Quit toxic new job after 2 weeks - can I resume my ESD benefits?

This is a tricky situation. ESD generally considers voluntarily quitting without "good cause" as disqualifying you from benefits. However, they do recognize certain situations as good cause, including significant deterioration in working conditions. In your case, you should document EVERYTHING about the toxic environment and how the job differs from what you were hired to do. Get it in writing if possible. When you quit, clearly state these reasons to your employer. After quitting, immediately reopen your claim and be 100% honest about why you left. Be prepared for ESD to initially deny your claim, and you'll likely need to go through the appeal process. During the appeal, you'll need to demonstrate that any reasonable person would quit under similar circumstances. Also note that since you've worked there less than 680 hours, this brief employment won't affect your benefit amount or duration if you're approved to continue benefits.

I quit a job after 3 days once and still got benefits!!! Just tell them exactly what happened and be hoenst. The job was NOT what they promised in interveiw right?? They lied to you so thats on THEM not you!!!!

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ESD is EXTREMELY strict about voluntary quits. I've seen dozens of people get denied after quitting toxic jobs. They basically expect you to endure almost anything or find another job before quitting. The system is rigged against workers. If you do quit, expect to fight an uphill battle with appeals. My advice? Start looking for a new job TODAY while still at the toxic place. Only quit when you have something else lined up.

I went through almost the exact same situation in 2025! The key is whether you can prove "good cause" for quitting. Here's what counts according to ESD's guidelines: 1. Significant deterioration in work conditions compared to what was promised 2. Safety concerns or hostile work environment (this includes psychological safety) 3. Substantial reduction in hours or pay 4. Being asked to perform work you weren't hired for and aren't qualified to do Based on what you described, you have potentially valid reasons under #1, #2, and #4. Document every instance of toxicity, keep any emails showing the different responsibilities, and if possible, have coworkers who can verify the hostile environment. When you file, be extremely specific about dates, incidents, and how these conditions affected you. Don't just say "toxic" - describe exactly what makes it toxic with examples. Just know that even with good documentation, ESD often denies initially and you'll need to appeal. The good news is that appeals judges tend to be more reasonable than the initial automated determinations.

You've been workng for JUST 2 WEEKS?? COME ON. Just stick it out a bit longer. A new job always feels weird and hard at first. Maybe it will get bettr after a month. You don't wnat to look like a quitter on ur resume anyway, looks bad to other employrs. My cousin says ESD denys like 90% of quiters.

I had the WORST time trying to get through to ESD when I was in a similar situation last year. After quitting a horrible job, they denied my claim and I couldn't get anyone on the phone to explain my situation. I almost gave up but then I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual ESD agent in under 30 minutes! You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I actually spoke to a real person, I was able to explain my situation, provide documentation, and eventually got my benefits reinstated through the appeal process. Communication with ESD is absolutely critical in voluntary quit cases.

To answer your specific question about the appeal process from earlier: 1. If/when ESD denies your initial claim after quitting, you'll receive a determination letter with appeal instructions. 2. You must file your appeal within 30 days (don't wait - do it immediately). 3. You'll eventually get scheduled for a telephone hearing with an Administrative Law Judge from the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). 4. Before this hearing, submit all your documentation electronically through the OAH portal. 5. During the hearing, both you and your former employer will testify (be prepared for your employer to dispute your claims). 6. The judge typically makes a decision within 2-3 weeks after the hearing. The entire process from denial to decision took about 8-10 weeks in my case, but you should continue filing weekly claims throughout this entire period. If you win on appeal, they'll pay all those weeks retroactively.

One more important thing to consider: If you do decide to quit, try to have a direct conversation with your supervisor first about the issues you're experiencing. ESD looks more favorably on claims where you made a good faith effort to resolve the problems before quitting. Send an email summarizing the conversation afterward ("As we discussed today...") to create documentation. This shows you tried to address the situation but the employer was unwilling or unable to fix the issues. Also, when you eventually file your weekly claim after quitting, you'll be asked if you quit and why. Your answer here is critical. Be concise but specific, focusing on the material aspects of why the job was unsuitable (wrong job duties, hostile environment, etc.). Avoid emotional language and stick to factual descriptions.

Hey just wondering what happened?? Did u end up quitting? Im in a sorta similar situaton and curious what you decided 2 do!