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

What kind of documentation should I be collecting? I have some emails but not much else.

Save all emails, texts, write down dates and details of incidents, get witness statements if possible. The more evidence the better for your case.

Oh no, what happened during your appeal? Did you eventually get benefits?

Eventually yes, but it took 4 months total. I had to prove I tried talking to HR and my supervisor first.

My company barely has HR, it's just one person who's friends with all the managers. But I guess I should try anyway?

Yes, still document that you tried. Even if HR doesn't help, you need to show Washington ESD you attempted to resolve it through proper channels.

This is exactly why I ended up using Claimyr to get through to an actual Washington ESD agent. When my quit claim was being reviewed, I needed to speak to someone who could explain exactly what documentation they needed. The website claimyr.com helped me get connected without waiting on hold for hours.

What's constructive discharge? I've never heard that term before.

Constructive discharge is when your employer makes working conditions so intolerable that quitting becomes your only reasonable option. It's treated like being fired rather than quitting voluntarily.

I hadn't thought of that. Do you know if there are any free legal aid services for employment issues?

Yes, try Northwest Justice Project or your county's legal aid society. They often help with employment law issues for free if you qualify income-wise.

I've been trying but it's hard to interview when I'm working 50+ hour weeks and my mental health is falling apart. The stress is making it difficult to function.

Sometimes you just need to get out of a toxic situation for your health, even if it's financially risky. I totally get it.

Ugh, I didn't think about them fighting it. My manager would definitely try to make me look bad.

That's why the documentation is so important. Stick to facts, dates, and specific incidents. Don't make it personal or emotional in your filing.

Thanks, I'll check that out. I've been dreading trying to call Washington ESD because I know it's impossible to get through.

Yeah their phone system is a nightmare. Sometimes you need to talk to a real person to get answers about complicated situations like this.

The harassment part definitely applies to my situation. My manager makes inappropriate comments and has created a hostile environment.

Document every single incident with dates, times, witnesses if any, and exactly what was said or done. The more specific detail you have, the stronger your case will be.

How long did it take for Washington ESD to make a decision on your claim?

About 3 weeks for the initial decision, but that was after I provided all my documentation upfront. If you don't have enough evidence initially, it can take much longer.

That's pretty fast for a quit claim. Most people I know had to wait longer for adjudication on voluntary separations.

I feel this so much. The stress of not knowing if you'll get benefits makes an already difficult situation even worse.

Yeah but they have to have some standards or everyone would just quit and collect unemployment. I get that it's frustrating though.

I've thought about FMLA but I'm not sure if stress/anxiety qualifies for medical leave.

It can if it's severe enough and you have a doctor who will document it as a serious health condition. Worth talking to your doctor about.

How can you tell the difference? My manager has definitely been making things difficult since I complained about the work environment.

If they changed your schedule, duties, or treatment significantly after you complained, and a reasonable person would feel they had no choice but to quit, that could be constructive discharge.

Interesting, I was planning to give two weeks notice to be professional about it.

Nothing wrong with being professional, just know that if they walk you out immediately after you give notice, that could actually work in your favor for unemployment purposes.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. This has been really helpful in understanding my options.

Good luck with whatever you decide! Your mental health is important too, not just the money.