Can I qualify for ESD benefits if I quit my job due to inflexible work hours?

ur probably not gonna qualify if u just quit. ESD is super strict about that. they denied me when i left my toxic job last year even tho my boss was basically harassng me. you should get fired instead lol

This is a tricky situation, but there are some circumstances where you can quit and still qualify for unemployment. Under Washington state law, you need to establish "good cause" for leaving your job. Here are some possibilities that might apply to your situation: 1. Medical reasons - if you have documentation from a healthcare provider stating your current schedule is harmful to your health 2. Significant reduction in hours or substantial change in working conditions 3. If you can prove the employer violated the terms of your employment agreement Have you requested accommodation in writing? Do you have any medical documentation supporting your need for reduced hours? These could be important if you need to appeal an initial denial.

I went through something similar with my last employer. They wouldn't reduce my 60+ hour weeks despite multiple requests, and it was causing serious health issues. I ended up quitting, and YES, I did eventually get approved for unemployment but it was a FIGHT. Initially denied (which is typical), then I appealed and presented all my documentation showing: 1) Multiple written requests for accommodation 2) Doctor's note recommending reduced hours 3) Evidence I tried everything possible to resolve the issue before quitting The key was proving I had "no reasonable alternative" but to quit. In your case, document EVERYTHING. Get your requests in writing, save emails, get medical documentation if applicable. Be prepared though - you'll almost certainly be denied initially and have to go through adjudication and possibly appeal. The whole process took me about 10 weeks before I saw any benefits.

Just adding to the conversation - Washington state does recognize something called "quit for work-related health reasons" which might apply here. But you MUST have medical documentation and proof you requested accommodation that was denied. Also, if you do quit and apply, be prepared for a long adjudication process. ESD is currently taking 8-12 weeks to process these types of claims due to backlog. You might also consider applying for Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) if your health issues qualify - sometimes that's easier to get approved than unemployment in these situations.

have u tried asking for like a leaves of absense first?? might be better than quitting cuz then u can maybe still go back if esddenies you. just a thought

If you're planning to quit and apply for benefits, you'll almost certainly need to call ESD at some point during the process to explain your situation. Their online system really isn't set up to handle nuanced "good cause" quit situations. I've been through this process myself and spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone at ESD. I eventually found out about Claimyr.com which got me through to an ESD agent in under 2 hours when I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Speaking directly with an agent made all the difference in getting my claim sorted out. They were able to reclassify my separation reason and move my claim forward when it had been stuck for over a month.

Why dont u just start calling in sick a bunch until they fire u?? Then u definitely get unemployment! Thats what my BIL did and he got approved right away no questions asked!!

For the "no reasonable alternative" part that you asked about, I showed: 1. Emails requesting transfer to different positions within the company that had standard 40-hour weeks 2. Evidence I applied for FMLA/reduced schedule but was told my situation "didn't qualify" 3. Proof I suggested compromise solutions (job sharing, part-time temporary, etc.) that were all rejected 4. Documentation showing my performance was suffering specifically due to the long hours (performance reviews noting fatigue-related mistakes) The adjudicator told me the key was showing I exhausted ALL possibilities before quitting. It's not enough to just ask for reduced hours - you need to show you tried multiple approaches to resolve the situation. Also, regarding the 8-12 week timeline mentioned above - that's pretty accurate in my experience. There's no real way to expedite, but you CAN check status by sending secure messages through your eServices account. I sent a status check message every 2 weeks (polite but persistent) and I think that helped keep my claim moving.

One more important thing to consider: if you do quit, continue filing weekly claims while your eligibility is being determined, even though you won't receive benefits immediately. If you're eventually approved through adjudication or appeal, you'll get back payments for all those weeks you properly filed. If you wait to start filing weekly claims until after approval, you won't get paid for those missed weeks.

my frend went thru this exact thing last year!!!! he had to get his doctor to write a letter saying the hours were causing his anxiety to get worse. it took like 3 months but he got approved. dont give up!!!