Can I still get unemployment after quitting my job in Washington - confused about eligibility

You might still be eligible if you can prove you had 'good cause' for quitting. Washington ESD considers things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job terms as potential good cause reasons. You'll need to document everything though - emails, witness statements, anything that shows the hostile environment.

The key thing is proving 'good cause' which is a pretty high bar. You'll need to show you tried to resolve the situation first before quitting. Did you report the hostile behavior to HR or anyone higher up? Washington ESD will want to see that you made reasonable efforts to fix things before leaving.

I was in a similar situation last year and got approved after initially being denied. The key was providing detailed documentation during the adjudication process. If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an agent much faster. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made dealing with the bureaucracy so much easier.

ugh the whole system is so frustrating!! i quit my job too because of a terrible boss and got denied. had to appeal and it took forever but eventually won. don't give up if they deny you initially

Important thing to remember - even if you get approved, there will likely be a waiting period and you'll need to meet all the usual requirements like job searching and filing weekly claims. Make sure you're prepared for that part of the process too.

just apply already! worst case they say no and you're in the same position you are now. i've seen people get approved for quitting for way less serious reasons than hostile work environment

One more thing - when you file, be very clear and detailed in your explanation of why you quit. Don't just say 'hostile work environment' - explain specific incidents, dates, and how you tried to address them. The more detail the better for the adjudicator reviewing your case.

I work in HR and see these cases sometimes. The 'good cause' standard is really about whether a reasonable person would have quit in your situation. Document everything and be prepared to show you had no other reasonable choice.

been there done that, got the denial letter lol. seriously though even if you get denied initially the appeal process exists for a reason. i know someone who got approved on appeal after being denied twice

Actually thinking more about this - if you do get stuck in the adjudication process and need to speak with someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier was a lifesaver. I was getting nowhere with the regular phone lines for weeks. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you so you don't have to spend hours on hold.

Don't forget you might be eligible for other assistance while you're waiting for the unemployment decision. Food assistance, utility help, etc. Check with DSHS for other programs.

my sister quit her job because of harassment and got approved but it took like 6 weeks total. she had to provide a ton of documentation but eventually got it. definitely worth trying

Final advice - start your application as soon as possible. Even if you're not sure about your eligibility, the sooner you file the sooner the process starts. And remember to file your weekly claims even while your initial claim is being adjudicated.

Keep in mind that even if approved, benefits might be delayed while they process everything. Make sure you have some kind of backup plan for immediate expenses.

The waiting is the worst part honestly. I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months on a different issue and it's just endless bureaucracy. At least you have a clear reason for quitting though.

One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed log of all my interactions with Washington ESD - who I talked to, when, what they said. It comes in handy if you need to reference conversations later.

Just remembered - if you do get approved and then find work quickly, you might be able to get some kind of reemployment bonus. Not sure of the details but worth asking about.

has anyone tried that claimyr thing mentioned earlier? sounds too good to be true but if it actually works...

Whatever happens with your claim, make sure you keep applying for jobs and documenting your search. That requirement doesn't go away even during adjudication.

Good luck with everything! The system is frustrating but people do get approved for good cause quits. Just be patient and persistent.