I quit my job can I collect unemployment - Washington ESD eligibility question

Generally speaking, if you quit your job voluntarily, Washington ESD will consider it a disqualification for unemployment benefits. However, there are exceptions for what they call 'good cause' reasons. Things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or significant changes to your job duties might qualify. You'd need to prove that a reasonable person would have quit under those circumstances.

I went through something similar last year. Filed anyway and got approved after an adjudication process. The key is being able to show that you tried to resolve the issues before quitting. Did you talk to HR or your supervisor's boss about the problems?

You should definitely file a claim with Washington ESD regardless. The worst they can do is deny it, but you might be surprised. I've seen people get approved for quitting in situations that seemed hopeless. The adjudication process can take a few weeks but it's worth trying. If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

The unpaid overtime thing is actually a big deal. That's wage theft and could definitely support a good cause argument for quitting. You should also file a complaint with the Department of Labor about that separately.

honestly the unemployment system is so messed up you never know what they'll approve or deny. i got denied when i thought i had a slam dunk case and my friend got approved for something that seemed like a long shot. just file and see what happens

One thing to keep in mind is that even if you get initially denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeal process gives you another chance to present your case, often with more time to gather documentation. Many people give up after the first denial but the appeal is where you might actually win.

The verbal abuse from your supervisor could also be considered a hostile work environment. If other employees witnessed it, that strengthens your case. Washington ESD looks at whether a reasonable person would continue working under those conditions.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. Be honest that you quit and explain why. If they catch you being dishonest it's way worse than just being denied for quitting.

i quit my job too but for different reasons and got denied. ended up having to take a crappy job just to pay rent. hope you have better luck than i did

Just want to emphasize again that getting through to Washington ESD can be really frustrating. I spent literally hours on hold trying to talk to someone about my claim. That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier was a game changer for actually reaching an agent when I needed clarification on my adjudication status.

Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible. There's usually a waiting period before benefits start, and you can't get benefits for weeks before you file your claim. Even if you're not sure about eligibility, file now while you're gathering documentation.

Also remember that during your fact-finding interview (if they schedule one), be prepared to explain your situation clearly and calmly. They're looking for specific reasons why continuing to work was not reasonable. Focus on the facts rather than emotions, even though I'm sure the situation was very frustrating.

The system is so backed up right now that adjudication is taking forever anyway. Might as well get in line and see what happens. Even if you get denied initially, the appeal process might work out better for you.

definitely file but also start job searching immediately. even if you get approved, benefits take time to start and don't replace your full salary. better to have a backup plan

One more thing - if you do get approved, you'll need to meet the job search requirements. Right now it's 3 job contacts per week in Washington. Keep good records of your applications and interviews because they audit these sometimes.

I had a friend who quit for similar reasons and it took 6 months to get through the whole process but she eventually got approved. Don't give up if the first answer is no.

Washington ESD has gotten better about approving quit cases lately from what I've seen. The pandemic really changed how they look at workplace issues. Your situation with the unpaid overtime and hostile supervisor sounds like it has potential.

Whatever happens, you made the right choice getting out of that toxic environment. Your mental health is worth more than any job. Hope the unemployment claim works out for you!

Last piece of advice - screenshot or save any text messages, emails, or other communications you have related to the problems at your old job. Digital evidence can disappear and you want to preserve everything while you still have access to it.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'm feeling much more hopeful about this now. Going to file my claim this weekend and start gathering documentation. Will update you all on how it goes.