Quit my job for better opportunity - am I eligible for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Unfortunately, quitting voluntarily usually disqualifies you from unemployment benefits in Washington. The ESD has strict rules about this - you generally need to be laid off or fired through no fault of your own. There are some exceptions for good cause, but having another job offer that fell through typically doesn't qualify.

You should still apply anyway! The worst they can do is deny you, but sometimes there are circumstances they consider. I've heard of people getting approved even after quitting if they can prove good cause. The application process will walk you through all the questions about why you left your job.

I had a similar situation last year and got stuck in adjudication hell for weeks trying to prove my case. Couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD no matter how many times I called. Finally used Claimyr to get connected to an actual agent who could review my case properly. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

ugh the whole system is so messed up. I got denied for quitting even though my boss was harassing me constantly. Had to go through the whole appeals process and everything. Took MONTHS to get resolved.

To clarify the good cause exceptions - Washington ESD recognizes things like unsafe working conditions, harassment, domestic violence situations, or significant changes to your job duties or pay. A job offer that fell through unfortunately doesn't typically qualify, but as others said, you can always apply and see what happens during the adjudication process.

Actually, if you can prove you had a legitimate job offer that was rescinded, there might be an argument for good cause. Did you have a written offer letter or any email correspondence about the position? The key is documenting that you made a reasonable decision based on concrete information.

File anyway!!! I quit my job and thought I had no chance but turns out my situation qualified. The adjudication process will review all the details. Better to try and get denied than not try at all.

The waiting period is going to kill you either way. Even if you get approved, it takes weeks to get your first payment. Start applying for jobs immediately and consider temp work to bridge the gap.

I'm confused about something - if you quit voluntarily, don't you automatically get disqualified? I thought that was like the main rule with unemployment.

Whatever you do, be completely honest on your application. If they find out you lied about anything, you'll be in way worse trouble than just being denied. Tell them exactly what happened with the job offer falling through.

When I was in a similar bind last year, I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Actually got to speak with an ESD agent who explained exactly what documentation I needed for my appeal. Way better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

File the claim online through the ESD website. Even if you get initially denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process gives you a chance to present your case in detail, including all that documentation about the job offer.

Same thing happened to my cousin except her new job lasted exactly one day before they let her go. She was able to get unemployment because she could prove the job offer was legitimate and she left in good faith. Your situation might be similar.

Don't forget about WorkSource requirements if you do get approved. You'll need to register and do job search activities every week. Better to get registered now even before you know if your claim is approved.

The ESD customer service is absolutely terrible right now. I've been trying to get through about my own claim for weeks. Maybe I should try that Claimyr thing too since nothing else is working.

Make sure you file your weekly claims even if your initial claim is pending or denied. If you eventually get approved through appeals, you'll want those weeks documented. Missing weekly claims can mess up your benefit timeline.

honestly the whole thing is a gamble. my friend quit her toxic job and got approved, but my neighbor quit for almost the same reason and got denied. seems like it depends on which adjudicator reviews your case and what mood they're in that day

Look into temporary assistance programs while you're waiting for this to get resolved. United Way has resources for emergency help with utilities and rent. Don't wait until you're completely broke to ask for help.

Just wanted to follow up - did you end up filing the claim? Really curious how this turns out since I'm in a somewhat similar situation myself.