Also, be prepared that if you do qualify, the maximum weekly benefit amount in 2025 is $1075. Your actual amount will depend on your earnings during your base year. The formula is basically 3.85% of your average quarterly wages in your highest-paid quarters. So do the math before you make any decisions to see if you can actually survive on UI benefits while job hunting.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - workplace harassment and hostile environments are incredibly draining on your mental health. I've been in a similar situation and want to share what I learned from my experience with ESD. The key thing is that Washington does allow unemployment benefits for voluntary quits IF you can prove "good cause." For hostile work environment cases, ESD looks for: 1. **Clear pattern of harassment/hostile behavior** - Keep detailed records with dates, times, witnesses, and specific incidents 2. **Good faith effort to resolve** - You must give your employer a reasonable chance to fix the problem through formal complaints 3. **No reasonable alternative** - Show you explored other options (transfers, HR complaints, etc.) Since you mentioned talking to your hiring manager twice but only verbally, I'd strongly recommend putting your concerns in writing via email. Something like: "Following up on our conversations about the ongoing workplace issues I've experienced with [coworker's name]. As discussed, [specific examples with dates]. This behavior is creating a hostile work environment that's affecting my ability to perform my job duties. I need management to take action to resolve this situation." Give them 2-3 weeks to respond/take action after the written complaint. If nothing changes, you'll have much stronger documentation for an ESD claim. Also document any anxiety/health impacts with your doctor if possible. The process can be lengthy (adjudication often takes 4-8 weeks), but many people do successfully get benefits approved for hostile work environment quits when they have proper documentation.

Quick follow-up since there's some confusion in this thread. You have three options: 1. File your weekly claim, report your earnings honestly, and complete your job searches (safest option) 2. Don't file a claim for that week at all (okay if it's just 1-2 weeks) 3. File your claim, report earnings, but report no job searches (risky - could disqualify you and trigger adjudication) Option 1 is the safest, even though it requires a bit more work. Option 2 is fine for a short period. I would never recommend Option 3.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through this whole process multiple times. The safest route is definitely to keep filing and doing your job searches even when you know you won't get benefits that week. I learned this the hard way when I skipped filing for what I thought was just going to be two weeks of higher earnings from freelance work. Ended up being three weeks, and when I tried to file again, my claim had been automatically closed. Had to go through the whole reopening process which took forever and created a gap in my benefits when my freelance work dried up again. The 30 minutes it takes to do the minimum job search activities is so much better than dealing with ESD bureaucracy later!

I've been dealing with similar anxiety about this! What really helped me was learning that Washington ESD operates more like a business intelligence system than a punitive audit department. They're using data analytics to identify patterns that don't make sense - like someone claiming they're unemployed while their former employer reports them as still working, or people collecting from multiple states simultaneously. The "audit paranoia" is so common among legitimate claimants, but from what I've gathered through my own research and talking to ESD reps, they're really focused on cases where the math doesn't add up or there are obvious red flags. If you're consistently reporting your job searches, declaring any income no matter how small, and being truthful about your employment status, you're demonstrating exactly the kind of compliance they want to see. The fact that you're keeping detailed records and worrying about doing everything right probably puts you in the lowest risk category possible. I think a lot of our anxiety comes from not understanding that their systems are designed to catch people who are intentionally cheating, not to trap honest people who might make minor reporting errors.

I completely understand your anxiety about this - I was in the exact same headspace when I first started collecting benefits! After being on unemployment for about 4 months now, I've learned that Washington ESD's approach is much more systematic and fair than the horror stories make it seem. They're really focused on data inconsistencies and fraud patterns rather than randomly targeting people. The automated cross-checks they run are actually working FOR you when you're being honest - they help verify that your reporting matches up with employer records and other state databases. I keep a simple spreadsheet with all my job applications, dates, and any income from gig work, and it's given me so much peace of mind. The key thing I've realized is that if you're already worried about following the rules correctly, you're probably doing everything right. The people who get in trouble are usually those who aren't reporting income or are trying to game the system intentionally. Your careful approach to documenting everything shows you're taking it seriously, which is exactly what they want to see from legitimate claimants.

I went through this exact same situation when I first filed in December! Got laid off from my manufacturing job and had absolutely no clue that job search activities were required from week one. Like you, I thought there would be some kind of grace period to get oriented with the system. The denial notice was such a shock because nowhere in the initial application process did they clearly emphasize this requirement. I ended up just accepting the loss for that week rather than dealing with the appeals process - seemed like more hassle than it was worth for one week's payment. What really helped me moving forward was treating the job search requirements like a part-time job itself. I block out specific times during the week for applications, networking, and attending virtual workshops. Also learned that following up on previous applications counts as a separate activity, which is helpful when you're running low on new positions to apply for. The system definitely has its flaws in how they communicate requirements, but once you get the hang of documenting everything properly it becomes routine. Don't let this one setback discourage you - just focus on staying compliant going forward and you'll be fine!

This exact thing happened to me too when I first filed last year! I was so confused because I thought the first week was just for getting everything set up. The whole system feels like it's designed to trip people up rather than actually help unemployed workers. One thing that's been a lifesaver for me is using the ESD website's job search log feature to track everything digitally. It automatically saves your entries and makes the weekly reporting much easier. You can also set it up to send you reminders about completing your activities. Also wanted to mention that if you're having trouble finding enough positions to apply for in your field, job shadowing and informational interviews count too. I've had some really good networking conversations that way, and it feels more productive than just sending applications into the void sometimes. Don't stress too much about the one denied week - I know it's frustrating financially, but focusing your energy on staying compliant going forward is definitely the way to go. You'll get into a rhythm with it pretty quickly!

Also remember that if you do get better and are able to work again, you can always file a new unemployment claim at that point if you're still job searching. Missing out on benefits now doesn't hurt your future eligibility.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - had to leave my job due to a chronic condition that flares up unpredictably. From what I've learned, Washington ESD is pretty strict about the "able and available" requirement, but there might be some wiggle room depending on your specific circumstances. If your doctor says you could do certain types of work (like sedentary office work) even if you can't do your previous job, that might help your case. I'd definitely recommend getting a detailed letter from your doctor about your limitations and capabilities. Also, look into Washington State's Paid Family and Medical Leave program - it's separate from unemployment but might provide some income support during your recovery period. The application process is through the ESD website but it's a different program entirely.