ESD denied my claim after quitting for family emergency abroad - any chance of approval?

i dont think u can get UI if u quit, doesnt matter why. thats what i heard from my cousin. they only give benefits if ur laid off or fired. but maybe appeal anyway? what do u have to lose

This is actually incorrect information. You CAN qualify for unemployment in WA state after quitting, but only for specific "good cause" reasons defined in the law. Family emergencies are tricky because they have to meet certain criteria. For your situation, the key question is whether you first tried to preserve your job by requesting leave or making other arrangements before quitting. Under RCW 50.20.050(2)(b)(ii), you need to show: 1. You had a genuine family emergency 2. You took reasonable steps to preserve your employment before quitting 3. You had no reasonable alternatives to quitting For your appeal, gather: - Medical documentation of your father's condition (translated if necessary) - Evidence you attempted to request leave or other accommodations - Timeline of events showing why immediate departure was necessary - Any communication with your employer about the situation Don't give up without appealing - I've seen several cases where people in similar situations won their appeals.

I had a nearly identical situation last year and sadly lost my appeal. The judge said I needed to have exhausted ALL other options before quitting. In my case, I didn't formally request FMLA leave in writing before leaving (just told my supervisor verbally), and that really hurt my case. Here's what I learned that might help your appeal: - If you didn't request FMLA or other formal leave IN WRITING, that will be used against you - They'll want to see if you tried to work remotely or arrange some compromise - Documentation of the medical emergency is essential (get it all translated officially) - If your employer offers any leave policies, they'll check if you tried using those first Good luck! The appeal hearing is intimidating but just stick to the facts.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY YOU!!! They ALWAYS say no the first time even when u have a legit reason. They denied me when my company closed and I had literal proof. Had to fight for 2 months to get a penny!!! APPEAL APPEAL APPEAL and call them everyday until they get sick of you!!!

Quitting for a family emergency can qualify as "good cause" but you need to meet specific criteria. The main issue is whether you took reasonable steps to preserve your employment before quitting. When I worked in HR, we had an employee win their appeal in a similar situation by proving: 1. The emergency was truly urgent and unforeseeable 2. They requested leave options before resigning 3. They kept in contact with the employer throughout the emergency 4. They attempted to return to their position when the emergency ended Your text messages asking for emergency leave will help, but you'll need to explain why you couldn't complete formal FMLA paperwork (the emergency was too sudden, etc.). Definitely appeal - many initial denials get reversed in the appeals process. The OAH (Office of Administrative Hearings) judges look at the full circumstances, not just the technical rules.

wow this happened to my neighbor and she had to wait like 8 weeks for her appeal hearing and then another 3 weeks for the decision!! she couldnt reach ESD at all the entire time. totally ridiculous!!!

Since you mentioned you have a March 30, 2025 appeal deadline, make sure you file well before that date. The appeal form (which you can submit online through your eServices account) doesn't need to be perfect - you just need to explain: 1. The nature of the family emergency (your father's stroke) 2. Why it required your immediate presence (needed to arrange care in Brazil) 3. What steps you took to preserve your job (requested emergency leave via text) 4. Why you couldn't use other options like FMLA (emergency was too sudden) After you appeal, you'll get a hearing date with an Administrative Law Judge. You'll want to have all your documentation ready: - Medical records (translated) - Text messages with your employer - Timeline of events - Proof you tried to return to your position Also very important: KEEP FILING YOUR WEEKLY CLAIMS even while waiting for the appeal! If you win, they'll only pay for weeks you properly claimed.

another option is just find another job asap. took me like 2 weeks to find something when this happened to me. faster than dealing with all the unemployment stuff tbh

I went through a very similar situation two years ago when my mother had a heart attack in the Philippines. Initially got denied, but won my appeal after 3 months. Here's what worked for me: The judge really focused on whether I made a "reasonable effort" to keep my job before quitting. Your text to your boss asking for emergency leave is actually really valuable evidence - print screenshots with timestamps! What helped my case: - Showed the emergency was truly unforeseeable (stroke definitely qualifies) - Proved I tried to work with my employer first (your text messages) - Documented that I had no choice but to leave immediately - Kept detailed records of trying to return to work One thing to add to your appeal packet: if your father's condition required specific family coordination that only you could handle (like being the only English speaker, having medical power of attorney, etc.), document that too. It shows why remote work or delayed travel weren't realistic options. Also, restaurant management experience should make you pretty marketable for quick employment while you wait for the appeal decision. Don't let this stress consume you - you have a legitimate case and good documentation to support it!