ESD eligibility after job elimination & quitting replacement position with new company?

You might actually qualify! When your original job was eliminated, that creates an initial eligibility for benefits. The fact that you tried the new position in good faith for a month before determining it wasn't suitable works in your favor. ESD has provisions for "unsuitable work" where the new position is substantially different from your previous employment in terms of skills, working conditions, or hours. Document everything about how the new job differs from your original position - especially the increased hours without additional pay and any skills they're requiring that weren't part of your original job description. When you file, be very clear that your original position was eliminated through no fault of your own and that you made a good faith effort to accept the new position before determining it was unsuitable. Don't quit yet though - it's always better to have this determination made while you're still employed if possible.

ur definitely not elegible if u quit lol... ESD doesnt care about ur reasons they just see QUIT and ur done. they denied my friend who quite after his hours got cut to like 10 a week. system is rigged!!!

I went through something sort of similar last year when my company merged with another and they eliminated my department. I was offered a "comparable" position that turned out to be COMPLETELY different and way more stressful. I quit after 6 weeks and applied for unemployment. The initial claim was denied because I "voluntarily quit." BUT I appealed the decision and explained that my original position was eliminated and the new position was unsuitable. Took nearly 8 weeks of back and forth with ESD (absolute nightmare getting through to anyone), but they eventually approved my claim! The key factors in my case were: 1. My original job was eliminated through no fault of my own 2. I tried the new position in good faith 3. I could document specific ways the new job was substantially different/worse Just be prepared for a fight. ESD's first instinct is always to deny claims that involve quitting.

They backdated to when I initially filed, but I still had to go through the waiting week. The hardest part was getting anyone on the phone to discuss my appeal. I called literally 50+ times over several weeks and either got a busy signal or would wait on hold for hours only to get disconnected.

just make sure yu DONT QUIT until you talk to someone at ESD!!!! when i quite my job last year they denied me instantly even tho my boss was harrassing me. once you quit ur in a bad situation

One thing that might help your case is documenting that you made attempts to address the issues with the new employer before quitting. Have you tried talking to them about the increased hours or different job duties? ESD likes to see that you tried to "preserve the employment relationship" before leaving. Send emails rather than just having conversations so you have a paper trail.

Here's the relevant WAC section that might help your case: WAC 192-150-100 specifically addresses "Employer-initiated changes to your job." It states that good cause for quitting exists when there are "substantial involuntary deterioration of the work conditions" including: 1. A 25% or greater reduction in pay 2. A 25% or greater increase in hours without a comparable increase in pay 3. A significant change in work duties that you're not trained for or is outside your experience From what you've described, points 2 and 3 seem directly applicable to your situation. Make sure to cite this specific WAC when filing your claim or if you need to appeal. Also, if you do end up having to appeal, request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge rather than just a written redetermination. The approval rates are much higher when you can explain your situation directly to a judge.

Something to consider: instead of outright quitting, would your new employer consider laying you off? Some companies are willing to code your separation as a layoff rather than a quit if you approach them professionally and explain the situation isn't working out. This would make your unemployment claim much more straightforward since you wouldn't have to deal with the voluntary quit issue at all.

Generally there's minimal downside to having a professional conversation. Frame it as "this role isn't the right fit for either of us" rather than "I want to quit but need unemployment." Many employers understand it's better for everyone if an employee who isn't a good fit moves on, and coding it as a layoff can be a win-win. If they seem receptive, you could even offer a transition period where you help train your replacement.

UPDATE: I called ESD this morning to ask about a similar situation and the agent confirmed that job elimination followed by unsuitable work CAN qualify for benefits. She said they look at these on a case-by-case basis and that documenting the differences between positions is critical. She also mentioned that if your pay was reduced by more than 25% OR your skills aren't transferable to the new role, those are strong factors in your favor. Hope this helps someone!