Can I get ESD benefits after quitting due to hostile trainer/workplace treatment?

I went through something similar in 2023. Generally, you need to prove you quit for "good cause" to qualify for unemployment in WA. Hostile work environment can count, BUT you need to show you tried to resolve the issue before quitting. Make sure you do these things: 1. Report the mistreatment to HR in writing (email works) and keep copies 2. Be specific about dates and incidents in your complaint 3. Give your employer reasonable time to fix the situation 4. Get documentation from a doctor about your anxiety/health issues 5. If possible, look for another position within the company If you quit without these steps, ESD will likely deny your initial claim. I had to appeal my determination and won only because I had documentation showing I tried to resolve things before leaving.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ESD is REALLY strict about voluntary quits. They almost always deny you initially. Going through the appeals process is a nightmare - took me nearly 3 months before I got a hearing with OAH. I quit my toxic restaurant job last year and had to burn through my savings while waiting. Try calling a few times BEFORE you quit and ask them specifically what documentation you need for your situation. The general line will just tell you the basic rules, but if you can get through to an adjudicator, they might give you more specific guidance.

Have you tried calling ESD to ask them directly? I needed clarification on a similar issue and was able to speak with an agent who explained exactly what I needed to do to qualify in my situation. Getting through on the phone is super difficult though. I was hanging up and redialing for days. I eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent in less than an hour. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It saved me so much frustration compared to the constant busy signals and disconnects I was getting before. Definitely worth talking to ESD directly before you make any decisions about quitting.

my sister got approved after she quit bcuz her boss was sexually harrasing her but she had texts and complaints to HR as proof. not sure if your situation is the same but i think u need PROOF not just your word

Under WAC 192-150-125, you may qualify for benefits if you can prove a "hostile work environment" that would cause a reasonable person to quit. However, this generally requires showing: 1. That the conditions are extraordinary and substantial 2. That you genuinely attempted to resolve the issue before quitting 3. That the employer was given reasonable time to correct the situation Mere personality conflicts with supervisors or trainers usually don't qualify as "good cause" to quit. Importantly, if your doctor can document that continuing work would worsen a medical condition (like your anxiety), that could strengthen your case under WAC 192-150-055 (medical necessity). I recommend getting formal documentation of: - Your complaints to management (emails, meeting notes) - Medical documentation of your anxiety/panic attacks - Witness statements if possible Without these, you face an uphill battle proving good cause for a voluntary quit.

everyone saying its impossible but i quit my job at the hospital last year cause my supervisor was bullying me and got approved no problem. just be honest when u file and explain exactly whats happening. maybe i just got lucky with my adjudicator? idk but its not always a automatic denial like ppl say

Update: I've sent a detailed email to the company owner outlining the issues with specific examples. I also scheduled an appointment with my doctor for next week to discuss the anxiety/panic attacks I've been experiencing. Thank you all for the advice so far - I'll wait to see if anything changes before making my final decision. Definitely feeling more prepared now.

this whole thread is so helpful!! im in almost teh exact same situation but with a coworker not a trainer. saving all this advice for myself too. good luck OP hope it works out for u