How to quit and collect unemployment Washington ESD - is it possible?

Yes, you can potentially qualify for unemployment after quitting if you have 'good cause' under Washington state law. Hostile work environment can qualify, but you need solid documentation. Save any emails, texts, or written communications showing the harassment. Also document dates, times, and witnesses for verbal incidents. You'll need to show you tried to resolve the situation first - did you report to HR or higher management?

I quit my last job due to unsafe working conditions and got approved for benefits, but it took forever to get through adjudication. Washington ESD will investigate your claim thoroughly when you quit voluntarily.

Just went through this nightmare myself trying to reach Washington ESD about my quit claim. Spent literally hours on hold every day for two weeks straight. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have this video demo that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Honestly saved my sanity because I was about to give up entirely.

The Washington ESD system is so messed up when it comes to quit claims. They basically assume you're lying and make you jump through a million hoops to prove otherwise.

Good cause reasons for quitting in Washington include: harassment/discrimination, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties or pay, domestic violence situations, and a few others. The key is documenting everything and showing you tried to resolve the issue before quitting. When you file your claim, be very detailed in explaining your reasons.

whatever you do don't just put 'quit' as your reason when filing. be specific about the hostile work environment and hour reduction

I had a similar situation last year - toxic boss, hours cut, the whole deal. Washington ESD approved my claim but it took forever to get through to someone to explain my side. Ended up using Claimyr to actually talk to an adjudicator about my case. Made all the difference having a real conversation instead of just hoping they read my written statement correctly.

Just remember you'll need to actively look for work while your claim is being reviewed. Washington ESD still requires job search activities even during adjudication.

One thing that helped my case was getting statements from coworkers who witnessed the harassment. If you have any allies at work who would be willing to provide written statements, that could really help.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I think I have enough documentation to make a strong case. Going to try one more formal complaint to HR, then submit my resignation and file for benefits. Wish me luck!

This whole thread is making me nervous about my own situation. My boss has been making inappropriate comments for months but I don't have much written proof.

The Washington ESD adjudication process for quit claims is no joke. They really scrutinize everything. Had a friend who got denied initially but won on appeal because they had better documentation the second time around.

Does anyone know if you can collect partial unemployment if your hours get cut drastically but you don't quit? Might be worth exploring that option too.

Whatever documentation you have, make sure it's organized chronologically. Washington ESD wants to see a clear timeline of events that led to your decision to quit.

I've been through this process twice unfortunately. Second time I learned to get everything in writing from HR before quitting. Even if they refuse to help, having their refusal in writing actually helps your case.

Update for anyone following this thread - I just helped my sister get through to Washington ESD using Claimyr for her quit claim situation. The agent was able to explain exactly what additional documentation they needed and expedited her case. Sometimes talking to a real person makes all the difference instead of just submitting paperwork and hoping for the best.

The most important thing is don't wait too long to file after you quit. You have to file within the first week or you might lose benefits for that week.

My experience with Washington ESD quit claims is that they're really looking for a pattern of problems, not just one bad incident. Make sure your documentation shows ongoing issues over time.

Anyone else think it's ridiculous that people have to stay in toxic work environments just to qualify for unemployment? The system is backwards.

Good luck OP! Sounds like you have a solid case with the documentation and pattern of harassment plus the hour reduction. Just be prepared for the process to take time.