Can you collect unemployment on a voluntary layoff in Washington ESD?

That's a relief to hear. Do I need any special documentation from my employer to prove it was their voluntary layoff program?

Yes, get a letter from HR explaining the voluntary layoff program and that it was offered due to business needs. Keep all emails about the program too.

How long did it take for your claim to get processed? I keep hearing horror stories about adjudication taking forever.

Mine was pretty straightforward, took about 2 weeks. But I had good documentation from my employer explaining the layoff program.

What if they ask why you chose to take the voluntary layoff instead of staying? Would mentioning wanting a career change hurt your case?

Focus on the fact that your employer offered it due to their business needs. Your personal reasons for accepting are secondary to the fact that they initiated the program.

Thanks for the tip! I might need that since I tried calling yesterday and couldn't get through to anyone.

Never heard of that service but sounds useful. The Washington ESD phone lines are impossible to get through.

Common misconception! The key is WHO initiated the separation. If your employer offers voluntary layoffs due to business needs, you're still eligible.

wow that's good to know. my company has been talking about possible layoffs so maybe I should look into their voluntary program

Yes, in my case the company sent out an email asking for volunteers to be laid off to avoid mandatory layoffs. So it was definitely their initiative.

That sounds like a legitimate voluntary layoff program. You should be fine filing for benefits.

3 weeks?? That's terrible. Have you been able to talk to anyone at Washington ESD about the delay?

Nope, can't get through on the phone. Might try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

Definitely try Claimyr if you can't reach them directly. It really works for getting through to actual Washington ESD agents.

I'll check that out. I was looking at their site earlier but couldn't find the specific information about voluntary layoffs.

It's buried in there pretty deep. Search for 'voluntary layoff' or 'reduction in force' and you should find it.

You're probably right. I'm just worried about making a mistake and getting in trouble later.

As long as you're truthful on your application, you won't get in trouble. They investigate fraud, not honest mistakes.

That's reassuring to hear from someone on the employer side. What kind of documentation do you typically provide?

We provide a letter explaining the voluntary layoff program, the business reasons for it, and confirming the employee's participation was voluntary but employer-initiated.

Good point. I need to register with WorkSource Washington too, right?

Yes, and you'll need to do your job search activities and report them on your weekly claims. Same requirements as any other UI claimant.

It can be confusing but voluntary layoffs are pretty well established as qualifying separations. Don't stress too much about it.

I guess you're right. I just hear so many stories about people getting denied for weird reasons

Yes, it was definitely for business reasons. They said they needed to reduce headcount to cut costs.

Perfect, that's exactly what Washington ESD looks for. You should have no problem qualifying.

How long does the appeal process take? I'm hoping it doesn't come to that but good to know it's an option.

My appeal took about 6 weeks from start to finish. Not fun but worth it if you know you're eligible.

Exactly! I want to make sure they understand this was my employer's program, not me just deciding to quit.

As long as you have documentation showing it was an employer-initiated program, you'll be fine.

Good to hear another success story. I'm feeling more confident about filing now.

Yeah, he said the Claimyr service made it so much easier to actually reach someone instead of getting busy signals all day.

My last day is Friday so I'll file over the weekend. Thanks for the reminder!

Perfect timing. And remember to keep applying for jobs even if you're planning a career change - that's part of the UI requirements.

That's a good point I hadn't thought of. It definitely shows the company was trying to avoid having to do involuntary layoffs.

Exactly. That context makes it very clear this was an employer-initiated separation for business reasons.

Right, I figured the severance was separate from UI benefits. Good to confirm though.

Yeah, they're completely separate. The severance might affect when your UI benefits start but not the amount.

Thanks everyone for all the advice and reassurance. I feel much better about filing my claim now.

You're welcome! Come back and update us on how it goes. Always good to hear success stories.