Can you get unemployment if you quit - Washington ESD eligibility question

What exactly counts as harassment in their eyes? My situation is more like constant micromanaging and unrealistic expectations.

That's a gray area. Washington ESD looks at whether a reasonable person would have quit under those circumstances. You'd need to document everything and show you tried to resolve it first.

How long did the appeal take? I'm worried about being without income for months.

Mine took about 6 weeks total. The hearing was actually pretty straightforward once I had all my documentation organized.

Six weeks is actually pretty fast for Washington ESD appeals these days. I've seen some take 3+ months.

That's interesting, I've been dreading having to call Washington ESD. How does it actually work?

Basically they handle the calling for you and get you connected to an actual Washington ESD agent. Saved me so much frustration compared to the busy signals and being hung up on.

Should I file a complaint with HR first to create a paper trail?

Absolutely. Washington ESD wants to see that you tried to resolve the issue before quitting. Keep copies of everything.

Also check if your company has an employee handbook that outlines procedures. Following those procedures strengthens your case.

That's frustrating, but Washington ESD does have specific legal standards they have to follow. Mental health issues can qualify if you have medical documentation.

yeah well try getting that documentation when you cant afford to see a doctor without insurance

That's an interesting strategy. How would I approach that conversation without making things worse?

Frame it as exploring options that work for both parties. Some employers prefer to avoid potential legal issues and will agree to classify it as a layoff.

This worked for me! My employer agreed to a 'reduction in force' instead of me quitting. Got my benefits approved right away.

Good point. I should probably line something up first. How long does it usually take to start receiving benefits if approved?

If there are no issues with your claim, usually 2-3 weeks. But if you quit and they need to investigate the good cause, it could be much longer.

I wish I had started doing that earlier. I can remember specific incidents but don't have exact dates for everything.

Start now! Even approximate dates are better than nothing. Also check your email for any work-related messages that might help establish a timeline.

What kind of questions should I expect if it goes to a hearing?

Things like: Did you talk to your supervisor? Did you file complaints with HR? Were there company policies you could have used? Did you seek medical attention if it affected your health?

How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money.

It's worth checking out their website for current info. For me, it was worth it just to avoid the stress of calling Washington ESD myself over and over.

That's true, but it's a high bar to meet. You have to show the conditions were so unreasonable that any reasonable person would have quit.

yeah its not easy to prove but if you have a strong case its worth exploring

I hadn't thought about legal advice. Are there free resources available?

Washington State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service. Some attorneys will take cases on contingency if you have a strong harassment or discrimination claim.

My company is pretty small, I doubt they'd offer severance for someone who quits.

you never know until you ask. sometimes employers want to avoid potential problems and will pay to make things go smoothly

Temporary disability and unemployment are different programs with different requirements. You'd need medical documentation for disability claims.

True, but if your workplace is affecting your health, it's worth exploring all options.

Good to know about the waiting period. I'll make sure to file right away if I go through with this.

And be completely honest on your application about why you left. Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway, so any inconsistencies will hurt your case.

What kind of documentation made the difference in your case?

emails from my boss, witness statements from coworkers, medical records showing stress, documentation that i tried to resolve things through hr first

How strict are they about the job search requirements?

Pretty strict. You need to log your job search activities and be prepared to provide details if they audit your claim.

I might need to look into that. I've been putting off calling Washington ESD because I know it's going to be hours of busy signals.

That's exactly why I used it. They handle all the frustrating parts of trying to get through.

That sounds like a smart approach. Take your time and build your case properly if you decide to move forward.

Good luck! Remember that even if you don't qualify for unemployment, there might be other assistance programs available while you job search.

What's the deadline for appeals?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file your appeal. Don't miss that deadline!