Just remember to be honest on your application. Any discrepancies can cause delays or even disqualification. Better to be upfront about everything from the start.

Just wanted to add that you should also make sure you have all your employment information ready when you apply - dates of employment, employer contact info, and your gross wages for each quarter. Having this organized beforehand will make the application process much smoother. Since you worked retail for 18 months and were laid off due to store closure, you should definitely qualify. The hardest part is usually just getting through the initial application, but it sounds like you have all the right circumstances.

One important thing to remember is that if you win and they rule in your favor, sometimes the employer can also appeal the decision to the Commissioner's Review Office. So even winning at the OAH level doesn't always mean the case is finished. However, the good news is that ESD will typically begin paying benefits after an OAH decision in your favor, even if the employer appeals. But be aware you could potentially have to repay them if the employer wins at a higher appeal level.

I just went through this exact same process about 6 weeks ago! The waiting period after the hearing is honestly the worst part because you just have no idea which way it's going to go. But based on what you're describing - having documented emails about safety concerns that were ignored - you actually sound like you have a really strong case. That's exactly the kind of "good cause" evidence that tends to win appeals for voluntary quits. A few things that might help while you wait: 1) Keep filing your weekly claims even while waiting for the decision (you won't get paid yet but it keeps your claim active), 2) The decision will show up in eServices usually a day or two before the paper copy arrives in the mail, and 3) Try not to read too much into how the hearing "felt" - I thought mine went terribly but I actually won! The timeline is usually 2-3 weeks like others mentioned. Hang in there and try to stay positive - documented safety concerns are one of the strongest reasons for a successful voluntary quit appeal.

Just wanted to add that if you're in a specialized field with limited local opportunities, you can expand your search geographically and include remote work options. I've been documenting remote job applications and they count the same as local ones. Also, don't forget that informational interviews are really valuable - they count as networking activities and sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even posted yet. I've had good luck reaching out to people in my field through LinkedIn for brief coffee chats about their company and industry trends.

Just a heads up for anyone dealing with work search requirements - I learned the hard way that you should also keep records of any job rejections you receive. During my audit, they asked about follow-up activities and outcomes for applications I'd submitted. Having email rejections or notes about phone calls where I was told the position was filled really helped demonstrate that I was actively engaged in the process, not just sending out applications and forgetting about them. Also, if you're using job search websites like Indeed or ZipRecruiter, take screenshots of your application confirmations because those emails don't always come through reliably.

UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD using the Claimyr service (thanks for that recommendation). Turns out it WAS a combined wage issue! My Oregon wages weren't showing up in their system because I answered a question wrong on my initial application. The agent was able to fix it right there on the phone and said my claim should update in 3-5 business days and switch back to processing. She also said I'll still get all my back weeks once it's approved. Such a relief!

Wow, what a journey! This thread is super helpful for anyone dealing with interstate claims. I'm actually in a similar boat - filed 6 weeks ago after moving from California to Washington and my claim is still "pending" with no updates. Reading through all this makes me think I might have the same combined wage issue. Did the ESD agent mention how common this problem is? It seems like their system should automatically flag when someone has worked in multiple states instead of just marking claims as invalid with zero explanation.

Been through this exact situation. The key is treating your resignation like you're building a legal case - document everything, follow proper procedures, and be prepared to clearly articulate why a reasonable person would have quit in your circumstances. Good luck!

This is such a difficult situation to navigate, especially when you're already stressed from a toxic work environment. One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep copies of everything in a safe place outside of work - don't rely on your work email or computer since you might lose access once you resign. I'd also suggest consulting with an employment attorney if possible, even just for a brief consultation to understand your rights. Some offer free initial consultations and can help you understand whether your situation truly meets the "good cause" standard before you take the leap. The financial uncertainty during the adjudication process is real, so having a solid emergency fund and a clear job search plan is crucial.