Can you get unemployment if you quit to take care of a family member - Washington ESD rules?

Thank you! What kind of medical documentation do I need exactly? Just a doctor's note or something more detailed?

You'll want a detailed letter from her doctor stating the diagnosis, that she requires continuous care, and the expected duration. Also keep any records showing you explored other care options first.

How long did adjudication take for you? I'm worried about the delay since bills are piling up.

Mine took about 6 weeks because they had to verify everything. I used a service called Claimyr to get through to an actual agent at Washington ESD - saved me hours of calling. Check out claimyr.com, they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

My mom definitely qualifies under those criteria. Should I mention that I looked into adult day care but couldn't afford it?

Absolutely! Document every care option you researched - cost, availability, suitability for her condition. That shows you exhausted alternatives before quitting.

Wait does this mean I could have gotten benefits when I quit to care for my husband last year?? Nobody told me this was possible!

That's scary. What kind of proof did they want about other family members not being able to help?

they wanted like written statements from her siblings explaining why they couldn't relocate or provide care, financial records showing they couldn't afford to help, stuff like that. was pretty invasive tbh

Oh wow I didn't think about that. How do I request a work search waiver? I definitely can't leave my mom alone to go to job interviews.

You can request it when you file your claim or during adjudication. Explain that your caregiving duties prevent you from actively seeking work. They sometimes grant temporary waivers for situations like yours.

The waiver isn't guaranteed though. Some people have to do modified work searches like online applications only. It varies by case.

I mean I get that they need to prevent abuse but yeah it's frustrating when you're in a legitimate situation

At least Washington recognizes family caregiving as good cause. Some states don't even have that option.

Washington defines immediate family as spouse, children, parents, and sometimes grandparents if you're their primary caregiver. Grandparents can qualify but you need stronger documentation.

good to know thanks!

My supervisor was pretty understanding when I explained the situation. I gave two weeks notice and everything was documented in writing.

Perfect! Keep copies of all that communication. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify the reason for separation, so having documentation helps your case.

Cancer treatment definitely qualifies! The key is showing it requires your continuous presence. Keep appointment schedules, treatment plans, and doctor recommendations about needed support.

That sounds so stressful. At least with dementia the progression is more predictable. Cancer treatment schedules sound like a nightmare to plan around.

Yeah it's been rough. Some weeks are fine then suddenly we're at the hospital for days. Definitely couldn't hold down a regular job through this.

Correct - you generally need to file within a reasonable time after becoming unemployed. The longer you wait, the harder it is to establish your claim and prove the circumstances.

I quit about 3 weeks ago so hopefully that's not too late. I'll file this weekend for sure.

They can ask for periodic updates especially for ongoing situations. If the care need ends, you're expected to return to active job search immediately. There's usually a grace period to find work.

That makes sense. I imagine if someone recovers you can't just keep collecting indefinitely.

It shouldn't be this complicated! People are dealing with family crises and have to navigate all this bureaucracy just to get basic support.

The complexity exists to prevent fraud, but I agree it can be overwhelming when you're already stressed about family health issues.

Great! Now the waiting game begins. If you need to check on status or provide additional info, definitely consider that Claimyr service I mentioned. Way easier than trying to get through on the phone.

Excellent! Keep checking your eServices account for any requests for additional documentation. Respond quickly to anything they ask for.

good luck! hope it goes smoother for you than it did for my friend

That's interesting about the post-COVID trend. I wonder if other states have updated their policies too.

Some have, but Washington was already more progressive than most on family caregiving as good cause. The federal Family and Medical Leave Act helped establish precedent.

Oh that's a good point! I hadn't thought about other programs. Do you know where I'd find information about those?

Start with Washington State DSHS website or call 2-1-1. They can connect you with local Area Agencies on Aging who know about caregiver support programs in your county.

Thank you, that really means a lot. Some days I wonder if I made the right choice but I know I couldn't live with myself if something happened and I wasn't there.

you absolutely made the right choice. family comes first and there are safety nets in place for situations exactly like yours

How much does something like that cost? Is it worth it if you're already financially stressed?

They don't publish pricing on the site but for me it was worth it to get my claim moving. Time is money when you're not working and bills are piling up.

Thanks! I'll try to update the thread once I hear back from Washington ESD about my claim status.

That's a great resource suggestion! I didn't know they had financial assistance programs.

Not all chapters do but it's worth asking. They also have great info about navigating Medicare and other benefits your mom might qualify for.

It's good to think about it now honestly. Having conversations with family about preferences and getting legal stuff like power of attorney sorted before there's a crisis makes things so much easier.

Thank you Leslie! It really helps to know others understand this situation. The decline can happen so fast with these conditions - one day they're mostly independent and then suddenly they need constant supervision. I hope you don't have to make the same choice I did, but if you do, this thread has shown there are options and support available. Wishing you and your father-in-law the best during this difficult time.