Washington ESD unemployment after resignation - if i resigned can i get unemployment?

I didn't file any formal HR complaints because we're a small company without an HR department. I do have some text messages from coworkers who witnessed the behavior though.

Those text messages could help! Also gather any emails or written communication from your supervisor that shows the problematic behavior. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case will be during the adjudication process.

That's encouraging! Did you have to do a phone interview with Washington ESD during the adjudication?

Yes, they called me about 4 weeks into the process. They asked very specific questions about the harassment and what I did to address it before quitting. Having documentation ready made a huge difference.

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr - it's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Finally got my questions answered!

Thanks for the tip! I'll check that out. This whole process is so stressful when you're already dealing with unemployment.

My supervisor was demanding I work 70+ hour weeks without overtime pay and threatened to fire me if I didn't comply. Would that count as good cause?

That could definitely qualify as good cause, especially the overtime violations. Make sure to mention any labor law violations in your application - Washington ESD takes those seriously.

You should also file a complaint with the Department of Labor about the overtime violations. Having an official complaint on record will strengthen your unemployment claim.

How long is the disqualification period if they determine I don't have good cause?

It varies but typically ranges from 7-10 weeks depending on the circumstances. That's why it's crucial to present a strong case with documentation from the start.

What kind of evidence did you provide for the appeal that helped overturn the decision?

I had recordings of some of the abusive conversations (legal in Washington since it's a one-party consent state), statements from coworkers, and a letter from my therapist about the stress impact.

That's really smart about the recordings. Most people don't realize Washington allows you to record conversations you're part of without the other person's consent.

My former employer will definitely dispute it. They'll probably claim I was a poor performer even though that's not true.

That's why having coworker statements and any performance reviews or emails praising your work will be valuable. It helps counter their narrative.

Good point! I'll file this week and gather my documentation while the adjudication is pending.

Yes, definitely file ASAP! I waited two weeks thinking I needed all my documentation first and regretted it because those are two weeks of potential benefits I lost.

Do I need to register with WorkSource Washington immediately or can I wait until my claim is approved?

Register with WorkSource Washington within 7 days of filing your claim. It's a requirement even if your claim is still under review.

Have you been able to reach anyone at Washington ESD to check on the status?

No, I've been calling for days with no luck. Might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier to get through.

I used Claimyr last month when I couldn't reach Washington ESD about my adjudication. Got connected within an hour and finally got answers about my claim status. Worth trying!

Absolutely. I just want to present my situation honestly and let them decide. The stress from my job was real and documented.

That's the right approach. Be honest about everything, including any attempts you made to resolve the issues before quitting.

Thanks for the heads up. Every bit of information helps me prepare for this process.

Actually, Washington eliminated the waiting week requirement in 2020. You should get benefits starting from your first eligible week if approved.

That's a good idea. I might also have grounds for a wrongful constructive dismissal claim based on what you all are telling me.

Definitely worth exploring. An attorney can help you understand all your options, not just unemployment benefits.

Good advice! I'll create a dedicated folder for all my unemployment documentation.

Also screenshot your online account regularly. I've had technical glitches where information disappeared and having screenshots saved me during my appeal.

Exactly! I'm already dealing with the emotional toll of leaving a toxic job and now I have to fight for basic support.

I know it's frustrating, but the system does work for people with legitimate claims. Hang in there and keep pushing forward with your documentation.

Will do! I'm filing this week and will report back on the process. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice and encouragement.

Looking forward to hearing about your experience. This thread has been really informative for understanding resignation-related unemployment claims.