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

Washington ESD recognizes several 'good cause' reasons for quitting. The main ones are: unsafe working conditions, harassment/discrimination, significant changes to job duties or pay, domestic violence situations, and medical reasons. You need documentation though - can't just say your boss was mean.

Yes, Washington ESD does allow unemployment benefits in certain quit situations. The key is proving you had 'good cause' for leaving. This includes workplace harassment, unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties or pay, discrimination, or domestic violence situations. You'll need to document everything thoroughly before you quit.

Washington ESD does allow unemployment benefits if you quit for 'good cause' but it has to be work-related and substantial. Some qualifying reasons include: unsafe working conditions, significant changes to your job duties or pay, harassment or discrimination, or if your employer violated labor laws. You'll need to document everything and prove the situation was unreasonable.

I quit my job last year due to sexual harassment and got approved for unemployment. It took about 6 weeks for adjudication but Washington ESD approved my claim. The key was having detailed records of incidents and reporting it to HR first.

I quit my job last year due to harassment and got approved for benefits, but it took forever. Had to go through adjudication and provide statements from coworkers. Worth it in the end but be prepared for a long wait.

Yes, Washington ESD does allow unemployment benefits if you quit for 'good cause.' The key is proving your reason meets their criteria. Hostile work environment, harassment, unsafe conditions, or significant changes to your job duties/pay can qualify. You'll need solid documentation though - emails, witness statements, HR complaints, etc. The burden of proof is on you to show you had no reasonable alternative but to quit.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent by phone. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

I went through this exact situation last year. Washington ESD approved my claim after I quit due to harassment. The adjudication process took about 6 weeks though, and I had to provide tons of documentation. Make sure you have everything organized - incident reports, emails, any communication with management about the issues.

Just went through this myself. I had to quit because my employer kept changing my schedule with no notice and it was affecting my childcare. Washington ESD approved it as constructive dismissal. The adjudication process was stressful but having good documentation helped. If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD for questions, I found Claimyr really helpful - they got me through to an actual agent at claimyr.com. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

I quit my job last year due to unsafe conditions and got approved for UI benefits. The key is you have to show you attempted to get the employer to fix the problem first. Washington ESD will want to see that you made reasonable efforts to resolve the issue before quitting.

CONSTRUCTIVE DISCHARGE is another big one that people don't know about! If your employer makes conditions so bad that any reasonable person would quit, that can qualify. Cutting your hours drastically might fall under this.

Just wanted to mention that if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD during the adjudication process, I discovered claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get connected to actual agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me when I was stuck waiting for weeks to talk to someone about my claim status.

MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 'GOOD CAUSE' AND 'COMPELLING FAMILY REASONS.' Washington ESD has specific definitions for each. Good cause is work-related (harassment, unsafe conditions, etc.) while compelling family reasons are personal (domestic violence, caring for sick family, etc.). Both can qualify you but they have different documentation requirements.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to discuss your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Sometimes talking to a real person can help clarify whether your situation would qualify.

The main categories Washington ESD recognizes for good cause quit are: workplace harassment/discrimination, unsafe working conditions, significant reduction in hours or pay, domestic violence, medical issues that make the job impossible, and transportation issues beyond your control. Each case is evaluated individually during adjudication.

uhh why not just get fired instead? way easier to get benefits that way lol

whatever you do dont just quit without filing complaints first!! i made that mistake and got denied. you have to show you tried to resolve the issues before quitting or they'll say you should have worked it out

Here's what Washington ESD considers good cause for voluntary separation: 1) Lack of work/significant reduction in hours, 2) Changes in working conditions, 3) Discrimination/harassment, 4) Unsafe working conditions, 5) Domestic violence, 6) Compelling family circumstances, 7) Health reasons. Each has specific requirements for documentation.

i quit my job last month because of a hostile work environment and got denied for unemployment. now im appealing but its been a nightmare. washington esd said i didnt have enough documentation even though i had emails and stuff. maybe i should have tried harder to work with my employer first?

I tried to quit for good cause and Washington ESD denied me initially. Had to appeal and it took 3 months total before I saw any money. Make sure you have SOLID documentation before you quit.

Be careful though - quitting for 'good cause' is a high bar to meet. Washington ESD will investigate your claim thoroughly and may contact your former employer. If they determine you didn't have good cause, you could be disqualified from benefits entirely. Make sure you have solid documentation before you quit.

I work in HR and see these cases often. Washington ESD looks for evidence that you made reasonable efforts to resolve the issues before quitting. Simply being unhappy or having conflicts with coworkers usually doesn't qualify. But genuine harassment, safety violations, or illegal activities by the employer often do qualify if properly documented.

ugh this is exactly why i hate the unemployment system. you're damned if you do damned if you dont. stay in a toxic job and ruin your mental health or quit and potentially lose benefits. its not fair!!

The Washington ESD website has a whole section on good cause reasons for quitting. Some other examples include: discrimination, significant reduction in hours/pay, unsafe working conditions, or if your employer violated labor laws. It's not just about harassment - there are lots of legitimate reasons they'll accept.

My sister quit her job due to her boss making racist comments and got unemployment. She had to provide witness statements and kept a detailed log of incidents. The adjudication took forever but she was approved. Make sure you report the harassment to HR in writing before you quit.

Honestly the whole system is rigged against workers. They make it so hard to prove 'good cause' that most people just stay in terrible jobs. I've seen people get denied for obvious harassment situations just because they didn't jump through every bureaucratic hoop perfectly.

Another tip - when you quit, make sure you tell your employer IN WRITING exactly why you're quitting and reference the specific issues. This creates a record that Washington ESD can review during adjudication.

Don't forget about the medical reasons option. If your job is affecting your physical or mental health, that can qualify too. You'll need doctor documentation though.

One more thing - if you do quit for good cause, be prepared to prove you tried to resolve the issue first. Washington ESD wants to see you made reasonable efforts to fix the problem before quitting.

Just remember that even with good cause, Washington ESD will contact your employer for their side of the story. Make sure everything you document is accurate and truthful.

TIMELINE IS IMPORTANT! Some good cause reasons have time limits. Like if working conditions change, you generally need to quit within a reasonable time after the change, not months later.

Other qualifying reasons include: constructive discharge (employer makes conditions so bad you're forced to quit), domestic violence situations, or if you need to relocate due to a spouse's job transfer. Health issues might qualify too if work is making them worse.

Here's what I learned from my experience: Washington ESD considers domestic violence as good cause for quitting even if the workplace itself isn't the problem. If you need to leave due to safety concerns related to domestic violence, you can still qualify for unemployment benefits. There are special provisions for these situations.

BE CAREFUL about quitting for 'constructive dismissal' - that's when your employer makes conditions so bad that any reasonable person would quit. It's a valid reason but you need REALLY good documentation. I tried to claim this and got denied initially because I couldn't prove the conditions were unreasonable.

One thing to consider - if you quit for good cause, you might still have to serve a waiting period before benefits start. It's not automatic like if you were laid off. Also make sure you're actively looking for work and meeting all the other UI requirements once your claim is approved.

Just want to add that if your employer contests your claim (which they probably will), you need to be prepared for that fight. They'll likely say you quit without good cause and try to make you look bad. Having solid documentation and witnesses is crucial.

If anyone needs to actually talk to Washington ESD about their specific situation, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but it saved me hours of trying to get through on my own.

I tried to quit for harassment and got denied benefits. Turns out I needed to file formal complaints with HR first and give my employer a chance to fix it. Washington ESD said I quit too soon without exhausting internal remedies.

I used claimyr when I was dealing with a contested claim situation. Really helped me get through to someone at Washington ESD who could explain the process and what to expect. Sometimes having that human contact makes all the difference when you're stressed about the whole situation.

The timing of when you quit matters too. If you quit immediately after an incident, it's easier to prove good cause than if you wait weeks or months. Washington ESD wants to see that you quit as a direct result of the problematic conditions, not just because you found something better.

Just want to add that if you do quit, make sure you understand exactly what you need to report when filing your initial claim. Being dishonest about the circumstances can lead to fraud charges. Always be truthful about why you left your job.

BTW if you do end up filing and need to check on your claim status or talk to someone about the adjudication process, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Saved me hours of trying to get through on the phone.

this is all so complicated... why can't they just make it simple like 'if your job sucks you can quit and get benefits' lol

One thing that helped me was keeping a detailed log of incidents - dates, times, witnesses, what happened. Made it much easier to present my case to Washington ESD.

Also remember that if you quit for good cause, you still have to meet all the other UI requirements - job search, available for work, etc. Quitting for good cause just means you won't be disqualified for voluntary separation.

Final advice - don't quit until you have everything documented and ready to file your claim immediately. The sooner you file after quitting, the sooner your waiting period starts.

Good luck with whatever you decide! Having a toxic work environment is awful and no one should have to put up with that.

One thing nobody's mentioned - if you quit, you might also lose access to COBRA health insurance continuation. Make sure you understand all the consequences before making your decision.

Have you considered talking to an employment lawyer before quitting? Many offer free consultations and might give you better advice about whether your situation would qualify for good cause.

Whatever you decide, start documenting everything NOW. Dates, times, what was said, who was present, how it affected you. Even if you don't quit, having a paper trail protects you.

i quit my job 2 years ago because my boss was a nightmare and got denied. washington esd basically said deal with it or find another job. the system is rigged against workers

Another option to consider is whether you can get reduced hours or take medical leave first. Sometimes employers will accommodate rather than lose an employee, and it might give you time to explore your options.

Just remember that even if you qualify for benefits after quitting, there might be a waiting period before payments start. Plan your finances accordingly.

One more resource - WorkSource has employment counselors who might be able to help you think through your options before you make a decision. They understand the unemployment system pretty well.

Bottom line - quitting for good cause is possible but the bar is high. Document everything, try to resolve issues internally first, and be prepared for a potentially lengthy adjudication process if you do file for benefits.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Toxic work environments are terrible for your health but make sure you protect yourself legally and financially too.

If you do end up needing to file a claim and have questions about the process, definitely consider using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Getting actual answers from Washington ESD can make a huge difference in understanding your rights.

Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after quitting. There are time limits on when you can file, and you don't want to miss your window. Also, be completely honest about why you quit - lying will only hurt your case if they find out.

Has anyone dealt with constructive dismissal situations? Where they make your job so unbearable that you're basically forced to quit? I wonder if that's treated differently than regular good cause quits.

whatever you do, dont quit without having another job lined up if possible. even if you get approved for unemployment, it takes forever and the amount is way less than your regular pay. i learned this the hard way.

I'm going through something similar right now. My supervisor has been making my life hell and I've documented everything. Reading this thread is giving me hope that I might actually have a case if I decide to quit. The stress is affecting my health at this point.

One more thing - if you do quit and file for unemployment, make sure you stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements. Washington ESD is strict about that stuff and you don't want to get disqualified for not following the rules.

For anyone reading this thread later - definitely check if your employer has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or other resources for dealing with workplace issues. Sometimes using those services first can help strengthen your good cause case.

Just wanted to say good luck with whatever you decide. Toxic work environments are soul-crushing and no one should have to put up with abuse just to keep their job. Document everything and don't be afraid to stand up for yourself.

If you end up needing to talk to Washington ESD about your claim, I had good luck with claimyr.com - they helped me get through when I couldn't reach anyone through the regular phone lines. Sometimes you need that extra help navigating the system.

Bottom line - if you have legitimate good cause and proper documentation, Washington ESD should approve your claim. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't quit an abusive job and still get benefits. You have rights as a worker.

I had to quit because my employer wouldn't let me take FMLA leave for my sick parent. Washington ESD initially denied my claim but I appealed and won. The key was showing that I had no choice but to quit due to family circumstances beyond my control.

Don't forget that even if you quit for good cause, you still have to meet all the other unemployment requirements like being able and available for work and actively seeking employment. Quitting for good cause just means you won't be disqualified, but you still need to do weekly claims and job searches.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about your specific situation, I recently used Claimyr and it was a game changer. They got me connected to an actual ESD agent within minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that explains exactly how it works.

Just to add another perspective - transportation issues can qualify as good cause too. If your employer moves locations and you can't reasonably commute, or if you lose your transportation through no fault of your own, that might qualify. But again, you need to document everything.

One thing to remember is that Washington ESD will contact your former employer during the adjudication process. They'll get their side of the story too, so make sure your documentation is solid and truthful. If your stories don't match up, it could hurt your case.

I successfully got unemployment after quitting due to wage theft. My employer kept 'forgetting' to pay overtime and wouldn't fix it even after I complained. Washington ESD considered it good cause because the employer was violating labor laws. Document any pay issues carefully!

The bottom line is that Washington ESD wants to see that you had no reasonable alternative to quitting. If you could have resolved the issue by talking to your boss or HR, but you didn't try, they'll likely deny your claim. But if you tried to work it out and they ignored you or made it worse, that's good cause.

For anyone dealing with similar issues, I found that using Claimyr really helped when I needed to get specific information from Washington ESD about my case. The regular phone lines are impossible but this service got me through to someone who could actually answer my questions about good cause requirements.

One last resource - Washington ESD has a handbook online that explains all the good cause reasons in detail. Worth reading before you make your decision.

And if you do need to contact Washington ESD directly about your situation, remember that Claimyr option. Sometimes talking to an actual person can clarify things that reading online can't.