Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I quit my job to take care of my mother?

Thank you! What kind of documentation did you need? I have her diagnosis paperwork and some notes from her doctor about needing supervision.

Get a letter from her doctor specifically stating she requires full-time care and that professional care wasn't feasible. Also document any attempts you made to arrange alternative care or modify your work schedule first.

6 weeks is a long time but at least it got approved! Did you have to do a phone interview during the adjudication?

Yes, they called me and my former employer. Just be honest about the timeline and why you had no other choice. Having medical documentation really helped my case.

I've been dreading trying to call Washington ESD because I know how hard it is to get through. How much does that service cost?

They focus on the value of actually reaching someone rather than the cost. When you're dealing with potential benefits worth thousands, it's worth checking out their site for the details.

Never heard of this but might be worth trying. The regular Washington ESD phone system is absolutely useless.

Generally that's true, but Washington has exceptions for compelling family circumstances, domestic violence situations, and a few other specific reasons. It's not widely known.

oh wow i had no idea. wish i knew this when i had to quit to take care of my sick kid last year

That's a good point. I did send my supervisor an email explaining the situation before I put in my notice. I'll make sure to keep that.

Perfect! That email could be crucial evidence. Also keep any responses they sent about your request for accommodation or leave options.

I'll look for that section. The Washington ESD website is so confusing to navigate.

Tell me about it! Try searching for 'compelling family circumstances' directly in their site search. Should bring up the relevant pages.

You're right, I should just start the process. I'm probably overthinking it because I'm stressed about money.

Exactly. And if they need more documentation you can provide it during adjudication. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.

They offered unpaid FMLA but that was only 12 weeks and wouldn't cover ongoing care. Plus I couldn't afford to go without pay that long anyway.

That's exactly the kind of detail you need to explain to Washington ESD - that you explored options but they weren't feasible for your situation.

Right, showing you considered alternatives but they weren't adequate strengthens your compelling circumstances case.

Thank you for the encouragement. Some days I wonder if I made the right choice but she's my mom, you know?

You absolutely made the right choice. Family comes first. The financial stress is temporary but you'll never regret being there for her when she needed you most.

How long did your adjudication take? I'm worried about how long I can go without income.

About 8 weeks total but I filed during a busy period. Could be faster now. Apply for other assistance programs while you wait - food stamps, utility help, anything that can bridge the gap.

Is this like a paid service to help you call Washington ESD? Never heard of anything like that before.

Yeah, they handle the calling process so you don't have to deal with busy signals and hold times. Check out their site - claimyr.com has all the details about how it works.

Good to know! So I should keep filing weekly even if I'm not getting paid yet?

YES! File every week without fail. Once your claim is approved they'll pay you for all the weeks you filed for, but only if you actually filed.

This is crucial advice. The weekly claims establish your continued eligibility for each week. Miss filing and you lose that week forever.

I almost didn't even look into it because I assumed quitting meant no benefits. Glad I'm asking questions now.

That's exactly their strategy - keep the rules complicated so people don't apply. Don't let them discourage you from getting what you're entitled to.

That's a great idea. I should start tracking her good days vs bad days and what kind of help she needs each day.

Exactly! Show the pattern of increasing care needs and how it made working impossible. Photos, notes, anything that demonstrates the reality of her condition.

Wait, so I need to be looking for work while I'm taking care of my mom? How does that work?

You need to be available for suitable work. Maybe that's remote work, part-time, or work during hours when someone else can watch her. Just be realistic about what you can actually do.

The key is showing you're genuinely seeking work within your constraints. Washington ESD understands caregiving responsibilities but you still need to demonstrate availability.

I haven't really looked into other programs yet. Any suggestions for where to start?

Check with your county's aging services department. They often have respite care programs, caregiver support groups, and sometimes financial assistance for family caregivers.

That's reassuring to hear. I've been worried they'll just automatically deny it because I quit.

They have to follow the law, and the law allows benefits for compelling family circumstances. Just make sure your documentation tells a clear story about why you had no choice.

I quit about 3 weeks ago, so hopefully I'm still within any deadline. I'll file this week for sure.

You should be fine with 3 weeks, but yeah don't delay any longer. The sooner you file, the sooner the adjudication process can start.

Thank you everyone for all the advice and encouragement. I'm going to file my claim tomorrow and start gathering all my documentation.

Good luck! Keep us posted on how it goes. Your experience might help the next person in the same situation.

Absolutely file tomorrow. You've got a solid case based on what you've shared. The documentation will make all the difference in your adjudication.

Good to know there's a backup plan if the first decision doesn't go my way. How long do you have to file an appeal?

I think it's 30 days from the determination notice, but double-check that. The appeal process is more thorough and you can submit additional evidence you might not have had for the initial claim.