What is voluntary unemployment and how does it affect Washington ESD benefits?

What kind of documentation do I need? I have some emails but not sure if that's enough.

Emails are good start. Also any witness statements, HR complaints you filed, or medical records if stress affected your health. The key is showing you had no reasonable alternative but to quit.

There are specific circumstances where voluntary unemployment still qualifies - domestic violence, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to job duties, etc. It's not automatic though.

oh wow i wish i knew this when i quit my toxic job last year

I had the same problem until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent within hours. There's even a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me weeks of frustration trying to call myself.

Sexual harassment definitely qualifies as good cause for quitting. Did you file an appeal if they initially denied you?

Yeah eventually got approved after appeal but took 3 months. System is broken.

This is exactly what I'm worried about - even with good cause it sounds like a nightmare process.

Thanks this is super helpful! My situation was definitely harassment so sounds like I have a case.

What counts as 'significant' reduction in pay? My hours got cut from 40 to 25 per week.

@profile8 Generally 20% or more reduction can qualify, but it depends on circumstances. You should definitely apply and explain the situation.

Try calling right at 8am when they open, that's usually the best time. Or there's that Claimyr service people have been talking about that helps you get through faster.

Lack of childcare can qualify as good cause in some situations, especially if it was sudden and you couldn't find alternative arrangements. You'll need to document your efforts to find other childcare.

I have emails showing I contacted 15 different daycares but none had immediate openings. Hope that's enough documentation.

That sounds like solid documentation. Make sure to explain the timeline clearly when you file your claim.

Non-payment of wages definitely qualifies as good cause! That's constructive dismissal, not voluntary unemployment in the traditional sense.

Good to know, thanks. Washington ESD's terminology is so confusing.

6 weeks is pretty typical unfortunately. Voluntary quit cases take longer because they have to review all your documentation and sometimes interview employers. Hang in there.

That's encouraging! How long did the whole process take from initial filing to approval?

About 10 weeks total including the appeal. Initial claim was denied but appeal went in my favor once they reviewed all the evidence.

What kind of evidence did you provide for the schedule change?

Original job posting, email communications about schedule changes, my attempts to negotiate alternative arrangements, and witness statements from coworkers.

Agreed, their communication could be much clearer. The basic rule is you can quit and still get benefits if you had no reasonable alternative and it was due to work-related issues.

Thanks, that's much clearer than their official explanation!

Good point. I did try to talk to my manager about the hostile environment but didn't document it well. Wish I had thought of that at the time.

Don't worry, any documentation is better than none. Even if you can remember dates and details of conversations, write them down now while it's fresh.

This is good perspective. It's annoying but I guess I understand why they need to investigate thoroughly.

Yeah you're right. I just hope my case goes smoothly since I do have some documentation of the harassment.

If you need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your case, that Claimyr service people mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but it saved me so much time and frustration trying to get through their phone system.