Can I claim ESD benefits working part-time after quitting full-time job?
I'm in a bit of a confusing situation with my employment. I was working both a full-time job (40 hrs/week at a warehouse) and a part-time job (15 hrs/week at a convenience store) to make ends meet. Last week, I quit my full-time job due to unsafe working conditions (my supervisor kept ignoring safety protocols and I almost got injured twice). Now I'm only working my part-time job, which isn't enough to cover my bills. Am I eligible to apply for partial unemployment benefits through ESD while still working my part-time job? I've heard mixed things about quitting disqualifying you, but also that if you have "good cause" you might still qualify? Really confused about this and need to figure this out soon before I fall behind on rent. Thanks for any advice!
18 comments
Freya Collins
You might qualify for partial unemployment, but it depends on several factors. First, ESD will need to determine if your reason for quitting meets their definition of \
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Lucas Schmidt
Thanks for the detailed response! I did email my direct supervisor and the site manager about the safety issues twice, and I have those emails saved. My supervisor basically told me to \
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LongPeri
ur not gonna qualify if u quit... esd dosnt care about unsafe conditions, they ALWAYS side with employers... waste of time applying IMO
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Oscar O'Neil
This is incorrect information. ESD absolutely does approve claims for individuals who quit with good cause, including documented unsafe working conditions. While it's true that voluntarily quitting makes qualification more challenging, having documentation of safety complaints that weren't addressed can absolutely qualify as good cause. Each case is evaluated individually.
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Sara Hellquiem
I had almost this exact situation last year! Was working 2 jobs, had to quit my main one because my boss was making me do stuff that wasn't in my job description and was dangerous. I applied for benefits and got denied at first but then I appealed and won! Make sure you have any emails or texts showing you tried to fix the problems before quitting. Good luck!!
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Lucas Schmidt
That's really encouraging to hear! Did the appeal process take a long time? And did you continue working your part-time job during the whole process?
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Sara Hellquiem
Yeah I kept working my part-time job the whole time. The initial denial came after like 3 weeks, then the appeal took another month or so. They backdated my payments once I won though!
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Charlee Coleman
When you file, you'll need to report all your part-time earnings each week and answer truthfully about why you left your full-time job. Your weekly benefit amount (if approved) will be reduced based on your part-time earnings.\n\nOne important detail that others haven't mentioned: the adjudication process for \
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Lucas Schmidt
Thanks for the detailed info! 6-8 weeks sounds really long... that's going to be tough financially. I'll check out that service if I have trouble getting through to someone at ESD. Appreciate the tip!
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Liv Park
Just want to add something important: you need to be actively looking for full-time work while collecting benefits. ESD requires that you complete at least 3 job search activities each week, even if you're working part-time. Make sure you keep detailed records of all job search activities (application date, company, position, contact info, etc.). They can audit your job search log at any time.
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Lucas Schmidt
Good to know about the job search requirements! I'm definitely trying to find another full-time position anyway, so that part shouldn't be an issue. I'll make sure to document everything carefully.
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Leeann Blackstein
anyone else think its ABSURD that ESD takes 6-8 WEEKS to make a decision??? how are people supposed to pay bills while they sit around
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Freya Collins
While frustrating, the investigation time is because they need to contact your former employer, review any evidence you've submitted, and make a determination based on employment law. It's definitely challenging, but I'd recommend applying for emergency assistance programs through DSHS while waiting. Food banks and rental assistance programs can also help bridge the gap.
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Leeann Blackstein
sorry but thats just making excuses for a broken system. in 2025 they should be able to process this stuff in DAYS not MONTHS. and half the time they just auto-deny people anyway!
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Oscar O'Neil
To help you prepare for the application process, here's what you should gather:\n\n1. Documentation of unsafe working conditions (emails, reports, photos)\n2. Evidence that you reported these issues to management\n3. Your part-time work schedule and income details\n4. Contact information for both employers\n\nWhen applying, be very specific about why you felt forced to quit. Mention any safety regulations that were being violated if applicable. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of qualifying under the \
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Lucas Schmidt
This is extremely helpful, thank you! I've got the emails documenting the safety issues and have started gathering my income information. I'll make sure to be very specific about the safety violations when I file my claim. Fingers crossed this works out.
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LongPeri
i kno someone who had there benefits denied after quiting a job that didn't even give them breaks... esd is just impossible to deal with
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Liv Park
That's unfortunate for your friend, but each case is different. Meal and rest break violations are actually specifically mentioned in ESD's guidelines as potential good cause for quitting, but proper documentation is crucial. Without knowing all the details of your friend's case, it's hard to say why they were denied. They may have had success if they appealed the decision with proper documentation.
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