Washington ESD - if you quit your job are you eligible for unemployment benefits?

What would count as good cause? My supervisor has been making the work environment pretty hostile but I'm not sure if that would qualify.

Workplace harassment or a hostile work environment can potentially qualify as good cause, but you'd need to document everything and probably file a complaint with HR first. Washington ESD will want to see that you tried to resolve the situation before quitting.

How long did the appeal process take? And what kind of documentation did you need?

The appeal took about 6 weeks total. I had emails, photos of the unsafe conditions, and witness statements from coworkers. Also had records showing I reported it to my supervisor multiple times with no action taken.

HR at my company is pretty useless unfortunately. They tend to side with management on everything.

That's really frustrating. Have you considered trying to reach someone at Washington ESD directly to ask about your specific situation? I know it can be hard to get through but there are services like claimyr.com that help people actually connect with ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

No, unemployment insurance is specifically for people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own - like layoffs, company closures, or being fired for reasons other than misconduct. If you voluntarily quit, you generally don't qualify unless there's good cause.

that seems unfair, what if your job is making you miserable

Being miserable unfortunately isn't considered good cause by itself. It has to be something more serious like harassment, unsafe conditions, significant changes to your job terms, or certain personal emergencies.

What happened with your claim? Are you still fighting it?

They said I was fired for misconduct but it was really just a personality conflict with my boss. I'm trying to appeal but the process is a nightmare.

That's good advice. I have been keeping some records but maybe I should be more systematic about it.

Definitely. Also check if your company has any policies about hostile work environments or harassment that aren't being followed. That can strengthen your case.

How many jobs do you have to apply for each week in Washington?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week but check the Washington ESD website for the current requirements. They can change.

Health issues can be good cause? I didn't know that.

Yes, if your health condition prevents you from doing your job and your employer can't or won't provide reasonable accommodations, that can qualify. But you need proper medical documentation.

I wouldn't recommend trying to get fired. If Washington ESD determines you engaged in misconduct, you'll be disqualified from benefits. It's better to either try to resolve the situation or quit with proper documentation of good cause.

I'm not talking about misconduct, just not being a model employee anymore. But yeah I guess that could backfire.

That's probably smart. Do you know how to find employment attorneys who do free consultations?

Check with the Washington State Bar Association, they have a lawyer referral service. Also some legal aid organizations offer free help for employment issues if you qualify income-wise.

Yeah that's what I'm worried about. I've been looking for other jobs but the market is tough right now.

maybe try to stick it out a little longer while you job hunt? or at least make sure you have some savings built up first

Did you eventually quit or find another job?

I found another job but it took 8 months and my mental health really suffered. If I had it to do over I would have been more proactive about documenting the harassment and either filing complaints or quitting sooner.

How long does that investigation usually take?

It varies but probably at least 4-6 weeks, maybe longer if there's a hearing involved. That's why having another job lined up or savings is so important.

Ugh I hadn't thought about that. They would probably make up stuff about my performance too.

Exactly why documentation is so important. You need evidence to counter whatever they might say.

Is that legit? How much does it cost?

Yeah it's legitimate, they basically call for you and get you connected to an ESD agent. I used it when I was having issues with my claim and it worked great. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

Yeah that seems to be the consensus. I guess I need to really evaluate whether my situation would meet their definition of good cause.

Exactly. And remember even if you think you have good cause, Washington ESD might disagree and then you're stuck without income while you try to appeal.

What's the difference between that and regular good cause?

Constructive discharge is when the employer basically forces you to quit through their actions. It's treated more like being fired than quitting voluntarily. But it's hard to prove and you still need solid documentation.

Glad it helped! I'm definitely going to be more careful about documenting everything going forward.

Same here. Better to be prepared just in case.

Good point. Honesty is definitely the best policy even if it makes getting approved harder.

That sounds like a smart approach. Good luck with everything!

Hope it works out for you. Keep us posted on how things go.