Washington ESD unemployment after quitting - when can you collect benefits?

What counts as 'good cause' exactly? My supervisor has been making my life miserable but I'm not sure if that's enough.

Documentation is key - save emails, write down incidents with dates. Harassment, discrimination, or creating an intolerable work environment can qualify as good cause.

That's encouraging! Did you have to go through a hearing or just submit documentation?

Just submitted documentation initially. They interviewed me and my former employer by phone, then made their decision. No formal hearing needed.

How long did the whole process take from filing to getting your first payment?

HR is part of the problem unfortunately. They've basically told me to deal with it.

That's actually more evidence for your case if you do quit. HR failing to address workplace issues can support a good cause claim.

Thanks, I'll check that out. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days with no luck.

Never heard of that service but if it helps get through to ESD it might be worth it. Their phone lines are impossible.

It's mostly verbal harassment and being singled out unfairly. My supervisor yells at me in front of other employees and gives me impossible deadlines.

That could definitely qualify as creating a hostile work environment. Make sure you document everything - dates, witnesses, what was said.

Have you tried recording any of these interactions? Washington is a two-party consent state though so be careful about that.

What was their reason for denying you? I'm worried the same thing will happen to me.

They said I didn't provide enough evidence that quitting was necessary. Apparently my word against my employer's wasn't enough.

That's why documentation is so crucial. Without paper trails or witnesses, it becomes he-said-she-said.

I figured they would contest it. That's part of why I'm trying to get all my facts straight first.

Most employers do contest quit claims automatically. It's just business to them, nothing personal.

I haven't heard of that term before. How do you prove constructive dismissal?

You need to show that your employer deliberately made conditions intolerable to force you out. It's a higher bar than just regular good cause for quitting.

Constructive dismissal is definitely harder to prove but if you can establish it, you'd be treated like you were terminated rather than quit voluntarily.

Good point. I was thinking about just leaving but you're right that proper notice is probably important.

Two weeks notice is standard but check your employee handbook for company policy on resignations.

That's really helpful insight. What kind of evidence do they find most convincing in quit cases?

Written documentation like emails, witness statements, and evidence you tried to resolve the issue before quitting. They want to see you made reasonable efforts first.

How common is it for quit claims to get approved? Just curious about the odds.

I didn't know about waiting periods. How long are they usually?

Can be anywhere from 1-10 weeks depending on the circumstances. It's part of the penalty for voluntary separation even with good cause.

That's terrible advice. OP needs to think this through carefully because unemployment benefits might be their only safety net.

sometimes your sanity is worth more than worrying about bureaucratic hoops. just my opinion.

I hadn't thought about filing with other agencies first. That's a really good idea.

Yeah, having official complaints on file definitely strengthens your case that the situation was genuinely intolerable.

Six weeks with no income sounds terrifying. Do you have any other support while you wait?

Luckily I have some savings but it's running out fast. Really regretting not having a backup plan.

Have you tried using Claimyr to check on your claim status? Sometimes talking to an actual ESD agent can speed things up or at least give you an update.

Right, I know about the job search requirements. At least that part would be the same as if I got laid off.

And you have to report any severance pay or unused vacation time they pay out when you quit. That can affect your benefits timing.

I hadn't thought about talking to a lawyer first. Do you know if that's expensive?

Many employment lawyers work on contingency or offer low-cost consultations. Some legal aid organizations also help with workplace issues for free.

Washington State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service that might help you find someone affordable.

Thanks, I will definitely update once I figure out my next steps. This thread has been really helpful.

Same here, following this thread because I might be in the same boat soon. Workplace toxicity is so common these days.

That's reassuring to know. I was worried that a denial would be final.

Appeals definitely happen but they can take months. Make sure you have financial backup if you go that route.

That's another situation where Claimyr might help - they can connect you with ESD agents to check on appeal status and get updates on timing.

That makes sense. I think my situation might qualify but I need to document everything better before making any moves.

Smart approach. Take time to build your case properly rather than rushing into anything you might regret.