Quit after demotion at work - can I still qualify for ESD unemployment?

I think u might qualify under "good cause quit" rules with ESD. My coworker quit last yr when they cut her hours by 30% and she got approved for benefits. The key is proving that the change was significant enough that any reasonable person would quit. Make sure u explain the pay cut % and how the demotion changed ur job duties when u file the claim. Keep any emails about the demotion or nasty assignments as proof!

You're dealing with what's called a "good cause quit" situation. Under Washington ESD rules, a substantial reduction in pay (generally 25% or more) can qualify as good cause to voluntarily leave employment. You'll need to document: 1. The exact percentage of your pay reduction 2. Any written notification of your demotion 3. Evidence that you attempted to resolve the situation before quitting 4. Documentation of the schedule changes and adverse working conditions When you file your initial claim, be very specific about the chronology of events. ESD will almost certainly put your claim in adjudication and contact your employer for their side. Be prepared for your employer to contest the claim - they often do regardless of circumstances.

I successfully got unemployment after quitting due to a similar situation in 2022. Here's what worked for me: 1. I was VERY specific in my application about the percentage reduction in pay (22% in my case) 2. I documented how my job duties substantially changed (more menial tasks, removed from key projects) 3. I provided evidence that I tried to resolve it (emails to supervisor and HR) My claim went to adjudication for about 5 weeks, and an adjudicator called me for a phone interview. She asked detailed questions about why I felt I had to quit. Be prepared to explain calmly and factually why the situation was untenable. The system is slow and frustrating. I couldn't get through on the phone lines for weeks when trying to check my claim status until I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). Their service got me connected to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It really helped me understand what was happening with my claim.

had the same thing happen to me!! boss demoted me and cut my hours then got all surprised when i walked. ESD put me in adjudication for like 2 months it was a nightmare. i had to send so many messages and finally just went to the worksorce office in person to get help. they told me that my claim needed "escalation" which apparently is different from adjudication?? anyway i finally got approved but they made me do 3 job search activities every week starting from when i first applied not when i got approved which was super annoying.

My cousin's wife worked at a retail store and when they demoted her from assistant manager to cashier (with a big pay cut) she quit and still got unemployment. But I think it depends on who reviews your case at ESD. Some of them are more understanding than others. Do you have any coworkers who can back up your story? That might help too.

You should definitely apply. Under RCW 50.20.050(2)(b)(iii), a substantial reduction in pay or hours can constitute good cause for voluntarily leaving employment. A 25% reduction usually meets this threshold. Here's what you need to know: 1. Your claim will almost certainly go to adjudication 2. You'll need to document the specific percentage of pay reduction 3. You should detail how working conditions became untenable after the demotion 4. Provide evidence that you attempted to remedy the situation before quitting When you file, be very precise about dates and events. ESD will contact your employer, who will likely contest your claim. Be prepared for a lengthy adjudication process - currently averaging 6-8 weeks. Continue filing your weekly claims during this time and conducting your job search activities (3 per week).

I just went through this nightmare!! Applied in January after my boss basically forced me out with impossible expectations. ESD put me in "adjudication" for THREE MONTHS!!! THREE!!! Couldn't get anyone on the phone, messages never answered. Meanwhile bills piling up and savings gone. They finally denied me saying I didn't have "good cause" even though my boss was literally harassing me. The whole system is designed to make you give up. Don't count on getting anything from them even if you deserve it.

One more important tip: when you file your claim, make sure to select "laid off" rather than "quit" on the initial application. Then in the explanation section, explain that you were constructively discharged due to substantial reduction in pay and worsening working conditions. This prevents your claim from being automatically flagged for denial, which often happens with claims marked as "quit." Be honest in your explanation, but framing it as a constructive discharge rather than a quit can help your case be viewed more favorably from the start.

Good luck getting through to ESD if they have questions!!! I spent 3 weeks calling EVERY DAY and couldnt get through. Their phone system is the absolute worst!!