Quitting for medical treatment program - ESD eligibility with 2,500 work hours?

Unemployment is usually for people who lost their job through no fault of their own, not if you quit. But medical reasons can sometimes be a good cause to quit under ESD rules. Did you get any documentation from your doctor saying u need this treatment?

This is actually a situation where you might qualify under what ESD calls 'good cause quit' provisions. When you file your claim, you'll need to clearly document that: 1) You had a legitimate medical need for treatment, 2) You requested accommodation (medical leave) from your employer, and 3) Your employer denied that accommodation. The fact that you have 2,500 hours of work history is good - you easily meet the hours requirement. The key issue will be proving that quitting was your only reasonable option given your medical needs. Make sure to upload all documentation when you file, and be prepared for adjudication, which means an ESD agent will review your case specifically.

i quit my job last year for surgery and they denied my claim right away, said i wasnt available for work which is required for benefits. idk if your situation is different but just warning you

wait i'm confused... so ur going into a religious program or a medical program?? if it's religious ESD will probably deny u right away tbh

This situation falls under what's called a 'good cause quit' due to illness or disability. According to ESD regulations, you may qualify if you can prove: 1) You are suffering from a health condition that necessitates your separation from work, 2) You informed your employer of the condition, 3) You requested accommodation (medical leave in your case), and 4) The employer was unable/unwilling to provide accommodation. The fact that the treatment facility has religious affiliation isn't relevant to ESD - what matters is that it's medically necessary treatment prescribed by your healthcare provider. Your 2,500 hours easily satisfies the 680 hours needed in your base year. When you file, you'll trigger an adjudication process. You'll need to provide documentation from your doctor about the medical necessity and documentation showing your employer denied leave. Be prepared for the 'able and available' question - explain that while you're temporarily unavailable during treatment, you'll be able to return to the workforce after completion.

I tried getting through to ESD for MONTHS with a somewhat similar situation and could never get anyone on the phone. Kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to an agent in about 15 minutes. They've got this system that holds your place in line. Saved me so much frustration! They have a video about how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Definitely recommend talking directly to an ESD agent about your specific situation rather than just submitting and hoping for the best.

DONT TELL THEM ITS A RELIGIOUS PROGRAM!!! just say medical treatment program. ESD is really picky about separation reasons and religion stuff might confuse them

Update: I talked to my doctor again and she's writing me a detailed letter explaining why this specific program is medically necessary and that I'll be able to return to work after completing it. She's also documenting that I tried to keep my job by requesting medical leave. Really appreciate everyone's advice! I'm going to file my claim next week when I have all the documentation ready.

my cousin had 2 wait almost 2 months for his claim 2 get approved bcuz it was in adudication or whatever they call it. just be prepared to wait a long time if they have to review ur case specially

Make sure you answer all their questions completely when you file! I got denied at first because I didn't explain my medical situation clearly enough. When I appealed and provided more details they approved me. Also keep filing your weekly claims even while you're waiting for a decision - if they approve you later they'll pay those weeks retroactively but only if you filed them on time!