Can I get ESD benefits if I quit to care for sick parent? Medical leave claim questions

ur going to run into issues becuz its a voluntary quit. regular UI doesnt usally cover voluntary quits but there are rare exceptions. u should apply ether way and see what happens, the worst they can do is deny u. make sure u explain clearly the medical reason when u apply!!

I can provide some specific guidance here. This situation falls under what ESD calls a "good cause quit" - specifically, you're quitting to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition. Here's what you'll need for your claim: 1. Medical documentation from your father's doctor confirming diagnosis and need for care 2. Documentation showing you requested leave from your employer and it was denied/insufficient 3. Be prepared to explain why you're the only available caregiver And yes, your claim will almost certainly go to adjudication, where an adjudicator will review these documents and make a determination. During adjudication, make sure you respond to any requests for information promptly. This type of claim is specifically covered under RCW 50.20.050(2)(b)(ii) - which allows benefits when you quit to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition.

I'm so sorry about your father. My mom had cancer last year and I know how scary and overwhelming it is. I didn't have to quit my job because I could work remotely, but a friend of mine had to leave her job for similar reasons. ESD denied her at first but she appealed and eventually got approved. The whole process took about 8 weeks though which was really stressful for her. Make sure you have all the medical paperwork organized and ready to go!

When my claim went to adjudication last year it took FOREVER!!! They kept saying "2-3 weeks" but it was more like 10 weeks and I couldn't get ANYONE on the phone!!! 😠 I called literally 50+ times. The whole system is a joke. Good luck getting through to a human being at ESD - you'll need it!!!

I work with employment issues professionally, and I want to clarify something important: what you're describing might actually be better handled through Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) rather than regular unemployment. PFML is specifically designed for situations like yours - caring for a family member with a serious health condition. The benefit amount is similar to unemployment (about 90% of your weekly wage up to a cap), but it's specifically designed for caregiving situations. Unemployment benefits require you to be available for work and actively job searching, which might be difficult while providing full-time care. PFML doesn't have these requirements. You can apply at paidleave.wa.gov and the approval process is often faster than ESD adjudication for voluntary quits.

You can still apply for PFML after leaving your job, but ideally you should apply as soon as possible. There's a waiting week after your application is approved before benefits begin. One thing to note: you need to have worked 820 hours in Washington during either the last four completed calendar quarters or the four quarters before that. Also, PFML allows you to take up to 12 weeks per year to care for a family member. If for some reason you don't qualify for PFML, then pursuing unemployment with a "good cause quit" is your next best option, but as others have mentioned, be prepared for adjudication and possibly an appeal process.

I had to quit my job last year when my wife got sick (stroke). I applied for regular unemployment and got denied initially. The denial letter said I had "quit without good cause" even though I explained the medical situation. I filed an appeal and had to wait for a hearing with a judge from OAH. It was really stressful. At the hearing I showed all my wife's medical records and explained why I had to care for her. The judge reversed the decision and I got benefits, but it took almost 3 months from my initial claim to getting any money. If I had known about PFML back then I would've done that instead.

Just to follow up on the PFML suggestion, which I agree is likely your best option: When you apply, you'll need certification from your father's healthcare provider. The certification form is available on the PFML website. If you do end up going the unemployment route instead, make sure you continue filing weekly claims even while in adjudication. Many people don't realize they need to keep filing weekly claims during the adjudication process. If your claim is eventually approved, you'll receive back payments for those weeks - but only if you filed claims for them.