Can I skip collecting ESD benefits while waiting for adjudication on voluntary quit?

Yes, you can absolutely skip filing weekly claims if you're concerned. There's no requirement to file every week. Just be aware that once you stop filing, if you want to restart benefits later you'll need to reopen your claim (which is pretty easy). For what it's worth, I had a similar situation last year - quit a job because of safety issues, and ESD ruled it was with good cause. Make sure you clearly document the unsafe conditions and hostile work environment when you talk to the adjudicator. Did you report any of these issues to management before quitting? That helps your case a lot.

I've been through voluntary quit adjudication before. It can take 6-8 weeks for them to make a decision unfortunately. You're smart to consider skipping weeks if you're worried - it's perfectly fine to not claim for any period. Your claim stays open for a year from when you first applied. One thing to remember: if they determine you quit without good cause, they'll disqualify you until you earn a certain amount at a new job (usually around $5,600 depending on your benefit amount) AND work at least 7 weeks. So you might end up ineligible for benefits anyway until you meet those requirements, regardless of whether you continue claiming now. Best way to avoid owing money back is definitely to upload all evidence of the bad working conditions. Screenshots of emails, texts about safety issues, anything written that shows you had good cause to leave.

Might be worth trying to actually TALK to someone at ESD instead of waiting... I called 167 times over 3 days b4 getting thru when I had adjudication. Ridiculous system!!!

UGH I HATE ESD ADJUDICATION!!! Been thru it 3 times!!! They make EVERYTHING so difficult! For your question - YES you can skip weeks, I did that when I was worried about the same thing. Just don't file those weekly claims. Your claim stays active for a year. BUT BUT BUT... if they decide AGAINST you, they'll make you pay back EVERYTHING you received after quitting that warehouse job, not just the weeks going forward. So if you've already claimed for a month while in adjudication, you could already owe that money if they rule against you. JFYI!!! The system is designed to screw us over!!!

My sisters boyfriends cousin quit his job because his boss was a jerk and ESD approved his benefits after like 6 weeks in adjudication. Just depends on who reviews your case I think. Some of them are cool and some are NOT. Goodluck!

One more thing I just thought of - since you mentioned unsafe conditions at the warehouse job, you should gather any evidence you have about that. Washington state law specifically considers quitting due to safety concerns as potential "good cause." Take photos of any texts or emails where you reported these issues. When the adjudicator calls (they usually do a phone interview), focus on the safety aspects more than the supervisor's attitude. Safety concerns carry more weight legally as good cause for quitting. And yes, you can stop claiming now if you're worried about potential overpayment. That's completely within your rights and won't affect your claim negatively.

Wait I'm confused... can someone explain adjudication to me? Is that the same as an appeal? I got denied benefits and they told me to file an appeal but I'm not sure if that's the same thing you're talking about?

My claim was in adjudcation for 7 whole weeks last year, ESD is sooooo slow... I think ur smart to stop claiming until they decide. Also make sure u keep doing ur job search activities every week even if u dont claim!! I messed that up n had to start my whole claim over again it was a NIGHTMARE