Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I leave a job voluntarily?

Generally speaking, Washington ESD considers voluntary resignation as disqualifying for regular UI benefits. However, there are specific exceptions where you might still qualify - like if you quit for 'good cause connected to the work.' This includes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, significant changes to your job duties, or health issues caused by the work environment.

I quit my job last year due to harassment and it took forever to get through to Washington ESD to explain my situation. The phone lines are constantly busy and when you do get through, you're on hold for hours. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

You should definitely try to get fired instead of quitting if possible lol. I know that sounds bad but seriously, getting laid off or terminated (as long as it's not for misconduct) makes you eligible right away.

Before you quit, have you tried talking to HR or your supervisor about the toxic environment? Washington ESD wants to see that you made reasonable efforts to resolve workplace issues before leaving. Document everything - dates, times, what was said, who was present. If they don't address legitimate concerns, that strengthens your case for good cause.

honestly the whole system is messed up... why should people have to stay in jobs that are making them sick?? but yeah washington esd is super strict about voluntary quits. my friend quit because her boss was creepy and they still made her jump through hoops to prove it

I'm going through this exact situation right now! Filed three weeks ago after quitting due to a hostile supervisor and my claim is stuck in adjudication. The uncertainty is killing me because I don't know if I'll get approved or not. Has anyone had success with an adjudication for voluntary quit?

What about constructive discharge? If they make your working conditions so intolerable that any reasonable person would quit, that's supposed to be treated like being fired. But proving it is really hard.

I used to work for an employment attorney and saw these cases all the time. Some things that helped clients get approved: medical records showing work-related stress or illness, witnesses to harassment or unsafe conditions, written complaints to management with inadequate responses, and documentation of policy violations by the employer. The more evidence the better.

Whatever you do, don't quit without having another job lined up if possible. Even if you think you have good cause, there's always a chance Washington ESD will deny your claim and then you're stuck with no income and no benefits.

Check if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Many companies have free counseling services that can help document work-related stress and might even help mediate workplace conflicts. Plus having professional counseling records strengthens your case if you do end up quitting.

Been there! Quit my last job because of a verbally abusive manager and got approved for benefits, but it took 2 months and was super stressful. The key was keeping detailed notes about every incident - dates, times, what was said, who heard it. I also had emails showing I tried to transfer departments before quitting.

Don't forget about the job search requirements even if you get approved! A lot of people think they can just collect benefits without looking for work, but Washington ESD requires you to make job contacts every week and be available for work.

Another option to consider is FMLA leave if the work stress is affecting your health. It might buy you time to job search while keeping your position protected, and you could potentially get short-term disability benefits.

If you do decide to quit, make sure you understand the difference between 'good cause connected to the work' and 'good cause not connected to the work.' The first one gets you benefits right away if approved, but the second creates a waiting period even if you're approved.

PROTIP: If you're going to quit, time it strategically. Don't quit on a Friday - quit early in the week so you can file your unemployment claim right away and get the process started. Every day counts when you're waiting for benefits to kick in.

I hate to be negative but realistically, most voluntary quit claims get denied initially. You'll probably have to appeal and go through a hearing process. Make sure you're prepared for that possibility and have your documentation organized.

Another service I found helpful was Claimyr - they basically help you get through to Washington ESD when the phone lines are jammed. I used them when my initial claim was denied and I needed to speak with someone about appealing. Way better than trying to call 200 times a day. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Final thought - consider talking to a therapist or counselor about the work situation before making any big decisions. They can help you process what you're going through and provide professional documentation if you do decide to quit. Many insurance plans cover mental health services.

Just want to add - keep track of your earnings from your current job including your last full week of work. Washington ESD needs this info to calculate your benefit amount, and if you quit mid-week it can affect which week your claim starts from.

I went through a similar situation two years ago and ended up getting approved, but it was a long process. The most important thing I learned is that Washington ESD really wants to see a pattern of problems and that you made genuine efforts to resolve them before quitting. Start documenting everything NOW - even if you don't quit, having records protects you. Save emails, write down incidents with dates and witnesses, and definitely follow up with HR in writing about your previous conversations. Also consider if there are any company policies being violated - that can strengthen your case significantly. The mental health angle is valid but you'll need medical documentation showing how work is specifically impacting you. Don't just quit impulsively - build your case first. Good luck!