Washington ESD unemployment eligibility if I quit my job - what are my options?

What kind of documentation would be strong enough? I have emails and written complaints I filed with HR but they never responded.

Those emails and HR complaints are exactly what you need. Also keep any witness statements, photos of unsafe conditions, or medical documentation if applicable.

That's encouraging! Did you have to go through adjudication? I'm worried about that process.

Yes, it went to adjudication but don't panic. Just be completely honest and provide everything they ask for. The adjudicator was actually pretty fair.

I didn't know you could talk to them before quitting! That's a great idea. How long did it take to get through?

With Claimyr it was pretty quick - they handle the calling and waiting for you. The agent was able to explain exactly what documentation I'd need.

This sounds too good to be true. How much does this service cost?

I've been trying to work with HR for months but they keep brushing me off. Would that count as exhausting other options?

YES that absolutely counts! Keep records of every interaction with HR showing you tried to resolve it internally.

Oh no! Did you eventually win your appeal?

yeah but it took like 3 months and i almost lost my apartment. definitely get everything in writing first

What about if they change your schedule dramatically? My employer wants to switch me from days to nights with no notice.

That could qualify as a significant change to working conditions. Document the original schedule and the new requirements they're imposing.

Weeks? I can't afford to wait that long without income. Is there any way to speed it up?

The more documentation you have ready when you file, the faster it goes. Also, calling to check on status helps but good luck getting through to anyone.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my pending claim. Maybe I should try this.

It's worth it just for the peace of mind. The agents can actually explain what's happening with your claim.

It does feel overwhelming. I just want to know I can feed my family if I leave this toxic job.

i get it. start documenting everything NOW even if you haven't decided to quit yet. better to have it and not need it

For UI purposes, you don't have to give notice if the situation is severe enough. But it might affect your employer reference.

Good point. I'm dealing with safety issues so I might not be able to give notice anyway.

I didn't know that! So I should file right away even if I'm not sure about the outcome?

Yes! You can always withdraw the claim if you find work quickly, but you can't backdate benefits if you wait too long to file.

Even if the claim might get denied? That seems weird.

yeah i know it's weird but they can deny benefits later if you don't do the job search stuff. just keep a log of everything

That's what I'm worried about. My supervisor will probably lie about everything.

That's why documentation is so important. Washington ESD will look at objective evidence, not just he-said-she-said.

No, voluntary quit cases don't get interim benefits. You have to wait for the adjudication decision before any payments start.

Ugh, that's rough. Good thing I have some savings built up.

No union unfortunately. It's a small company with no real protections for employees.

In that case, make sure you know Washington state labor laws. Some violations automatically qualify as good cause for quitting.

How detailed did you have to be? I have a lot of incidents documented but some are pretty minor individually.

Include everything! Sometimes it's the pattern of behavior that matters, not just one big incident. Show how it escalated over time.

Medical documentation can definitely support a good cause claim, especially if the workplace is causing or worsening health problems.

good to know. i have documentation from my doctor about stress-related symptoms

Thank you everyone for all the advice. I feel much more prepared now to make this decision.

Good luck! Remember to file immediately after quitting and keep documenting everything even after you leave.

I'm definitely going to look into that. Thanks for the recommendation!

Just looked at their video demo - this actually looks really helpful for getting past the busy signals.

Good tip! I'll make sure to keep digital copies of all my documentation.

yeah learned that the hard way. now i email everything to myself as backup