ESD adjudication after quitting twice - sick child and part-time return complications

This is a tricky situation but let me try to help. When you quit for caregiving reasons, ESD may consider this "good cause" if you can document that you had no reasonable alternatives. Since you've already exhausted your PFML benefits, that actually strengthens your case. The key is documenting everything - your daughter's medical condition (doctor's notes), your work schedule conflicts, and proof you tried to work with your employer on accommodations before quitting. Also, make sure you're applying for jobs that actually fit your needed schedule - otherwise ESD might claim you're not truly available for work. What's happening with the original adjudication from your first quit?

Omg ESD is a NIGHTMARE to deal with!!! I had something similar happen (not exact same but also had to quit) and they kept me in adjudication for like 7 WEEKS before denying me. Then I appealed and waited ANOTHER month. The whole time I couldn't get ANYONE on the phone. It's like they purposely make it impossible to talk to a human!!!

For anyone struggling to get through to ESD on the phone, I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me bypass the wait times. You can check them out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 showing how it works. I was in a situation where I absolutely needed to speak with an agent about my adjudication (was waiting 5+ weeks) and this got me through when nothing else worked. They basically hold your place in line so you don't have to keep redialing.

youre gonna need to update ur claim ASAP with all this new info. if u quit again before the first adjudication is even decided, it might reset the whole process. def dont just stop showing up to the part time job, that would be worse. have u tried asking your employer for different hours that would work better with ur daughters schedule? ESD will ask if u tried to resolve the problem before quitting.

I'd like to clarify a couple points that might help with your situation: 1. For the original adjudication: The fact that you returned to work (even part-time) with the same employer might actually resolve that first adjudication favorably. 2. For quitting again: Washington state specifically recognizes caregiving responsibilities as potential good cause for quitting when: - Care is for an immediate family member - The medical need is documented - You've explored all reasonable alternatives 3. Weekly claims: Absolutely continue filing weekly claims during this entire process, claiming the hours you work while you're still employed. 4. Documentation: Get a detailed letter from your daughter's doctor specifically explaining why your presence is required during specific hours. 5. Work search: Focus on applying for jobs that match your availability constraints, and document why each job would accommodate your caregiving needs. When you do reach ESD, ask specifically about applying for "Standby" status based on your temporary caregiving situation. This might waive job search requirements for up to 12 weeks if approved.

when i had to quit my job last year to care for my mom, i made sure to tell my boss in writing (email) exactly why i was leaving and kept their response. esd asked for that during adjudication. also my mom's doctor wrote a letter saying she needed full-time care. make sure u have everything in writing!!!!

To answer your follow-up question about Standby status: Ideally, you should apply for Standby before quitting your part-time job. However, since your situation involves caregiving, you can still apply after leaving employment. The key requirements for Standby approval are: 1. You must have a definite return date (when your daughter's condition will allow you to work full-time again) 2. Medical documentation supporting the temporary nature of your limitations 3. Proof that you're otherwise able and available for suitable work that accommodates your constraints What makes your case complex is the double-quit situation. I'd strongly recommend getting through to an ESD representative before making any decisions about leaving your current part-time position. They may be able to provide guidance specific to your situation that prevents further complications.

I don't think anyone mentioned this, but you should know there's a difference between quitting and taking an approved leave of absence. Have you asked your employer if you can take a temporary leave instead of quitting entirely? That might look better to ESD than quitting twice in a row.

just to share my experience - my claim was denied because I quit "voluntarily" even though it was for childcare. ESD said I should have "explored all other options" first. The appeal took FOREVER and I still got denied! The system is totally rigged against parents who need to care for sick kids!!!! Ugh so frustrating.

Update: I tried the Claimyr service mentioned above and actually got through to ESD! The agent said I should formally request accommodation from my employer in writing first (asking for a temporary leave or shift change) and keep their response. She said I should continue working part-time while the first adjudication resolves if possible. If I absolutely need to quit, I should get detailed medical documentation showing why my daughter needs care during my current work hours specifically. She also suggested applying for Standby status with a specific return-to-work date when my daughter's treatment schedule changes. Thanks everyone for your help!