Can you collect unemployment if you quit your job in Washington ESD system?

Washington ESD does allow unemployment benefits if you quit with 'good cause' but it's pretty strict. You need to prove things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job terms. Document everything - emails, incidents, witnesses. The burden of proof is on you to show you had no choice but to quit.

i quit my last job because of my boss being terrible and got denied for unemployment. washington esd said i didnt have good cause even though he was awful to work for

Before you quit, try to get fired instead if possible. I know that sounds weird but if you can document the hostile environment and force them to terminate you, your unemployment claim becomes much stronger. Washington ESD scrutinizes voluntary quits really carefully.

I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com) when I needed to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD about my quit situation. The phone system is impossible otherwise - I was getting disconnected constantly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me get through to explain my circumstances to an actual person instead of just filing online and hoping for the best.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST WORKERS! They make it impossible to quit even when your boss is making your life hell. I've seen so many people get denied for quitting jobs that were literally making them sick. Washington ESD protects employers more than employees.

The specific Washington ESD criteria for 'good cause' includes: sexual harassment, discrimination based on protected class, unsafe working conditions that violate OSHA standards, significant reduction in hours/pay, and a few other specific situations. General unhappiness with your boss or job duties typically doesn't qualify unless it rises to the level of creating an unbearable work environment.

also just fyi the adjudication process takes FOREVER if you quit. even if you have good cause they still investigate everything. mine took like 8 weeks

One thing people don't realize is that even if Washington ESD initially denies your quit claim, you can appeal and sometimes win at the hearing level. The administrative law judges sometimes take a broader view of 'good cause' than the initial reviewers do.

My friend used that Claimyr service too when she quit her job due to harassment. She said it was really helpful to actually explain her situation to a real person at Washington ESD instead of just hoping the online application captured everything correctly. Sometimes these situations are too complex for the automated system.

Whatever you do, don't just quit without filing for unemployment immediately after. Some people think they should wait or that quitting means they're automatically disqualified. File your claim right away and let Washington ESD make the determination.

Also remember that if you do quit and get approved for benefits, you'll still need to meet all the regular requirements - job search activities, weekly claims, etc. Having 'good cause' to quit doesn't exempt you from the ongoing eligibility requirements.

i quit my job last year because my boss was racist and hostile. washington esd approved my claim but it took like 6 weeks and i had to provide tons of documentation. was worth it though

One more thing about Claimyr - when I was dealing with my quit situation, I couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks. The agents there were able to help me understand exactly what evidence would strengthen my case. Sometimes talking it through with someone who knows the system makes all the difference.

Just want to add that constructive discharge is another option to consider. If your employer is making conditions so bad that any reasonable person would quit, that can sometimes be treated like a termination rather than a voluntary quit. But you need really strong evidence.

been following this thread because im in a similar situation. my supervisor has been targeting me since i complained about safety issues. thinking about quitting but scared about the financial impact

Final advice: don't quit impulsively. Build your case first - document everything, file internal complaints if appropriate, consult with an attorney if needed. The stronger your evidence, the better your chances with Washington ESD. And remember, even if you're initially denied, the appeal process exists for a reason.

also dont forget that even if you get approved for unemployment after quitting, the weekly benefit amount might be less than if you were laid off. washington esd sometimes reduces benefits for voluntary quits even with good cause

My experience was different from some others here. I quit due to harassment and Washington ESD approved my claim pretty quickly - only took about 3 weeks. I think having HR documentation and witness statements really helped. Don't let the horror stories scare you if you have a legitimate case.

Whatever you decide, make sure you understand the job search requirements before you quit. You'll need to be actively looking for work and able/available to accept suitable employment. Can't just quit and take a vacation while collecting benefits.

thanks for this thread everyone. ive been dealing with a toxic workplace too and didnt know quitting could still make you eligible for unemployment in some cases. definitely going to document everything going forward