Washington ESD unemployment benefits after quitting job - am I eligible?

I didn't file any formal complaints but I do have some text messages from coworkers about the situation. Would that be enough documentation?

Text messages can help but you'll need stronger evidence. Try to gather any emails, written warnings, or witness statements from colleagues who observed the hostile behavior.

How long does adjudication usually take? I'm already struggling financially and need to know if I should look for other options.

Mine took about 3 weeks but I've heard of cases taking longer. Keep filing your weekly claims during adjudication even if you're not getting paid yet.

Did they approve your claim after you talked to them? I'm worried Washington ESD will automatically deny it since I quit.

Yes, they approved it after I explained the circumstances. The key was being able to actually speak with someone who could understand the situation rather than just submitting documents online.

Never heard of Claimyr before but if it helps get through to Washington ESD I might try it. These phone lines are ridiculous.

That's exactly what I'm worried about! Did you eventually get approved after the appeal?

Yes but it took forever and I almost lost my apartment waiting for payments. Make sure you have backup plans for paying bills.

True, but it's better to understand the process and gather evidence first. Washington ESD will be looking for specific documentation of good cause.

yeah but you gotta start somewhere, the sooner you file the sooner you might get benefits

My boss was constantly yelling at me in front of other employees and making personal attacks. Would that count as harassment?

That could potentially qualify as hostile work environment. Document specific incidents with dates, times, and any witnesses present.

I had a boss like that too. It's so stressful when you dread going to work every day.

I mentioned it to my supervisor once but they basically brushed it off. We don't really have an HR department, it's a small company.

That actually helps your case - you tried to address it but the company didn't take action. Make sure to mention that in your claim.

Did you try to appeal the decision? I'm sorry you're going through that financial stress.

yeah i filed an appeal but its been like 2 months and still waiting for a hearing date

Should I mention specific incidents or just give a general overview of the hostile environment?

Be specific. Include dates, what was said or done, who was present, and how it affected your ability to do your job. The more detailed documentation you have, the better.

How long do you have to file an appeal if they deny the claim?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal. Don't wait - file it as soon as possible if you're denied.

That gives me hope! Were the witness statements formal documents or just written statements?

Just written statements describing what they witnessed. They didn't have to be notarized or anything fancy.

That's what I'm worried about. My former boss will probably say I was a problem employee or something.

That's why having documentation and witness statements is so important. It helps corroborate your side of the story.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm definitely going to file the claim and see what happens.

That's the right attitude. You have nothing to lose by trying, and you might be surprised by the outcome.

It was definitely a pattern over several months, not just one bad day. That makes me feel more confident about my case.

That's good. Make sure to emphasize the pattern and how it escalated over time. Also mention any impact on your health or wellbeing.

I might need to try that if my claim gets complicated. Thanks for sharing your experience with it.

Never heard of that service before but sounds useful. Washington ESD phone system is terrible.

Good point. I already started my job search but I'll make sure to keep detailed records for the weekly claims.

Yes, keep track of every application you submit and any networking activities. Washington ESD requires detailed job search logs.

What's the disqualification period usually? I really need to know what I'm potentially facing.

It varies but can be anywhere from 7-10 weeks depending on the circumstances. That's why it's so important to present a strong case for good cause.

I can imagine how stressful that must be. Hopefully we both get good news soon. What was your reason for quitting?

Unsafe working conditions. My employer wasn't following safety protocols and I was worried about getting injured.

That's definitely a valid reason for good cause. Do you have any documentation of the safety violations?

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm going to gather my documentation and file the claim this week. Wish me luck!

Good luck! Remember to keep filing those weekly claims and continue your job search. You've got this!

Hope it works out for you! Let us know how it goes if you feel comfortable updating us.

That seems to be a recurring theme - actually being able to talk to someone helps a lot. I'll keep that in mind if I run into issues.

Exactly. The automated systems and online forms can only do so much. Sometimes you need human judgment to evaluate complex situations like hostile work environments.