Can you collect unemployment if you resign from a job - Washington ESD rules?

What kind of documentation would I need to prove good cause? I have emails and some witness statements about the hostile work environment.

Those are exactly the types of documentation you'd want to have. Save everything - emails, written complaints you filed, any HR communications, witness statements, even keep a detailed log of incidents with dates and times.

Same experience here! I spent weeks trying to reach Washington ESD after I quit due to harassment. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Basically they handle the calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours.

That sounds too good to be true. How much does something like that cost?

It was worth it for me considering how much time I was wasting trying to call myself. Check out claimyr.com for more info. They focus on getting you connected rather than charging crazy fees.

I did file complaints with HR but they basically ignored them and nothing changed. That's part of why I feel like I have no other choice but to quit.

That actually strengthens your case for good cause if you can show you tried to resolve the issues through proper channels first. Make sure you have copies of those HR complaints and any responses (or lack thereof).

How long did your adjudication take? I'm in a similar situation and wondering what to expect timeline wise.

Mine took about 6 weeks total. They had to schedule phone interviews with both me and my old boss, then review all the documentation I submitted. The waiting was the hardest part.

Did you have trouble getting through to Washington ESD for the interview? I keep hearing horror stories about not being able to reach anyone.

Good point. I was planning to give two weeks notice and submit a formal resignation letter that outlines the reasons I'm leaving.

Smart approach. Keep copies of everything and send important communications via email so you have a paper trail.

The hostile work environment definitely feels like it rises to that level. My supervisor has been verbally abusive and creating impossible working conditions.

Verbal abuse and impossible working conditions could definitely qualify. The key is having documentation to back up your claims during the adjudication process.

I went through something similar and Washington ESD approved my claim after I provided witness statements and documentation of the harassment. It's definitely possible to win these cases with the right evidence.

That's my biggest worry - the financial gap while waiting for a decision. How long should I expect the process to take?

It varies but typically 4-8 weeks from when you file your initial claim. Complex cases with lots of documentation can take longer.

Right, I need to start job searching immediately regardless. At least that gives me something productive to focus on while waiting for the adjudication decision.

Exactly. And keep detailed records of your job search activities since Washington ESD requires you to log your efforts.

How did that work out for you? I'm in the same boat trying to reach someone about my case.

Way better than spending hours on hold. They basically handle the calling part so you can focus on getting your documentation together instead of sitting by the phone all day.

What's the difference? I thought if they denied my claim I just wouldn't get benefits.

A denial means you don't get benefits for that particular claim. A disqualification means you can't collect unemployment at all for a certain period, even if you become eligible later through a different job loss.

The disqualification period for voluntary quit without good cause is usually until you work again and earn a certain amount. It's not just a temporary thing.

I thought about that but I don't want to do anything that could hurt my professional reputation or future job prospects.

Fair point. Just make sure you've exhausted all your options before quitting, since proving good cause can be challenging even with documentation.

I've been documenting everything for months, so hopefully I have enough evidence. Better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

That's exactly the right approach. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be during adjudication.

How long do you have to file an appeal? I want to make sure I don't miss any deadlines.

You typically have 30 days from the date of the determination notice to file an appeal. Don't wait - file as soon as you receive an unfavorable decision.

Thank you! That's really helpful perspective. Did Washington ESD approve your claim?

Yes, but it took about 7 weeks and I had to provide a lot of documentation. The waiting was stressful but it worked out in the end.

What kind of documentation made the biggest difference in your case?

Email trails showing the hostile behavior, my documented complaints to HR, and witness statements from coworkers who saw what was happening. The paper trail was crucial.