Can you get Washington ESD unemployment for hostile work environment?

That's exactly what I'm hoping for. I have emails and witness statements from coworkers. Do you know what the process is like with Washington ESD?

You'll need to file your claim and explain why you quit. They'll investigate and possibly contact your former employer. Make sure you have all your documentation ready.

Did they approve your claim? How long did the investigation take?

It took about 6 weeks total. They interviewed me, my former boss, and two coworkers. I was approved because I had clear evidence of harassment.

Six weeks is pretty typical for these types of cases. The adjudication process takes time when there's a voluntary quit involved.

I definitely tried to resolve it through proper channels first. I have emails to HR and my manager documenting the issues.

That's good - Washington ESD wants to see you made reasonable efforts to fix the situation before quitting.

Interesting, never heard of that. Did it actually work for getting through to someone?

Yeah, got connected within like 20 minutes instead of trying for days. The agent was able to walk me through exactly what documentation I needed for my quit with good cause claim.

Hmm sounds too good to be true but I guess if you're desperate to talk to someone it might be worth it.

That's what I'm worried about. My boss is definitely the type to lie and make me look bad.

That's why documentation is so important. Washington ESD will look at all the evidence, not just what your employer says.

This is really helpful. I definitely felt like I had no other choice after HR basically ignored my complaints.

Make sure to emphasize that in your claim. Washington ESD needs to see that you exhausted other options first.

Also document any health impacts from the stress. That can strengthen your case significantly.

Good point. I'll start the application tonight. Better to get the process started even if I'm still gathering documents.

Exactly. You can always provide additional documentation later if needed during the investigation.

because employers lobby against easy unemployment benefits. they don't want people quitting jobs even if they're toxic

While I agree it can be frustrating, the requirements do help prevent fraud and ensure benefits go to people who truly need them.

Good advice. I've already started organizing everything into folders by date.

Smart approach. I wish I had been that organized from the start - would have saved me a lot of scrambling later.

How likely is it that they would appeal? And what happens if they do?

Many employers do appeal UI claims to protect their unemployment tax rates. If they appeal, there will be a hearing where both sides present evidence.

The hearing is usually over the phone and fairly informal. Just stick to the facts and let your documentation speak for itself.

Thanks for the support. It was definitely scary but I couldn't keep sacrificing my wellbeing for a paycheck.

you did the right thing. no job is worth destroying your mental health over

I do have some doctor visits related to stress and insomnia. Should I include those medical records with my claim?

Absolutely. Medical evidence showing the job impacted your health is very compelling for good cause determinations.

That's two people now who've mentioned Claimyr. Might be worth looking into if I need to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Yeah it's definitely legit. Saved me weeks of frustration trying to get through on my own.

Good point. I wasn't sure if I should start job searching before my claim is approved.

Yes, you need to be actively seeking work and logging your job search activities. This shows Washington ESD you're serious about finding new employment.

Definitely planning to stick to just the facts. I have enough documented evidence that I don't need to embellish anything.

That's the right approach. Let the evidence speak for itself and be completely honest about everything.

That makes sense. I have specific dates and witnesses for several incidents so I'll focus on those concrete examples.

Exactly right. Washington ESD needs factual details they can investigate, not just general complaints.

Good point. They definitely have policies against hostile work environments that were completely ignored when I reported issues.

Make sure to get a copy of those policies if you can. Shows Washington ESD that the employer failed to maintain a safe work environment.

Thanks for all the encouragement. This thread has been incredibly helpful in understanding what to expect from the process.

Happy to help. Good luck with your claim and I hope you find a much better work environment soon!

That's reassuring to know. I'll keep that option in mind if needed.

The appeal process gives you a chance to present your case more fully, especially if new information comes to light.

And during an appeal hearing you can have witnesses testify on your behalf, which can be very powerful.

That's a really good point I hadn't considered. I am still dealing with anxiety from that job so I should probably document that.

Absolutely. Washington ESD considers the ongoing impact when determining if quitting was reasonable under the circumstances.

Shows that the work environment wasn't just temporarily stressful but had serious lasting effects on your wellbeing.