ESD denied my claim due to 'quitting' after Amazon forced me into PIVOT during medical issues - appeal advice?

wow thats realy messed up. amazon is known for treating workers like garbage. my cousin went thru something similar but with a back injury. ESD loves to side with big companies. good luck fighing them!!

I successfully appealed an ESD decision last year when they initially denied me for a similar "voluntary quit" situation. Here's what helped me win: 1. Focus on proving your departure was for "good cause" - medical reasons can qualify if properly documented 2. Gather ALL communications showing you requested accommodations before leaving 3. Get a detailed letter from your doctor specifically stating why your medical condition made continued work impossible under the conditions Amazon provided 4. Document the PIVOT program and how it conflicted with your medical restrictions 5. Request a copy of your Amazon personnel file ASAP (you have a legal right to it) The key is showing you had no reasonable alternative but to leave. The burden of proof is on you, but medical necessity is one of the strongest cases for overturning a voluntary quit determination.

Not to be a downer but I went through appeal process and it was a NIGHTMARE. Waited 3 months for hearing then judge sided with employer anyway even with all my proof. Just prepare yourself that the system is rigged against workers!!

I used to work for ESD (not anymore thank goodness!) and can tell you that quitting for medical reasons CAN qualify you for benefits, but you need to prove two things: 1. That you had a genuine medical necessity (sounds like you have this covered) 2. That you made reasonable efforts to preserve your employment before quitting For #2, you need to show you requested reasonable accommodations and gave Amazon the chance to accommodate your medical needs. Did you formally request accommodation through HR? Do you have emails or other documentation showing these requests? The appeals judge will be looking for evidence that you tried to resolve the situation before leaving. Also, what exactly is this "PIVOT" program? If you can prove it was essentially a constructive dismissal (forcing you out), that strengthens your case significantly.

I tryed calling ESD for 2 weeks to explain my medical quit situation and NEVER got through!!!! Busy signals, disconnects, hold for hours then hung up on!!! How are we supposed to explain our side if we cant even TALK to a real person??? System is broken!!!!

When you file your appeal, make sure to request all the documents ESD used to make their determination. You have a right to see everything in your file! I've gone through 2 appeals (won both) and this was crucial. Sometimes Amazon will claim things that aren't true, and you need to see their statements to counter them effectively. Also, the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) has free resources on their website about how to prepare for unemployment appeals. Definitely check those out. You generally have 30 days from the date of the determination to file your appeal. One more thing - keep filing your weekly claims even though they show as disqualified! If you win your appeal, they can only pay you for weeks you've claimed.

For your appeal hearing, be extremely organized. I recommend creating a simple timeline document that shows: 1. When your medical issues began 2. Each time you requested accommodation (with dates) 3. Amazon's responses to each request 4. When you were placed in PIVOT 5. When you separated from employment 6. Any relevant medical appointments/procedures during this time The judge will appreciate a clear chronology, and it helps you tell your story coherently when you're nervous during the hearing. Also, practice explaining your case in 5 minutes or less - you need to be concise but complete. Would you mind sharing a bit more about what specific accommodations you requested? That might help us give more tailored advice.

Based on what you've shared, you have a potentially strong case for appeal. This sounds like a classic constructive dismissal situation where your employer made working conditions so intolerable that a reasonable person would feel compelled to quit. For your appeal, focus on: 1. The fact that Amazon initially agreed to accommodations then essentially revoked them by placing you in PIVOT 2. The incompatibility between your documented medical restrictions and the PIVOT requirements 3. Evidence showing the PIVOT metrics were unattainable given your medical condition Make sure to specifically use the phrase "constructive dismissal" in your appeal. This legal concept recognizes that employers sometimes force resignations rather than firing people outright. If you can prove the PIVOT program was used this way, you have a good chance of winning. I'd strongly recommend getting a free consultation with an employment attorney who handles unemployment cases. Many offer this at no cost, and even if you don't hire them, they can give you valuable guidance.

off topic but anyone else notcie that ESD decisions are taking WAY longer in 2025?? used to be like 2-3 weeks now everyon waiting 5+ weeks?? budget cuts or something???

I went through something very similar with a different employer after a knee injury. The key thing that helped me win my appeal was getting my doctor to write a very specific letter explaining not just my medical condition, but exactly why the job duties I was being asked to perform were medically contraindicated. Don't just get a generic "can't work" note - ask your doctor to specifically address the PIVOT program requirements and explain why those particular tasks/metrics were impossible given your post-surgical limitations. The more specific the medical documentation, the stronger your case. Also, document everything about your pain levels and how they affected your ability to work. I kept a daily pain journal that showed the correlation between my symptoms and work performance - this really helped demonstrate that my departure was medically necessary, not just a choice. You've got this! Medical necessity cases can be won with proper documentation. Focus on building that paper trail and don't give up.

I'm going through a similar situation right now with my own medical separation from work. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about requesting personnel files or the importance of using specific legal terms like "constructive dismissal." One thing I wanted to add that might help with your appeal: if you have any coworkers who witnessed your accommodation requests or saw how the PIVOT program affected you, consider asking them to write brief witness statements. Sometimes having third-party observations can really strengthen your case, especially if they can confirm that the expectations placed on you were unreasonable given your medical condition. Also, when you're preparing for the hearing, practice staying calm and factual rather than emotional (I know it's hard when you've been treated so unfairly). Judges respond better to clear timelines and documentation than to expressions of frustration, even when that frustration is completely justified. Best of luck with your appeal - it sounds like you have a solid foundation to build your case on!

I'm a former ESD appeals officer and I can tell you that medical separation cases like yours actually have a higher success rate than most people realize - the key is proper preparation and documentation. A few critical points for your appeal: 1. **File within 30 days** - this is absolutely crucial and non-negotiable 2. **Continue filing weekly claims** - even though they show as disqualified, you can only get backpay for weeks you've claimed 3. **Request discovery** - you have the right to see all documents ESD used in their decision, including any statements Amazon provided Your case has several strong elements: - Medical documentation supporting your limitations - Evidence of accommodation requests that were initially granted then essentially revoked - The PIVOT placement appearing retaliatory/punitive given your medical situation The legal standard is whether you had "good cause" to quit. Medical necessity absolutely qualifies, but you need to show you exhausted reasonable alternatives before leaving. It sounds like you did this by requesting accommodations first. Pro tip: When you get your hearing scheduled, request a telephone hearing if you're still dealing with mobility issues from your surgery. Don't let physical limitations prevent you from effectively presenting your case. You've got a fightable case here - don't let anyone discourage you from appealing.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - Amazon's treatment of workers with medical issues is absolutely disgraceful. I went through a similar situation with a different employer after my back surgery last year, and I want to share what helped me win my appeal. The most important thing I learned is that you need to frame this as "leaving for good cause attributable to the employer" rather than just a medical quit. Here's what made the difference in my case: 1. **Document the accommodation failure**: Show that Amazon initially provided accommodations but then made them impossible through the PIVOT program. This demonstrates bad faith on their part. 2. **Get specific medical documentation**: Have your doctor write a letter that specifically addresses why the PIVOT requirements were medically contraindicated given your post-surgical limitations. Generic notes aren't enough. 3. **Timeline everything**: Create a chronological document showing accommodation requests → initial approval → PIVOT placement → impossible metrics → forced departure. This shows the deliberate pattern. 4. **Use the right legal language**: Terms like "constructive dismissal" and "good cause attributable to employer" carry weight with hearing officers. The fact that you have emails to HR and doctor's notes puts you in a much stronger position than many appellants. Amazon's PIVOT program is well-known for being used to push people out - you just need to prove that's exactly what happened in your case. Don't give up - you have a very winnable case with proper preparation!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this situation - it's so frustrating when you're already going through medical issues and then have to fight for benefits you're entitled to. One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned yet is to make sure you keep detailed records of ALL your interactions during the appeals process. Save every email, document every phone call with dates/times/who you spoke with, and keep copies of everything you submit. The appeals process can drag on and having a complete paper trail becomes crucial if you need to escalate further. Also, when you're gathering your medical documentation, ask your doctor's office for copies of ALL records related to your leg surgery and treatment - not just summary notes. Sometimes the detailed surgical reports, physical therapy notes, and medication records can provide additional evidence of the severity of your condition and why accommodation was medically necessary. You mentioned this is hitting you financially - while you're fighting the appeal, look into local food banks and assistance programs. Many communities have emergency aid specifically for people dealing with unemployment claim delays/denials. Your local 211 service can help connect you with resources. Don't let them wear you down - you deserve benefits after what you've been through, and it sounds like you have a solid case to build on!

I'm really sorry you're going through this - Amazon's treatment of workers dealing with medical issues is absolutely unacceptable. As someone who's been following employment law issues closely, your situation has several red flags that suggest wrongful denial by ESD. The fact that Amazon initially provided accommodations and then essentially revoked them by placing you in PIVOT with impossible metrics is textbook constructive dismissal. This isn't a "quit" - this is your employer creating conditions so unreasonable that any rational person would be forced to leave. Here's what I'd focus on for your appeal: 1. **Emphasize the accommodation reversal**: Show how Amazon went from agreeing to help to actively sabotaging your ability to meet job requirements 2. **Medical documentation timeline**: Get your doctor to create a detailed letter explaining why your post-surgical condition made PIVOT requirements medically impossible 3. **Use precise legal language**: Terms like "good cause attributable to employer" and "constructive dismissal" will resonate with the hearing officer 4. **Request ALL documentation**: You have the right to see everything ESD used in their decision, including any statements Amazon provided Don't let anyone discourage you from fighting this. Medical necessity cases have better success rates than most people realize when properly documented. The key is showing you exhausted reasonable alternatives before leaving - which you clearly did by requesting accommodations first. Keep filing those weekly claims even though they show as disqualified! If you win your appeal, you can only get backpay for weeks you've actually claimed. You've got a very strong case here - stay persistent and don't give up!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this situation. Amazon's PIVOT program is notorious for being used to push out employees they want to get rid of, especially those with medical issues or accommodation needs. Your case actually sounds quite strong for appeal. The key elements that work in your favor are: 1. **You have medical documentation** - surgery and doctor's notes showing legitimate medical limitations 2. **You requested accommodations first** - this shows you tried to preserve employment before leaving 3. **Amazon initially granted accommodations then essentially revoked them** through PIVOT placement 4. **The PIVOT metrics were incompatible with your documented medical restrictions** This isn't a voluntary quit - it's constructive dismissal. Make sure to use that exact phrase in your appeal. You were forced out through impossible working conditions while dealing with a legitimate medical condition. Some immediate steps: - File your appeal within 30 days (crucial deadline!) - Request all documents ESD used in their determination - Get a specific letter from your doctor explaining why PIVOT requirements were medically contraindicated - Gather all your HR communications about accommodation requests - Keep filing weekly claims even though they show disqualified Don't let the negative comments discourage you. Medical necessity cases have higher success rates when properly documented, and you clearly have the foundation for a strong appeal. The system isn't perfect, but your situation has all the right elements to overturn this decision. You've got this - stay persistent and don't give up!