Can you get unemployment if you quit for medical reasons in Washington?

Yes, you can potentially get unemployment if you quit for medical reasons! Washington ESD does consider medical issues as 'good cause' for leaving employment. You'll need to provide documentation from your doctor about your condition and how it prevented you from doing your job. Make sure you have records showing you tried to work with your employer on accommodations first.

I quit my job for medical reasons too and it took forever to get approved. Be prepared for your claim to go into adjudication while they review your case. The process can take weeks.

I was in a similar situation and had trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone to get updates on my claim. After weeks of trying, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent within hours. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. It was a lifesaver when I needed to provide additional medical documentation.

Make sure you understand the difference between 'unable to work' and 'available for work.' If your medical condition prevents you from working ANY job, you might not qualify for regular unemployment. You have to be able and available to work to receive UI benefits.

UGH the whole system is so frustrating! I quit for medical reasons and they made me jump through so many hoops to prove it was legitimate. Had to get multiple doctor statements and explain everything 5 times.

One important thing - make sure your doctor's note specifically states that your medical condition made it impossible to perform your job duties. Generic notes about being 'unable to work' aren't as strong as specific documentation about job-related limitations.

Also be prepared for them to ask about FMLA. If your employer offered unpaid leave under FMLA and you didn't take it, they might question why you chose to quit instead.

File ASAP don't wait. Even if your claim goes into adjudication, you want to get the process started as soon as possible. The waiting period doesn't start until you file.

Another thing to consider - you'll still need to do job searches while receiving benefits. Make sure you're looking for work that accommodates your medical restrictions.

If you run into issues getting through to Washington ESD during the process, definitely consider that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. When my medical claim got complicated, being able to actually speak with an agent made all the difference in getting everything sorted out quickly.

Keep copies of EVERYTHING. Medical records, emails with your employer, job search logs if your claim gets approved. Washington ESD loves their documentation.

My neighbor went through this exact situation with a shoulder injury. Took about a month to get approved but she did get benefits. The key was having solid medical documentation.

Make sure you're honest about everything in your application. Don't try to hide the fact that you quit - be upfront about the medical reasons and let them make the determination.

One more tip - if they schedule a phone interview as part of the adjudication process, make sure you answer! Missing that call can really delay your claim.

Overall you should be fine as long as you have the medical documentation. Washington does recognize medical issues as good cause for quitting.

Good luck with your claim! Feel free to update us on how it goes. These threads help other people in similar situations.

Hope your back gets better soon too. Dealing with injury and unemployment stress at the same time is rough.

Just remember that even if they initially deny your claim, you can appeal. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way.

The whole process seems overwhelming but it sounds like you have a strong case with your medical documentation and proof you tried to work with your employer first.

Wishing you the best with your claim! Medical situations are exactly the kind of thing unemployment benefits are meant to help with.