Washington ESD unemployment benefits after quitting due to workplace harassment - can I qualify?

That's encouraging to hear! I do have documentation - emails to HR, written notes about incidents with dates and times, and even a few text messages I sent to my friend right after particularly bad incidents. Should I include all of that when I file my claim?

Absolutely include everything. Washington ESD will want to see that you made good faith efforts to address the problem before quitting. Keep copies of everything and be prepared to provide them if your claim goes to adjudication.

How long did the appeal process take? I'm already struggling financially and can't afford to wait months for a decision.

The whole process took about 6 weeks from filing the appeal to getting the hearing decision. It was stressful but worth it in the end.

Six weeks isn't too bad considering how backed up they usually are. Did you have a lawyer for the hearing or represent yourself?

Thanks for the suggestion! I've been dreading trying to call them because I know how impossible it is to get through. I'll definitely look into that service.

Never heard of Claimyr before but honestly anything that helps with those ridiculous phone wait times sounds worth trying. The Washington ESD phone system is a nightmare.

Good point about being specific with the reason. I was planning to just say I quit but I can see how that would hurt my chances.

Also make sure you mention any impact the harassment had on your health - like if you were losing sleep, having anxiety, or if a doctor recommended you leave the situation.

I'm definitely expecting them to contest it. They probably don't want their unemployment insurance rates to go up. What happens if they do contest it?

If they contest it, Washington ESD will investigate by contacting both you and your former employer. They might schedule a fact-finding interview with you over the phone. Just stick to the facts and provide your documentation.

The fact-finding interviews aren't too bad if you're prepared. They usually just want to understand the timeline of events and verify that you tried to address the problem before quitting.

I'm trying to stay optimistic but you're right that the system can be really inconsistent. I just have to hope my documentation is strong enough.

Don't listen to the negativity. If you have good documentation and followed the proper steps, you have a legitimate claim. The system isn't perfect but it does work when you have a valid case.

That's really reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through it successfully. Did they ask for any specific types of documentation or just whatever you had?

They wanted my written complaints to management, any emails or texts related to the incidents, and a timeline of events. Basically anything that showed the pattern of harassment and my attempts to resolve it.

You're absolutely right. I've been procrastinating because I was worried about getting denied, but I should just file and deal with any issues as they come up.

Exactly! And make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is under review. You need to show you're actively looking for work and available to work.

I have my own detailed notes with dates and times, the emails I sent to HR reporting the incidents, and HR's responses acknowledging they received my complaints. I don't have anything in writing directly from my supervisor admitting to the harassment though.

The HR correspondence is actually really valuable because it shows you followed proper procedures. That's probably more important than having something directly from your supervisor.

If you have witnesses to any of the incidents, get their contact info too. Washington ESD sometimes will reach out to witnesses during their investigation.

I'm definitely going to try that service. It sounds like talking to an actual person would be really helpful for understanding exactly what Washington ESD needs from me.

Same here, I was skeptical at first but it really does work. Much better than sitting on hold for hours just to get disconnected.

I did start having trouble sleeping and was getting headaches more frequently toward the end. I didn't think to mention that as part of my case but you're right that it shows the impact.

If you saw a doctor about any stress-related symptoms, get those records too. Medical documentation really strengthens a good cause claim.

That's good to know. I'll make sure to keep all my documentation organized and easily accessible in case I need it for an appeal hearing down the road.

The appeal hearings aren't as scary as they sound. It's usually just a phone call with a hearing officer where you explain your side of the story and answer questions.

I did try talking to my supervisor directly early on, but it just made things worse. She became even more hostile after I brought up her behavior. I should definitely mention that in my claim.

That actually helps your case because it shows the harassment escalated after you tried to address it reasonably. That pattern of retaliation is something Washington ESD takes seriously.

Definitely planning to stick to just the facts. The situation was bad enough without needing to exaggerate anything.

Good approach. Honesty and good documentation are really all you need for a strong case.

I used it about a month ago and it worked great. Got connected to an agent within a few minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. Definitely worth trying if you need to actually talk to someone.

I was skeptical about paying for something like that but honestly it saved me so much time and frustration. The Washington ESD phone system is just broken.

Thank you! I feel much more confident about filing now after reading everyone's advice and experiences. I'm going to file my claim this weekend.

Hope it works out for you! Keep us updated on how it goes.