What documents does ESD want for 'separation from job' when employer only gave verbal notice?

This is actually pretty common! When they request 'separation documentation' and you don't have an official termination letter, you should write a detailed statement explaining: 1. Your last day worked 2. Who informed you about the separation (manager's name and position) 3. The exact reason given for your separation 4. Any witnesses to the conversation 5. How the notification happened (in person conversation) Sign and date it, then upload as a PDF. I'd also recommend sending an email to your boss summarizing your conversation and upload that too. This creates a paper trail. ESD understands not everyone gets formal termination letters, especially in restaurants.

I went through the EXACT same thing last year!! The restaurant industry is notorious for not providing proper documentation. What I did was type up a statement with all the details - date of separation, my manager's name, and what was said during our conversation. I also included my final pay stub showing reduced hours. The KEY thing that helped me though was calling ESD directly to explain the situation. I kept getting busy signals for days until I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual ESD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Once I talked to an agent, they noted my account that I didn't have formal documentation and my claim was processed within a week. Definitely worth trying if you're still stuck!

Ugh I HATE THAT THE ESD SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING!!! I got fired last winter and my boss just told me not to come back - no paperwork, nothing! ESD kept asking for documentation and then put me in adjudication for like 6 weeks!!!! They definitely made me write a statement and then they contacted my employer who LIED about why I was let go. Make sure you document EVERYTHING and be super specific about dates and who said what. The system is designed to trip you up!!!!!

In your situation, I recommend creating a "Record of Verbal Separation" document. Include: - Your name and contact information - Employer name and address - Date and time of the verbal notification - Name and title of the person who informed you - Exact wording used (as best as you can recall) - Reason given for separation - Last day worked - Whether any witnesses were present Title it "Declaration of Separation Circumstances" and sign/date it. This is legally sufficient for ESD's requirements. They understand many employers, especially in food service, don't provide formal documentation. ESD will contact your employer for verification through their quarterly reporting system anyway, but this document helps establish your initial claim details.

When my wife got laid off from waitressing job last month, she just wrote down what happened on a Word doc with all details and uploaded that. ESD approved her claim in like 3 days. But my brother had same situation got denied cuz his boss told ESD something different than what he told my brother! So maybe email your boss "confirming" what he said and hope he replies? That way you have proof if he tries to change the story later. Makes me so mad how they can just make up whatever they want after the fact!!

One more thing I forgot to mention - if your employer contests your claim and provides different information than what you submitted, you'll enter adjudication. Don't panic if this happens! It's actually fairly common and gives both sides a chance to present their case. During adjudication, an ESD representative will likely schedule phone interviews with both you and your employer. Be ready to clearly explain the details of your separation and answer questions. Having notes about dates, times and exact conversations will help tremendously. Based on your description of "cutting hours to zero due to restructuring," you should be eligible even if they technically call it a reduction rather than a termination. Just be consistent in your explanations.

Great job on being so thorough with your documentation! The screenshots from the work schedule app showing you've been removed from future shifts is actually brilliant - that's solid evidence supporting your claim that your hours were cut to zero. I've seen cases where people forget to save those kinds of digital records and then regret it later when they need to prove their situation. You've covered all your bases with the personal statement, pay stubs, and schedule screenshots. Just wanted to add one tip for anyone else reading this - if you use any workplace communication apps like Slack, Teams, or even group texts with coworkers, screenshot any relevant conversations about layoffs, hour reductions, or company restructuring before you lose access. These can be valuable supporting evidence for your claim. Hope your claim processes smoothly! Keep us posted on how it goes.