ESD wrongly classified me as 'quitting' during medical relocation - appeal help needed for overpayment!

This happened to me too! ESD somehow decided I quit when I was actually laid off temporarily during a remodel. Their system is so messed up right now. For your appeal, you need to submit all those documents again, but also get a letter from your former employer explaining the situation if possible. My appeal took 8 weeks to resolve but they eventually fixed it. Don't miss the appeal deadline - it's only 30 days from when they sent the notice!

You need to be very specific in your appeal about the sequence of events. Based on what you described, this is a case of "separation after approved leave ended" - not a quit. ESD has specific rules for this situation. In your appeal, clearly state: 1. You were on approved medical leave (PFMLA) 2. During this leave, you were forced to relocate (document why) 3. When leave ended, you couldn't return to your position due to the relocation 4. You never voluntarily quit - you were unable to return after approved leave This distinction matters because if they categorize it as a voluntary quit, you'd need to prove good cause, which has a higher bar. But in your case, it sounds like the separation occurred after your approved leave ended, which is different. Also request all documents ESD relied on to make their determination - you have a right to see what evidence they used to decide you "quit for personal reasons."

ESD's system is completely broken OMG. They did the SAME EXACT THING to my cousin last month!!! She was on maternity leave, moved to Spokane for her husband's job, and then they said she "quit"!! It took her FOREVER to fix and she almost got evicted waiting for them to figure it out. The whole system is rigged against us I swear.

I've helped several people through the appeal process for similar issues, and there are a few critical things to understand: 1. Your appeal needs to focus on the facts of how your employment ended, not just that you disagree with their decision 2. For medical situations that involve relocation, you need to submit documentation that shows: - The medical leave was legitimate (PFMLA approval docs) - The relocation was necessary (medical documentation supporting this) - You were unable to return to work due to the relocation - You remained able and available for suitable work in your new location 3. Request a copy of your employer's response to ESD's inquiry about your separation - this is likely where the "quit for personal reasons" came from 4. File your appeal immediately, even if you don't have all documentation yet 5. Consider requesting a telephone hearing rather than in-person if you're anxious The good news is that having been approved through multiple adjudications previously works in your favor - bring copies of those approval notices to your hearing.

I've been through something similar... try calling ESD directly before you stress too much about the appeal. Sometimes these decisions are just automatic system responses and a human can override them when you explain. The problem is GETTING THROUGH to someone at ESD is nearly impossible these days! I spent 3 weeks calling every day and could never get past the automated system. I finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Sometimes talking to an actual person can resolve these issues without going through the formal appeal. Worth a try before you go through all that stress!

just so u know unemployment always calls it "quitting" when u can't go back to work after leave ends. it's stupid but that's how they code it in their system. still file the appeal but dont get ur hopes up, the system is stacked against us regular people. they made me repay $5800 last year even tho I had proof I was laid off. its all about who u get as a judge for ur hearing.

A tip for your appeal that worked for me: call the PFMLA department (not regular ESD) and ask them for a formal letter confirming your medical leave dates and that it was properly approved. Having official documentation from another state department really helped my case. Also, when you write your appeal, keep it SUPER factual and timeline-based. My first appeal was denied because I focused too much on explaining my situation emotionally rather than just stating the facts in chronological order.

One more thing to add: make sure you meet the 30-day deadline for filing your appeal. If you're close to the deadline, file a basic appeal immediately (even just stating "I disagree with the determination") and then submit your supporting documentation afterward. You can always supplement an appeal with additional documents later, but you cannot file late. Also, under Washington law, you have the right to continue filing weekly claims during the appeal process. If you win your appeal, you'll receive all benefits for weeks you properly claimed during this time. If you don't continue claiming, you won't receive those payments even if you win the appeal.