Should I appeal my Washington ESD unemployment decision - worth the hassle?

Yes, you should definitely appeal! Hostile work environment can qualify as good cause for leaving if you document it properly. You have 30 days from the date on your determination letter to file the appeal. Don't let that deadline pass - you can always withdraw the appeal later if you change your mind.

I appealed my Washington ESD decision last year and won. The key is having documentation. Do you have emails, witness statements, anything that shows the hostile environment? That's what made the difference in my case.

Before you go through all the appeal hassle, have you tried calling Washington ESD to discuss your case? Sometimes they can reconsider without a formal appeal if you provide additional information. I used Claimyr.com to get through to an actual agent when I couldn't reach anyone - they have this system that calls you back when an agent is available. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The appeal process isn't that bad honestly. I went through it two years ago. You'll get a phone hearing with an administrative law judge, usually scheduled within 4-6 weeks. Just be honest and stick to the facts.

ugh the Washington ESD appeal system is so broken. I appealed mine and it took 3 months to get a hearing scheduled. Then they ruled against me anyway even though I had all the documentation. Such a waste of time.

What exactly did your supervisor do that created the hostile environment? The definition of 'good cause' is pretty specific for Washington ESD purposes. It has to be something that would cause a reasonable person to quit.

Just appeal it. What's the worst that can happen? You're already denied so you have nothing to lose. At least this way you have a chance.

One more thing - if you do decide to appeal, you might want to call Washington ESD first to see if they can add any notes to your file about the additional documentation you have. That Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work for getting through. Saved me from having to go through a full appeal when I was able to explain my situation directly to an agent.

Also want to mention - if you do appeal and win, you'll get backpay for all the weeks you should have been receiving benefits. In my case that was over $4,000. Definitely worth the effort.

whatever you decide, don't miss that 30 day deadline. Washington ESD is super strict about appeal deadlines. If you miss it, you're basically screwed.

Here's what I'd recommend: 1) File the appeal immediately to preserve your rights, 2) Try calling Washington ESD to see if they'll reconsider with additional documentation, 3) Start organizing all your evidence for the hearing. You can always withdraw the appeal if they reverse the decision after your call.

I'm dealing with something similar. My employer is claiming I was fired for misconduct but I was just trying to advocate for workplace safety. These companies lie all the time to avoid paying unemployment insurance increases.

The Washington ESD appeal process actually worked for me. Had my hearing over the phone, explained my side of the story, and the judge reversed the decision. Don't let people scare you out of trying.

Quick question - when you file the appeal, do you have to keep filing your weekly claims even though you're denied?

I won my Washington ESD appeal last year for constructive dismissal. Similar situation to yours - toxic boss, documented everything. The key is showing you had no reasonable alternative but to quit. Sounds like you might have a good case.

File that appeal ASAP. Even if you're not sure, it's better to file and withdraw later than to miss the deadline. You literally have nothing to lose at this point.

Hey, can someone explain more about that Claimyr service? I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for two months about my claim being stuck in adjudication. Regular calling isn't working.

The appeal hearing isn't as scary as it sounds. The administrative law judge will ask you to explain what happened, why you left, what you tried to do to resolve the situation. Just tell the truth and stick to the facts.

UPDATE: Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice. I filed my appeal this morning and also used that Claimyr service to finally get through to Washington ESD. The agent I spoke with said she's adding notes to my file about the additional documentation I have. Fingers crossed!