Can I get Washington ESD unemployment benefits if I quit due to child care issues?

I have emails showing I asked HR about remote work options and they said no. I also have documentation of calling 8 different daycares but they all had waiting lists or were too expensive.

That's exactly what you'll need for your claim. Make sure to include all that documentation when you file. Washington ESD will likely require an adjudication interview to review your case.

How long did the adjudication process take? I'm worried about how I'll pay bills while waiting for a decision.

Mine took about 5 weeks total. If you get approved, they'll backdate the benefits to when you first filed. But yeah, the waiting period is really stressful financially.

5 weeks?? That's insane. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for 3 weeks about my adjudication and can never get through. The phone system just hangs up on me.

Is this legit? I'm desperate at this point but don't want to get scammed.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They don't ask for any personal info, just your phone number so they can transfer the call to you when they get connected.

Actually, people fired for misconduct usually get disqualified from benefits. The system is designed to be thorough because they need to prevent fraud while also helping people in legitimate situations.

whatever, still takes way too long when people need help NOW

That's another problem - how can I be available for work if I still don't have reliable childcare? Seems like a catch-22.

You need to show you're making efforts to solve the childcare issue while job searching. Document your ongoing search for daycare, family help, etc. Washington ESD understands it's an ongoing process.

How long did the appeal process take? This is already so overwhelming.

Her appeal hearing was scheduled about 6 weeks after she filed it, but she said the hearing itself was pretty straightforward since she had good documentation.

I didn't know that - thanks for the tip! I haven't filed yet but I'll make sure to start my weekly claims right away.

That's amazing! I'm definitely going to try this. Did they explain anything specific about childcare-related quits?

She said they look at whether you made reasonable efforts to keep working - like asking for schedule changes, looking for backup care, etc. Having proof of those efforts is crucial.

Thank you for saying that. I've been feeling so guilty about leaving my job but the daycare options I found would have cost more than half my paycheck.

Exactly. Washington ESD would rather see honest limitations than discover later that you weren't truthful about your availability.

Thank you! Sometimes I wonder if people without kids just don't understand how impossible the situation can become.

Exactly! And then they act like we're trying to game the system when we're just trying to survive and take care of our kids.

I tried it too after seeing your post and finally got answers about my claim! The agent walked me through exactly what documents to upload for my childcare situation.

Good point. I've been applying to remote jobs and positions with flexible schedules. Should I mention the childcare constraints in my job search log?

Yes, note that you're focusing on positions compatible with your childcare needs. This shows you're being realistic about your availability.

What kind of documents did they want besides the daycare closure notice and employer emails?

Bank statements showing I couldn't afford the backup care options, text messages with family about help, screenshots of daycare waiting lists, even receipts from calling around to sitters.

How do they usually notify you about the interview? Phone or mail?

Both usually. They'll send a letter with the date and time, and might call to confirm. Make sure your contact info is updated in your account.

Unfortunately fraud prevention requires them to verify claims, but I agree the process could be more streamlined for common situations like childcare issues.

Start documenting your search for replacement care now, just in case! And ask your employer about options before you have to make any decisions.

Good advice, thanks! I'll start keeping records of everything I try.

Thanks everyone for all the help! I'm going to file tomorrow morning and use that Claimyr service if I need to talk to someone. This thread has been incredibly helpful.

Thank you so much. This community has been amazing and I feel much more confident about navigating this process now.