, but you might be pleasantly surprised.

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at ESD this morning! Called right at 8:00 AM and only had to wait about 45 minutes. The agent confirmed exactly what everyone here said - when they closed my first claim and opened the new one, my wage data didn't transfer correctly. She said she can see all my Washington wages in the system, and she can also see that Louisiana had already reported my wages there (they were in the system but not attached to my new claim). She's escalated my case to a claims specialist who can manually reattach all my wage data to the current claim. Should be fixed within 5-7 business days. I'm still going to file that appeal just to be safe, but at least someone is working on fixing the issue now. Thanks everyone for your advice and support!

So glad you were able to get through and get someone to actually help you! This gives me hope for my own situation. I'm dealing with a similar wage transfer issue right now - they approved my initial claim but then reopened it for "additional review" and now I can't get any information about what's happening. Quick question - when you called at 8 AM, did you use the general customer service number or is there a specific number for combined wage claims? I've been calling the main line but wondering if there's a more direct route. Thanks for sharing your success story and keeping us updated!

One thing to keep in mind is that even if you qualify, the benefit amount might not cover all your expenses. Make sure you're also looking into other assistance programs if needed.

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult situation with your mom. As others have mentioned, Washington does recognize caregiving for immediate family members as "good cause" for voluntary separation in certain circumstances. The key factors they'll look at are: 1) medical documentation proving your mom's serious health condition, 2) proof that you were the primary/only available caregiver, and 3) that you had covered employment (meaning your previous retail job paid into the unemployment system). Since you worked retail for several months before becoming a caregiver, that should help establish your base period wages. I'd definitely recommend filing your claim soon - you can always provide additional documentation during the review process, but you can't get benefits for weeks before you file. The process can take several weeks for adjudication, especially for caregiver cases, but don't let that discourage you from applying.