What reasons can you quit a job and still get Washington ESD unemployment?

Thank you! I've been keeping emails and notes about the harassment incidents. Should I file a complaint with HR first before quitting, or is having documentation enough?

Definitely file with HR if you haven't already - Washington ESD wants to see you tried to resolve it through proper channels first. Keep copies of everything you submit and their responses.

How long did your adjudication take? I'm worried about the gap in income while they review everything.

About 6 weeks total. It was rough financially but worth it in the end. The key is having documentation that shows you had no reasonable choice but to quit.

Is that service legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and can never get through.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. I was skeptical at first too but it actually connected me to a real Washington ESD representative who answered all my questions about quitting for good cause.

It's definitely more than just not liking my boss. There have been inappropriate comments, being excluded from meetings, and having my work constantly criticized unfairly.

That sounds like constructive dismissal to me. You should also consider filing a complaint with the state labor department, not just for unemployment but for the actual harassment.

Don't forget about medical reasons too! If your job is making a health condition worse and your doctor says you need to quit, that can qualify.

The stress from this situation has definitely been affecting my health. I've been having anxiety attacks and trouble sleeping.

This is correct. You need to show you attempted to resolve the issue through reasonable means before quitting. Just walking out without trying to fix it first usually results in a denial.

I feel you completely. It's like being trapped between a toxic workplace and potential financial ruin. Have you documented any of the incidents?

Some of it, but not everything. I wish I had started keeping records from the beginning. Now I'm trying to remember specific dates and details.

That's so frustrating! What kind of evidence were they looking for that you didn't have?

They wanted written complaints to HR, witness statements, and more specific documentation of incidents. I only had my own notes and emails which apparently wasn't enough.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already financially stressed and can't afford expensive services.

It's worth checking out their website for current details. For me, getting actual answers instead of being stuck in phone limbo was invaluable. Sometimes you have to invest a little to protect your benefits.

That makes sense but it's also really unfair. Most harassment happens verbally or in private where there aren't witnesses or documentation.

This is why you should always follow up verbal conversations with an email summarizing what was discussed. It creates a paper trail even for verbal incidents.

That gives me hope! Did you have to attend a hearing or was it all done through paperwork?

Just paperwork in my case. I submitted everything online through the Washington ESD portal and they made their decision based on the documentation I provided.

I'm sorry you went through that. Did you end up getting approved for benefits when you finally quit?

yeah but it took forever and was a nightmare to prove. had to get medical records and everything. dont wait as long as i did

Oh great, something else to worry about. How common is it for employers to contest claims?

It varies but it's pretty common. That's why having solid documentation is so important - you may need to defend your decision at a hearing if they contest it.

Good point. How soon after quitting should I file the claim?

As soon as possible, ideally within a day or two. You can file online at the Washington ESD website and the sooner you start the process, the sooner you'll know if you qualify.

This is really important information that more people should know about. The system does try to protect people in dangerous situations.

Exactly how I feel. It's like being held hostage by your own need for income.

I understand the frustration, but the system exists to prevent people from quitting jobs frivolously and claiming benefits. The good cause standard is there for legitimate situations like harassment or unsafe conditions.

I think I'm going to try this. I have so many specific questions about my situation and need to talk to someone who actually knows the rules.