Can you collect unemployment if your employer relocates - Washington ESD eligibility question

This is actually considered good cause for separation in Washington. When an employer relocates and the distance makes it unreasonable for you to commute or relocate, you should qualify for UI benefits. The key is documenting that the relocation creates a substantial change in your working conditions.

same thing happened to my friend last year when her company moved to texas. she got approved for unemployment right away, no issues at all

You'll want to apply as soon as your employment ends and make sure to clearly explain the circumstances in your initial claim. Washington ESD considers employer relocation as an involuntary separation when the distance is substantial. Keep any documentation about the relocation announcement and your reasons for not being able to move.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to explain my separation circumstances. Spent hours on hold multiple times. Someone here recommended using Claimyr to actually reach an agent - it's at claimyr.com and they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Finally got to talk to someone who could review my case properly.

Make sure you understand the difference between a voluntary quit and involuntary separation. Employer relocation falls under involuntary separation as long as the distance is unreasonable. This is different from if you just decided you didn't like the new location.

ugh this is so stressful when companies just decide to uproot everyone's lives!! at least unemployment should cover you in this situation since its not your fault they're moving

One thing to be aware of - if your employer offers you a reasonable alternative position that doesn't require relocation, refusing that could affect your eligibility. But if they're shutting down local operations entirely, that's not an issue.

btw when you file make sure to mention any severance package they might offer since that could affect when your benefits start

Washington ESD is usually pretty reasonable about employer relocation cases. I work in HR and we've had several employees successfully collect when companies moved operations. The key is being honest and thorough in your application.

THIS IS EXACTLY what happened to me two years ago! Company moved to Arizona and I couldn't follow because of my elderly parents here. Washington ESD approved my claim with no problems once I explained the situation.

Wait, is there a difference between them moving to another state vs just moving across the state? Like what if they moved from Seattle to Spokane?

Document everything!! Save emails about the relocation, keep notes about when they announced it, get any written communication about your options. Washington ESD will want to see proof.

If you do run into any issues reaching Washington ESD to discuss your specific situation, I'd definitely recommend checking out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Made such a difference being able to actually talk to someone instead of getting stuck in phone tree hell.

The timing of when you apply matters too. Don't file before your last day of work, but don't wait too long after either. You want to get the process started as soon as you're actually unemployed.

curious about this too since my company keeps threatening to move operations somewhere cheaper. good to know we'd have options if they actually follow through

Make sure you're clear about your job search requirements once you start collecting. Washington ESD still expects you to be actively looking for work even though the separation wasn't your fault.

Companies doing this to employees is just wrong. At least Washington state protects workers in this situation unlike some other places.

One more thing - if they offer any kind of retention bonus to get you to move, declining that probably won't hurt your unemployment case since you have valid reasons for not relocating.

Sounds like you have a solid case for unemployment benefits. Employer relocation is one of the clearer examples of involuntary separation that Washington ESD recognizes.

Just want to add that if you do end up in adjudication for any reason, don't panic. It's pretty routine and usually gets resolved once they review the facts of your case.

I went through something similar when my employer relocated from Washington to Nevada. The key thing is to be very clear in your application about WHY you can't relocate - family obligations, spouse's job, etc. Washington ESD considers these valid reasons for not following your employer. I also recommend gathering any written communication from your employer about the relocation timeline and requirements. In my case, I included a brief letter explaining my spouse's career commitments here and how relocating would create undue hardship. The whole process took about 3 weeks and I was approved without any issues. Don't stress too much - this is exactly the kind of situation unemployment benefits are designed to help with!

I'm in a very similar situation - my company just announced they're moving to California next month and I can't relocate because of my kids' school situation and my husband's business here. Reading through all these responses has been so helpful! It's reassuring to know that Washington ESD recognizes employer relocation as involuntary separation. I've been documenting everything like suggested - saving all the company emails, the official announcement, and I'm putting together a summary of why relocation isn't feasible for my family. Has anyone had experience with how they handle cases where you have school-age children? I'm wondering if that strengthens the case for why relocation would be unreasonable.

I'm dealing with almost the exact same situation! My employer announced they're moving to Oregon and I can't relocate due to caring for my elderly mother who has health issues here in Washington. Reading through everyone's responses has been incredibly helpful - especially knowing that Washington ESD considers this involuntary separation rather than voluntary quit. I've been worried they might see it as me choosing not to take the job offer, but it sounds like having legitimate family obligations that prevent relocation is well-recognized as good cause. I'm going to start gathering all the documentation people mentioned - the relocation announcement emails, timeline, and a written explanation of my caregiving responsibilities. It's such a relief to hear from others who've been through this successfully. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences!