Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment if I refuse to relocate for work?

Generally speaking, if you refuse suitable work you can be disqualified from UI benefits. However, relocation requirements have some exceptions. The key question is whether the distance is considered 'reasonable' by Washington ESD standards. Seattle to Spokane is definitely not a reasonable commute.

You should be fine refusing that relocation. I had a similar situation where my company wanted me to move from Tacoma to Bellingham and Washington ESD ruled in my favor. They said the relocation distance was unreasonable and I qualified for benefits.

Just went through something similar last month. When I couldn't get through to Washington ESD to discuss my situation, I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent. They have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. The agent I spoke with confirmed that refusing unreasonable relocation doesn't disqualify you from benefits.

Wait, are you sure they can force you to relocate? That seems wrong. Can they just change your job location like that without agreement?

Document EVERYTHING about this situation. Save the relocation offer email, any communication about the consequences of refusing, and write down your reasons for not being able to move. Washington ESD will want all this during adjudication.

UGH this happened to my friend and Washington ESD initially denied her claim! She had to appeal and it took MONTHS to get resolved. The system is so broken.

Don't panic yet. The initial adjudication process has gotten better. Just make sure you clearly explain the unreasonable distance and your family obligations when you file.

I would definitely try to get someone on the phone at Washington ESD before filing to understand exactly how they'll view your situation. The adjudication process can be unpredictable.

Make sure you understand the difference between 'suitable work' and your current job too. Just because they're offering you A job doesn't mean you have to take ANY job if it involves unreasonable conditions.

Have you looked into whether your company offers any relocation assistance? Sometimes that can affect how Washington ESD views the reasonableness.

I'm dealing with something similar but it's just 60 miles away. Still seems unreasonable to me when I'd have to drive 2+ hours each way every day.

Check your employee handbook too. Some companies have policies about reasonable relocation distances that might help your case.

Just wanted to add - when I used Claimyr to speak with Washington ESD about my relocation refusal situation, the agent was really helpful in explaining exactly what documentation I needed. Made the whole process much smoother.

Whatever you do, don't just ghost them or no-show. Make sure there's a clear paper trail showing you declined the relocation offer for valid reasons.

The good news is Washington state generally has pretty worker-friendly unemployment policies compared to other states. If your refusal is reasonable, you should be okay.

Document the cost of living differences between Seattle and Spokane too. That could be relevant to the reasonableness determination.

My sister went through this exact scenario 2 years ago - company wanted her to move from Vancouver WA to somewhere in eastern Washington. She refused, filed for unemployment, and had no issues getting approved.

Keep in mind that if you're approved for benefits, you'll still need to meet all the job search requirements. Don't assume you can just coast.

One more thing - make sure you understand your company's severance policy. Sometimes refusing relocation triggers different terms than a regular layoff.

Bottom line: Seattle to Spokane is clearly unreasonable. Document everything, file when your employment ends, and be prepared to explain your situation during adjudication. You should be fine.