ESD denied my benefits saying I quit - appealing OAH decision with mental health documentation

Yes, you definitely can win at OAH with mental health documentation, but presentation is key. I went through something similar last year. Make sure you: 1. Have your therapist attend the hearing if possible (they can call in) 2. Document all the dates you reported the harassment (even approximates help) 3. Bring any texts/emails showing you reported the issues 4. Practice explaining how your mental health condition meets the 'good cause' standard (this is crucial) The judge will be looking for evidence that you took reasonable steps to preserve your employment before quitting. Emphasize that you tried to transfer positions as an alternative to quitting entirely.

you didn't actuly quit. they construcively discharged you by making the workplace so toxic you couldn't stay. point that out in your hearing. thats technicaly not quiting its them pushing you out.

I had an OAH hearing in January after ESD denied my appeal. The whole system is RIGGED against workers!!! My supervisor literally told me to "find another job if you don't like it here" after I reported safety violations, but because I didn't have it in writing, I LOST. They called it a voluntary quit even though I was basically forced out. My advice - get EVERYTHING in writing now. Email your former HR summarizing all the times you reported harassment, when you requested transfers, etc. They probably won't respond but at least you'll have documentation that you tried. The judge at OAH wanted specifics - dates, names, exact words used. It's totally unfair when the company has all the power.

I won my OAH hearing after being denied twice by ESD! My situation was similar - I left because of anxiety/depression that was being made worse by my toxic workplace. Here's what made the difference for me: 1. I had my doctor write a VERY specific letter explaining how my medical condition (anxiety) made continuing in that specific job impossible 2. I could show I tried reasonable alternatives (like you did by requesting a transfer) 3. I organized a timeline of events showing I didn't just quit on impulse 4. I practiced answering questions about why I didn't just "tough it out" (the judge actually asked me this) Be prepared for the employer to minimize everything. My boss actually claimed he "never knew about my anxiety" even though I had documented FMLA for it! Good luck - OAH judges are generally more fair than the initial ESD reviewers.

If anyone needs to actually reach ESD before their OAH hearing (I HIGHLY recommend this), I was stuck on hold for days until I found this service called Claimyr. They somehow get you through to an actual ESD agent without the endless hold times. I used it right before my hearing to get clarification on why I was denied initially. Totally worth it. I think their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3

For your OAH hearing, focus specifically on RCW 50.20.050(2)(b)(ii) which covers leaving work due to illness or disability. This statute allows benefits when: 1. Your condition made it necessary for you to quit 2. You informed your employer about the condition 3. You tried reasonable alternatives to quitting (like transfers or accommodations) Since you disclosed your anxiety/depression, requested transfers, and have therapist documentation, you have a strong case under this specific provision. Prepare to address each element precisely. Also important - In an OAH hearing, you speak first, then the employer responds, then you get a final rebuttal. Save something important for that final statement as many judges make up their minds during those closing moments.

hey i went through almost the EXACT same situation last year!!! was diagnosed with severe anxiety, reported harassment multiple times, nothing happened, ended up having to leave. my first appeal was denied too but i won at the OAH level!! the thing that made the difference was having my doctor actually participate in the hearing. the judge asked her directly if continuing in that job would have worsened my condition and she said yes. that was the turning point. definitely get your therapist to participate!!!

i kno someone said this already but DEFINITELY mention "constructive discharge" in your hearing. look it up so u can explain it right. its when they make working conditions so bad you have no choice but to quit. thats not a voluntary quit under the law!!

Does anyone know if the OAH hearings are still all by phone because of COVID or are they doing in-person again? I had mine over the phone last year and felt like it was harder for the judge to connect with my situation. Would've been better in person where they could see how genuinely upset I was about the whole thing.