Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment if I resign from my job?

Thanks! What kind of documentation would I need to prove good cause? I have some emails about the management issues but not sure if that's enough.

Keep everything - emails, text messages, witness statements, any HR complaints you filed, medical records if stress-related. The more documentation the better for your case.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents without all the waiting and getting hung up on. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth it for situations like yours where you need to actually talk to someone.

Never heard of that but sounds like it could help. I'll check it out, thanks!

That's a common misconception. Washington ESD does allow benefits for voluntary quits if you have good cause. Your boss probably doesn't know the actual rules or doesn't want you to know you have options.

Wow, that's actually really helpful to know. I've been staying in a terrible situation because I thought quitting meant no benefits.

How long does the adjudication usually take for voluntary quit cases? I'm worried about being without income for months.

It varies but usually 2-6 weeks depending on how complex your case is. The more documentation you have upfront, the faster it typically goes.

Hostile work environment definitely qualifies as good cause. Did you file any complaints with HR or document the incidents? That will really help your case.

yeah i kept records of everything and filed with hr before i quit. hoping that helps

That's exactly my situation too! My hours got cut from 40 to 25 per week. How did you document that for Washington ESD?

I submitted pay stubs from before and after the reduction, plus any written communication about the hour changes. Made it pretty clear cut for them.

I'm sorry that happened to you. The appeal process can be frustrating but it sounds like you eventually got approved. That's important for others to know - don't give up if initially denied.

Yeah eventually won but shouldn't have to fight so hard when you have legitimate reasons for quitting

Good point! I was so focused on the resignation part I forgot about the ongoing requirements. Thanks for the reminder.

Should I try to resolve the issues with my employer first, or can I just quit and claim good cause?

Generally you should try to resolve issues first if possible. Washington ESD likes to see that you made reasonable efforts before quitting. But if it's something like harassment or unsafe conditions, you're not required to endure harm.

Employers can contest claims, but Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination based on the facts. If you truly had good cause, their contest won't automatically disqualify you. Just be prepared to present your case.

That's reassuring. I was worried my employer could just say no and that would be it.

How does that service work? I'm probably going to need to talk to someone too.

You just go to claimyr.com and they handle getting you connected to Washington ESD agents. Way easier than dealing with the busy signals and getting hung up on. There's a demo video that shows the whole process.

There's still the standard one-week waiting period that applies to all UI claims in Washington. Plus the time for adjudication if they need to investigate your good cause claim. So it's not immediate.

ok good to know. at least its not longer than normal claims

That's interesting. I didn't know medical reasons counted. My job stress has been affecting my health but I wasn't sure if that would qualify.

Work-related stress that's causing health issues can potentially qualify, especially if you have medical records documenting it. Talk to your doctor about the connection between your job and your health problems.

How do I know if I've earned enough? I've been at my current job for about 8 months.

Washington ESD looks at your earnings in the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters. You can check your wage history on your SecureAccess Washington account to see if you qualify.

Good advice! I was thinking I should wait until I had all my documentation together but sounds like I should file first.

Yes, file immediately. You can always provide additional documentation during the adjudication process, but you can't backdate your claim start date.

Interesting point. My company does tend to escort people out when they give notice. So that might actually work in my favor?

Potentially, yes. If they terminate your employment before your intended last day, that's involuntary separation which is generally easier to qualify for benefits.

Glad it helped! Just remember that each case is individual, so what worked for someone else might not apply to your specific situation. Document everything and be prepared to explain your circumstances clearly.

Thanks for mentioning that again. I think I'm going to need to talk to someone because my situation is pretty complicated with multiple issues going on.

Yeah, complex situations definitely benefit from speaking with an actual agent who can walk through the details with you. Much better than trying to figure it out from the website alone.

That's awesome! Congratulations and thanks for the update. Really encouraging to hear a success story.

Great news! Thanks for sharing your outcome. It helps others see that the system does work when you have legitimate good cause and proper documentation.

You're absolutely right. I think I was overthinking it. Better to apply and see what happens than assume I don't qualify. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!