Can I quit my job and collect unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

What kind of documentation would I need? I don't have anything written down but there have been witnesses to some of the incidents.

Start documenting everything now - dates, times, witnesses, what was said or done. Email complaints to HR if you have an HR department. Save any written communications. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case will be if Washington ESD reviews your claim.

That's encouraging! Did you have to appeal the initial decision or did they approve you right away?

They initially denied my claim but I appealed and won. The appeal hearing was nerve-wracking but having documentation helped a lot.

Never heard of this before. Does it actually work? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks.

Yeah it worked for me. I was getting nowhere with the regular phone lines and this got me through to an actual person who could help with my questions.

Where on the website can I find this list? I want to see if my situation might qualify.

Look under the 'Eligibility' section on the Washington ESD website. There's a whole page about voluntary quit situations and what might still qualify you for benefits.

While the process can be challenging, many people do successfully get benefits after quitting for good cause. It's worth applying if you truly have a valid reason.

I agree the system can be frustrating but don't let that discourage you from applying if you have a legitimate case.

That's called 'misconduct' and would definitely disqualify you from benefits. Washington ESD investigates why you were fired and if it was due to misconduct, you won't get UI. Don't go that route.

Oh wow, okay good to know. I definitely don't want to mess up my chances of getting benefits if I really need them.

I hadn't thought about that. Would talking to a lawyer help with the unemployment claim too?

Possibly. They could help you understand your rights and document your case properly, which would strengthen any unemployment claim you file.

Exactly! I can't afford to be without income but I also can't keep dealing with this workplace situation.

Start documenting everything now even if you're not sure you'll quit. Having that record will help if you do decide to leave.

That's a good point about them contacting the employer. I need to be prepared for that possibility.

Yes, and remember that your employer might dispute your claim, so having documentation is crucial.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth it if you need to actually reach someone. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting hung up on constantly.

We don't really have HR at my job. It's a smaller company and the owner basically handles everything.

That makes it harder. In that case, documenting everything becomes even more important if you do decide to quit and apply for benefits.

Wow, that's a long time to wait. I guess I need to make sure I have some savings if I go this route.

Yeah and if they deny you initially, the appeal process takes even longer. Plan accordingly.

It's mostly verbal - yelling, belittling comments, unreasonable demands. Nothing physical but it's affecting my mental health.

Document specific incidents with dates and details. If it's creating a hostile work environment, that could potentially qualify as good cause, but you'll need evidence.

That's encouraging that you got the back pay. Did you have to pay for a lawyer for the appeal?

No, I represented myself. The hearing was over the phone and I just presented my evidence and told my story. Having everything documented made the difference.

I've been looking but haven't found anything yet. The situation at work is getting worse and I'm not sure I can wait much longer.

I understand that pressure. Just make sure you're prepared for the possibility that your unemployment claim might be denied initially.

That's a good way to think about it. I need to evaluate whether my situation would seem unreasonable to someone else looking at it objectively.

Exactly. And remember that Washington ESD will look at whether you tried to resolve the issues before quitting. Did you complain to management or try to address the problems?