Can you apply for unemployment if you resign in Washington?

What kind of documentation would I need to prove good cause? I don't have anything in writing about the hostile work environment.

Start documenting everything now - dates, times, witnesses, any emails or texts. File complaints with HR if possible. The more paper trail you have, the better your chances during the adjudication process.

Six weeks?? How did you survive financially during that time?

Barely lol. Had to borrow money from family. That's why documentation is so important - the faster you can prove your case, the quicker they'll approve you.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money.

It's worth checking out claimyr.com for current info. For me, the peace of mind of actually talking to someone at Washington ESD was huge when I was stressed about my claim status.

That's awful! Did you eventually get your benefits?

Yeah but only after filing an appeal and going to a hearing. The whole process was traumatic on top of what I'd already been through at work.

This is exactly why documentation is crucial. The appeals process is much easier when you have evidence to back up your claims.

What if my boss is creating a hostile work environment? Would that count as good cause?

Possibly, but you'd need to show that you tried to resolve it through proper channels first - like reporting to HR or upper management. Washington ESD wants to see that quitting was truly your last resort.

Right? It's like they expect us to just suffer through anything.

exactly! like how bad does it have to get before they consider it 'good cause

Good point. I guess I should start looking for other jobs before I quit anyway.

Definitely. Having job applications already submitted can also help show that you were trying to find alternatives before quitting.

Adjudication is when Washington ESD investigates the circumstances of your job separation. They'll contact you and your former employer to get both sides of the story, then make a determination about whether you qualify for benefits.

How long does that usually take?

Can vary a lot - anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on how complex your case is and their current workload.

That's encouraging. I was thinking I shouldn't even bother trying.

Yeah, you never know. Plus if you get denied initially, you can always appeal. I know people who lost at first but won on appeal.

Honestly anything that helps you actually talk to someone at Washington ESD is worth it. Their phone system is a nightmare.

Exactly. When you're dealing with something as important as your financial security, being able to speak directly with someone who can help is invaluable.

Your weekly benefit amount is based on your earnings history, not how your employment ended. If you qualify for benefits after quitting, you'd get the same amount as if you were laid off.

oh ok that's good to know

Smart approach. Make sure to keep copies of everything and document any retaliation if it happens after you file complaints.

good luck! hope it works out better for you than it has for me so far

Yeah I definitely wouldn't want to lie about something like that. Seems like it would make things worse.

Exactly. Honesty plus good documentation is your best strategy.

Because they don't want people to actually get benefits. The more complicated they make it, the more people give up.

probably true unfortunately

I might need to look into that if I end up applying. The idea of trying to call them myself sounds terrible.

It definitely beats sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected. Plus when you're in adjudication, being able to explain your situation directly to an agent can make a real difference.

Three months?? That's crazy long. Have you tried calling them?

I've tried but can never get through. Maybe I should look into that Claimyr thing people mentioned.

Definitely worth trying something different if regular calling isn't working.

How many job applications do you need to do each week?

It varies but generally 3 job search activities per week. Check the Washington ESD website for current requirements since they can change.

Agreed! This thread has been super informative.

yeah way better than trying to figure it out from the confusing government websites

Good luck! Hope they actually help instead of just protecting the company.

thanks, fingers crossed but not getting my hopes up too high

Make sure to document that conversation too, regardless of how it goes.

That's exactly what they want - workers too scared to leave bad situations. It's messed up.

Right? Like we're trapped even when employers treat us badly.

It's not perfect but there are protections for workers who quit for legitimate reasons. The key is knowing your rights and documenting everything properly.