Can you collect unemployment if you resign from your job in Washington?

What kind of documentation would I need to prove good cause? The harassment has mostly been verbal and I don't have much written evidence.

You'd want to document everything you can - emails, text messages, witness statements, dates and times of incidents. Even if it's mostly verbal, a detailed log with specific dates and what was said can help your case.

How long did the appeal process take? I'm trying to figure out if I should start looking for another job first or if I can count on unemployment to tide me over.

Mine took about 6 weeks total from the initial denial to the appeal hearing. Don't count on getting benefits right away - have a backup plan for covering expenses during the appeal process.

What exactly counts as 'good cause'? My supervisor has been making work really difficult but I'm not sure if that's enough.

Good cause includes things like unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties or pay, harassment, or domestic violence situations. Management being difficult might not be enough unless it rises to the level of creating a hostile work environment.

Good luck getting through to anyone at Washington ESD on the phone though. I've been trying to reach them for weeks about my own claim issues and can never get past the busy signal.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have a system that keeps calling until they reach someone and then connects you. Check out claimyr.com, they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Interesting, I hadn't heard of that before. Does it actually work or is it just another scam?

It's legit - I used it to finally get through about my adjudication issue. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.

That's what I'm worried about. The stress at work is affecting my health but I'm scared to take the risk of quitting without knowing for sure I'll qualify for benefits.

Have you considered talking to an employment attorney? Sometimes they can help you understand if your situation would meet the good cause standard before you make any decisions.

How long did the appeal process take? I'm worried about the gap in income if I have to fight for benefits.

The appeal took about 6 weeks, but I eventually got all my back benefits once it was approved. Make sure you document everything if you're dealing with workplace issues.

What exactly constitutes constructive discharge? My supervisor has been making my life miserable but I'm not sure if it rises to that level.

It's when the working conditions become so unreasonable that any reasonable person would feel compelled to resign. Things like severe harassment, significant reduction in hours or pay, unsafe conditions, or being asked to do something illegal.

Is that actually legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah, it's real. They don't ask for any personal info, just help you get through the phone queue faster. I was desperate after trying to call for days and getting nowhere.

I'm sorry you're dealing with that. How are you managing financially while waiting for the appeal?

It's been rough. Had to borrow money from family and picked up some gig work. Really wish I had known how long this process would take.

I'll check that out, thanks. Do you remember what section of their website it's under?

It's under their eligibility requirements section. They break down different scenarios and what documentation you'd need for each one.

Good point. Even if I might get denied initially, it's better to get the process started right away.

Exactly. And be completely honest on your application about why you quit. Trying to hide the fact that you resigned voluntarily will just make things worse if they find out later.

That's exactly my dilemma. The stress is affecting my sleep and health but the financial risk of quitting is terrifying.

Have you considered filing a complaint with HR first? Sometimes having documentation that you tried to resolve the issue internally can strengthen your case for good cause if you do end up quitting.

I've started keeping a log of incidents but I wish I had started documenting things sooner. A lot of the worst stuff happened months ago.

Write down what you can remember with as much detail as possible, including dates and any witnesses. Even if it's not perfect documentation, it's better than nothing.

Yeah, I know about the job search requirements. At least if I'm actively looking I might find something before the unemployment runs out.

The WorkSource registration is mandatory too. Make sure you get that done right away if you do file a claim.

I know that's the smart advice, but the situation at work is really affecting my mental health. I'm not sure how much longer I can stay.

Have you considered talking to HR first? Sometimes documenting your complaints can help establish a pattern if you do end up needing to quit for good cause.

My issues are more about harassment than safety, but that's good to know for anyone dealing with unsafe conditions.

For harassment, documenting your complaints to HR and management is crucial. Shows you tried to resolve it through proper channels before quitting.

That's encouraging to hear. I was worried that an initial denial would be the end of it.

Definitely not the end. The appeal hearings are where you really get to present your case. Just make sure you have all your documentation organized and ready.

That's a good idea. Should I be specific about the harassment in the resignation letter or keep it more general?

Be specific but professional. You want to clearly state the reasons without being overly emotional or accusatory. This document could be important evidence for your claim.

Someone mentioned Claimyr earlier too. I might look into that if I need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my situation.

It's definitely worth it if you need to get through to them. Their phone system is notoriously difficult to navigate on your own.

I'll definitely check that out. Do you remember if they consider things like reduced hours or pay cuts as good cause?

Yes, substantial changes to your work conditions including significant reductions in hours or pay can qualify as good cause, but you usually need to give your employer a chance to fix the situation first.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I have a lot to think about and some research to do before making any decisions.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Just remember to prioritize your health and wellbeing - no job is worth destroying your mental or physical health over.

That's encouraging! What kind of documentation did you need to provide?

Email exchanges with my manager, my schedule changes, childcare receipts showing the costs of last-minute arrangements. Basically anything that showed the unreasonable working conditions and my attempts to resolve it.

How long is the typical investigation for voluntary separations?

It varies, but I've seen it take anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on how complex the situation is and whether your former employer contests the claim.

That's so frustrating! Did you end up getting approved eventually?

Eventually yes, but only after I got a lawyer involved. The whole process was a nightmare and took almost 4 months total.

Good point. Is there any downside to applying if you're not sure you qualify?

No downside to applying. Worst case they deny you and you're in the same position you'd be in if you didn't apply. Best case you get approved and have some income while you look for a new job.

How much does it cost to use?

I don't want to get into specific pricing, but for me it was worth it to avoid the frustration of calling hundreds of times and never getting through. The peace of mind alone was valuable.

That's an interesting idea. How would I even bring that up with my employer?

You could frame it as 'mutually beneficial' - they avoid potential unemployment claims or workplace issues, and you get to qualify for benefits. Obviously depends on your relationship with management though.

What are the current job search requirements in Washington?

You need to complete at least 3 job search activities per week and register with WorkSourceWA. They track it all through your online account and you have to report it with your weekly claims.

That's smart. I should probably start doing that too. What's the best way to document workplace issues?

I keep a detailed log with dates, times, witnesses present, and exactly what was said or done. I also save any relevant emails or text messages. The more specific you can be, the better.

This is why I always tell people to try to stick it out until they find another job, even if the current situation sucks.

I understand that logic, but some situations really do become unbearable. There has to be some protection for workers who are being mistreated.

I hadn't thought about that angle. Would filing a complaint help even if the harassment isn't based on a protected class?

It depends on the specifics, but having any official documentation of workplace problems can help demonstrate that you tried to address the issues through proper channels before resigning.

Thank you for saying that. It's hard to remember sometimes when you're worried about paying bills.

Agreed. Money stress is real, but so is the stress of staying in a toxic work environment. There's no perfect answer, just what's right for your specific situation.

Good reminder. I'll make sure to have all my facts straight and be totally transparent about what's been happening at work.

Exactly. The truth might not always get you approved, but lying will definitely get you denied. Plus you could face penalties for fraud if they find out you weren't truthful.

I might give that a try. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days and can never get through to anyone.

That's exactly why I ended up using it. The regular phone system is basically impossible to navigate, especially when you're already stressed about your situation.

This whole thread has been really helpful. I have a lot to think about and some good resources to check out. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences.

Good luck with whatever you decide! Remember that you can always consult with an employment attorney if your situation is complex. Many offer free consultations.