Update us when you hear back! These threads are helpful for others going through the same thing.

Just wanted to add that Washington state's unemployment system is actually more generous than many other states when it comes to fired employees. The burden of proof is on the employer to show misconduct, not on you to prove you weren't at fault. Since you mentioned no formal write-ups or warnings, that works in your favor. Performance issues without progressive discipline rarely qualify as misconduct. File your claim ASAP - you can always appeal if they deny it, but you can't get back those weeks you didn't file for.

The bottom line is yes, you can potentially get unemployment if you resign, but the bar is pretty high for proving good cause. Hour cuts like yours might qualify, but toxic environment alone probably won't unless you have solid documentation of harassment or illegal behavior.

Just wanted to add that Washington ESD also considers "constructive dismissal" - where your employer makes working conditions so intolerable that a reasonable person would feel forced to quit. The significant hour reduction from 40 to 25 hours could fall under this category, especially if it wasn't discussed or agreed to beforehand. You might want to look into whether your situation meets the legal definition of constructive dismissal, as that's often treated more favorably than a standard resignation. Keep detailed records of when the hour cuts started and any communication about them.

Because it's not just based on annual salary - it's based on your quarterly earnings pattern. Someone making $60K all in one quarter would get different benefits than someone making $15K each quarter.

That's a great explanation of how the quarterly earnings pattern affects benefits! I'm starting to understand why my coworker who made the same annual salary as me got a different benefit amount. She had more consistent quarterly earnings while mine were higher in some quarters due to bonuses and overtime. It makes sense now that they use your highest quarter divided by 13 weeks as the basis for the calculation.

Another option if you want peace of mind is to use Claimyr to call Washington ESD and verify the appeal status on your claim. They can get you through to someone who can check if any appeals have been filed. Much easier than trying to navigate the phone system yourself.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now where my former employer is making threats about appealing my unemployment claim. From what I've researched, Washington ESD is pretty strict about that 30-day deadline, but employers can sometimes get extensions if they can prove they never received proper notice. The good news is that even if they do appeal, you'll keep receiving benefits during the process as long as you continue filing your weekly claims. Since you have documentation showing it was a layoff due to budget cuts rather than a firing for cause, you should be in a strong position if it comes to a hearing. Don't let your employer intimidate you - you're entitled to these benefits!

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm going to apply anyway just to see what happens, look into the misclassification angle, and research local assistance programs. Hopefully something will work out.

I'm a freelance writer who went through a similar situation last year. While traditional UI doesn't cover contractors, I found a few things that helped bridge the gap: 1) Applied for SNAP benefits (food stamps) - these don't require employment history, 2) Looked into local workforce development programs that sometimes offer emergency grants for self-employed individuals, and 3) Contacted 211 (dial 2-1-1) for a comprehensive list of assistance programs in your area. Also, don't overlook small business emergency loan programs - even as a freelancer, you might qualify for some relief options. The situation sucks, but there are more resources than you might think once you start digging.