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

Thank you! Do you know if verbal harassment counts? I don't have written proof of the inappropriate comments, just my word against theirs.

Verbal harassment absolutely can count, but you'll want to document dates, times, witnesses if any, and any reports you made to HR. Keep a detailed log starting now if you haven't already.

Thank you! Should I document the hour reduction somehow? I don't have it in writing but my paystubs show the difference.

Paystubs are perfect documentation! Also write down dates and details of any hostile incidents. Washington ESD will want to see that you tried to resolve the situation with your employer first before quitting.

That's helpful! I've been keeping screenshots of inappropriate messages from my supervisor. Would those count as documentation?

Absolutely! Screenshots, emails, text messages - any written evidence of harassment or hostile behavior will strengthen your case during the adjudication process.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about the time it takes during adjudication.

Mine took about 3 weeks from filing to approval. The agent I spoke to through Claimyr helped me understand that good cause cases often take longer because they have to investigate thoroughly.

Never heard of Claimyr before but might check it out. Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my own situation.

6 weeks?! That's a long time to wait without income. Did you have to do anything special during the adjudication period?

Just keep filing your weekly claims and respond immediately to any requests for information. I had to submit a written statement and they interviewed both me and my former employer.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD during adjudication, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an agent when I couldn't get through on my own. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Thank you! I've been keeping emails and notes. Do I need to report the harassment to HR first or can I just quit and file?

Ideally you should try to address it through proper channels first, but if HR isn't responsive or if reporting would make things worse, document that too. Washington ESD will look at whether you had reasonable alternatives.

How much does that cost? I'm already stressed about money and don't want to spend a lot.

It's way cheaper than missing out on weeks of benefits while you can't get through to explain your situation. Check out claimyr.com - they focus on getting you connected, not charging crazy fees.

Never heard of this service but honestly anything is better than spending 6 hours on hold just to get disconnected.

Thanks! Do you know what kind of documentation I would need for a hostile work environment situation?

Keep detailed records of incidents with dates, times, witnesses. Save any emails or messages. File complaints with HR if possible. Washington ESD will want to see you tried to resolve it first.

How long did the whole process take? I'm worried about being without income while they decide.

maybe 3-4 weeks? the adjudication process is slow but they did approve it eventually

A substantial reduction in hours or pay can definitely qualify as good cause! If your hours were cut by more than 25%, that's typically considered a material change to your employment terms.

I had a similar situation and got approved. Key is to show you tried to work with your employer first - ask for more hours in writing, document their refusal, then you can quit with good cause.

Getting fired on purpose seems risky though. What if they claim it was misconduct?

Don't recommend intentionally getting fired - that can backfire badly. If you have good cause to quit, document it properly and file your claim. That's the legitimate path.

Thank you! I've been keeping detailed notes of every incident. Do I need to report the harassment to HR first before quitting?

It's generally recommended to try addressing it through proper channels first, but it's not always required. If you can show you made reasonable efforts or that reporting would be futile, Washington ESD will consider that.

Thank you! I have been documenting everything in emails and I did try talking to HR but they basically ignored me. Should I file a formal complaint before I quit?

Yes, definitely file that HR complaint in writing and keep a copy. Washington ESD will want to see you made a good faith effort to fix the situation before quitting.

Thanks! Do you know what kind of documentation I'd need for a hostile work environment? I've been keeping notes but not sure if that's enough.

Keep detailed records with dates, times, witnesses if any. Also document any complaints you've made to HR or management and their responses. Email trails are especially helpful during the adjudication process.

What kind of documentation do I need? I have some text messages from my supervisor about the schedule changes but that's about it.

Text messages are good! Also keep emails, take photos of unsafe conditions, write down dates and times of incidents. The more evidence you have, the better your chances.

Should I file the claim before I actually quit or wait until after? I'm planning to give my two weeks notice next Monday.

Wait until after your last day of work to file. Washington ESD needs your actual last day of employment to process the claim correctly. But file as soon as possible after that.

How long did it take for Washington ESD to decide on your case? I'm worried about the adjudication process taking forever.

Mine took about 6 weeks because they had to investigate. They contacted my former employer and asked for documentation. Having everything organized definitely helped speed things up.

Six weeks?! That's a long time to wait. Did you have to provide a lot of documentation?

Yes, I had to submit emails, witness statements, and a detailed timeline. The more evidence you have, the better your chances.

How did you survive financially during those 6 weeks of waiting?

I'm so sorry you went through that. Did you eventually get approved though? That gives me some hope.

Yes eventually. The key was having witnesses who were willing to write statements. Even though it was verbal harassment, having coworkers back up my story made all the difference.

That's horrible but glad you got through it. Shows the system does work eventually even if it's slow and painful.

That's really good advice. I should probably send an email to my supervisor about the scheduling issues so I have it in writing.

Exactly! Email is your friend here. Send something like 'Following up on our conversation about my reduced hours...' even if you didn't really have that conversation. Creates a paper trail.

6 weeks?? How did you survive financially during that time? I'm already living paycheck to paycheck.

It was rough. I had to borrow money from family. But once it was approved, they paid all the back benefits from when I first filed.

How long did your adjudication take? I'm worried about going weeks without income while they investigate.

Mine took about 5 weeks total. I had trouble reaching anyone at Washington ESD to check on the status though - their phone lines are constantly busy.

I had the same issue with getting through to Washington ESD. I ended up using Claimyr.com to help me reach an agent - they have this system that calls for you and connects you when someone picks up. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

What about if they cut your hours significantly? My employer reduced my schedule from 40 to 15 hours per week without warning.

That could qualify as constructive dismissal if it's a substantial reduction. Washington ESD considers major changes to wages, hours, or working conditions as potential good cause, but you'd need to document the change and any attempts to resolve it.

What about if they're trying to force me to do things that aren't in my job description? They want me to handle chemicals I'm not trained for.

That could definitely qualify under unsafe working conditions or substantial change in job duties. Document the training you lack and any safety concerns you raised with management.

That's interesting, I've been dreading trying to call them. How does that service work exactly?

Basically they handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when an agent is available. Saved me hours of redialing and getting busy signals.

Never heard of that but sounds like it could be useful. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible.

What counts as 'significant' reduction in pay? My hours got cut by about 30% but they said it was temporary.

Generally 20% or more is considered significant, but 'temporary' cuts that drag on for weeks can also qualify. Document when the cuts started and any promises they made about restoring hours.

This is really helpful. Do they require medical documentation for health-related reasons?

Yes, you'd need documentation from a healthcare provider stating your condition prevents you from performing your job duties. Washington ESD is pretty thorough about verifying medical claims.

That's scary. How did you end up proving your case?

I had to get statements from coworkers who witnessed the harassment and provide screenshots of inappropriate messages from my supervisor. It was a pain but worth it.

Good point about witnesses. I didn't think about getting statements from other people.

Did you need a specific type of medical documentation? Like a note from your doctor?

Yes, I needed a detailed letter from my doctor explaining how the job duties were affecting my health condition and recommending I leave that work environment.

What do you mean by 'immediately'? Like the same day something happens?

Not necessarily same day, but within a reasonable timeframe. If your boss harasses you on Monday, quitting by Friday of that week would be reasonable. Waiting a month would be harder to justify.

What's the waiting period? I thought that was only if you got fired for misconduct.

It varies depending on your specific situation. Some good cause quits don't have a waiting period, others might have 1-7 weeks. The Washington ESD agent will explain this when they review your case.

6 weeks?? That's so long. Did you have to keep filing weekly claims during that time?

yeah you have to keep filing even during adjudication or you lose your place in line. super annoying but that's how it works

How does that service work? Is it legit? I'm worried about getting scammed.

It's legit - they basically help you get through the phone system at Washington ESD. You can check out their site at claimyr.com. I was skeptical too but after 3 months of getting nowhere, I was desperate. They got me connected to an actual adjudicator within a week.

My hours went from 40 to 15 per week - would that count as substantial? It's basically cut my income by more than half.

A reduction from 40 to 15 hours is definitely substantial. That's over a 60% cut in hours. Washington ESD typically considers anything over 20-25% reduction as potentially qualifying for good cause, especially if it affects your ability to meet basic needs.

We don't really have HR - it's a small company. Would talking to the owner count as trying to resolve it?

Yes, documenting a conversation with the owner about the issues would show you tried to resolve things. Just make sure to follow up with an email summarizing what was discussed.

That's really discouraging. Did you eventually get approved though?

yeah i did but it was like 4 months of hell. keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them and follow up constantly. the squeaky wheel gets the grease with washington esd unfortunately.

What are the current job search requirements? I heard they changed them recently.

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and register with WorkSourceWA. The activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or training programs. You have to document everything in your job search log.

Did you appeal the decision? You have 30 days to file an appeal if you disagree with their determination. Sometimes you just need to present your case better the second time.

no i didn't know i could appeal. is it too late now?

If it's been more than 30 days from the decision date, it might be too late unless you can show good cause for the delayed appeal. Check your determination letter for the exact appeal deadline.

I've tried calling Washington ESD so many times and never get through. Is this Claimyr thing legit?

Yeah, I used it last month when I needed to check on my claim status. It actually worked - got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold.

Never heard of this but sounds too good to be true. How much does it cost?

That's encouraging to hear. What kind of evidence did you provide during the investigation?

I had emails, a written complaint I'd filed with HR, notes from meetings, and even a doctor's note about stress-related symptoms. The Washington ESD investigator interviewed me, my former supervisor, and HR.

Did you have to go to a hearing or anything? I'm worried they won't believe me.

nah no hearing just had to do a phone interview with the adjudicator. they asked detailed questions but i had all my documentation ready so it went fine

I understand the risk but I'm not sure how much longer I can handle this situation. My anxiety is through the roof and it's affecting everything.

Your health has to come first. If you have documented good cause and you've tried to resolve the situation, Washington ESD should approve your claim. Just make sure you have everything well-documented before you quit.

What if HR is part of the problem or the company is too small to have HR?

Then document your attempts to address it directly with management. Keep records of those conversations too. Washington ESD understands not every workplace has formal HR processes.

I was having the same problem until I found Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents by handling the calling for you. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works.

Is that legit? I'm so desperate at this point I'll try anything.

Yeah it worked for me. They got me connected to an agent in about 2 hours when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. Much better than sitting on hold for hours just to get hung up on.

That's good to know. I was planning to give two weeks notice even though I don't want to stay another day.

Two weeks notice shows you're being professional about it. Also make sure to keep copies of everything - your resignation letter, any responses, documentation of the harassment.

This is important information. There are also special provisions if you need to move to escape domestic violence.

What if my company doesn't have an HR department? It's just me and my boss, and he's the problem.

In that case, document that you brought up your concerns directly with the boss and how they responded (or didn't respond). Email follow-ups after verbal conversations work well for this.

What counts as 'drastically' cutting hours? They reduced me from 40 to 25 hours a week with no explanation.

That could definitely qualify! A reduction of more than 25% in hours or pay can be considered constructive dismissal in Washington.

I've talked to my supervisor multiple times about the schedule issues but nothing changes. Should I try going to HR?

Yes, definitely document that you went to HR. Even if they don't help, having that paper trail shows you tried to resolve it through proper channels.

This is exactly what happened to me last year. I tried everything with my employer first, kept detailed records, and when I finally quit I got approved for benefits. Just took forever to get through the system.

Significant reduction in hours can definitely qualify as good cause. In Washington, if your hours or pay are reduced by more than 25%, that's often considered constructive dismissal.

Good to know! I was worried I'd be stuck in this situation forever. Going to start documenting everything now.

Oh no! What exactly did you do wrong? I want to make sure I don't make the same mistake.

I quit after one really bad incident instead of documenting a pattern. Also didn't give my employer a chance to fix the problem. Learn from my mistake - build a solid case first.

This is why documentation is so important. Washington ESD needs to see that you made reasonable efforts to resolve the situation before quitting.

Good point, I hadn't thought about the job search requirements yet. How many jobs do you have to apply to each week?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but it can vary based on your situation. Activities include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or training programs. You log everything in your WorkSource account.

Document everything - dates, times, what was said, any witnesses. Keep a daily log of incidents. Email yourself summaries of conversations. If there are texts or emails from your boss, screenshot them. The more documentation you have, the stronger your case.

I've been keeping notes on my phone but I should probably be more systematic about it. Thanks for the advice - this is all really helpful.

I hadn't thought about filing a complaint. The hostile environment isn't really based on discrimination though - my boss is just generally awful to everyone.

Even if it's not discrimination, having documented complaints with any agency shows you tried to address the situation through proper channels. It demonstrates the seriousness of the workplace issues.

Should I mention the specific reasons in my resignation letter or keep it generic?

Be professional but specific. Something like 'Due to the significant reduction in hours and ongoing workplace issues that we've discussed, I'm resigning effective [date].' Don't go into a rant but do reference the key issues.

Is that legit? I've never heard of anything like that before.

Yeah it's totally legit, check out claimyr.com. They basically handle the waiting and calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. Really helpful when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

Interesting, I might have to try that. I've been trying to reach ESD for weeks about my adjudication status.

Two months seems like a long time to document. How did you survive that long in that environment?

It was horrible but I knew I needed a strong case. Started looking for other jobs while documenting. The good news is the documentation process actually helped me stay focused and less emotional about the situation.

That's really helpful advice. I was planning to just select 'quit' from the dropdown menu but I'll make sure to elaborate in the comments section.

Oh no, that sounds awful. Did you eventually get approved?

Yes, but it took 8 weeks and I had to do a phone interview. Be prepared for them to question everything and make sure your story is consistent.

That's exactly why I'm scared to quit. It seems like they make it so hard even when you have legitimate reasons.

Six weeks?! That's longer than I expected. Did you have to keep filing weekly claims during that time?

Yes, you still need to file your weekly claims even while they're reviewing your quit reason. Don't skip that or you'll lose benefits for those weeks.

And make sure you're doing your job search activities too. The work search requirements still apply even during adjudication.

Totally agree. And good luck getting anyone on the phone to ask questions. I've been trying to reach them for two weeks about my own claim issues.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it solved my phone problem completely. I was getting so frustrated trying to call Washington ESD myself and never getting through.

Health and safety concerns can qualify, especially if you have a documented health condition. You'd need medical documentation and evidence that your employer isn't following required safety measures.

I'd definitely recommend talking to a Washington ESD agent about that specific situation. The COVID rules have changed a lot since 2021.

How detailed do these statements need to be? I'm worried about seeming like I'm complaining too much.

Be factual and stick to documentable issues. Focus on the objective problems - hour reductions, unsafe conditions, policy violations - rather than personality conflicts or subjective complaints. Numbers and dates are your friends.

That's important information. Are there special protections for domestic violence situations?

Yes, there are confidentiality protections and you may not need to provide as much documentation. Contact the Washington ESD domestic violence liaison if this applies to your situation.

What was her situation? I'm so worried about making the wrong choice here.

she said her boss was being mean to her but she didn't have any proof. thats why documentation is so important like everyone else said

That's awful, I'm so sorry you went through that. Did you end up getting back pay for those 3 months?

Eventually yes but by then I was already behind on rent and utilities. The whole system needs to be overhauled.

Sexual harassment is definitely considered good cause for quitting. The delay in processing is unfortunately typical but you should have gotten retroactive payments once approved.

Do I have to tell them I quit right away or can I wait until they ask?

You have to be honest on your initial application. Lying about the reason for separation can get you disqualified and possibly charged with fraud.

This is really important - they WILL find out anyway when they contact your employer for verification.

Good to know there are options for actually talking to someone. The online system doesn't give much detail about what they need.

What if I'm not sure which code to select? I don't want to mess up the application.

When in doubt, select the one that best fits and then explain in detail in the comments section. You can always clarify during the phone interview portion of adjudication.

What's the difference between those two types of good cause?

Good cause connected to' work is the higher standard - it means the reason is directly related to your job or employer. Personal good cause has more limited situations where itapplies.

How much does that cost? I'm already broke from this job situation and can't afford extra expenses.

It's not free but honestly it was worth it for me to get actual answers instead of wasting days trying to call. They don't require any personal info upfront either.

That's reassuring. I feel like I have a pretty strong case then. I've been trying to work with my supervisor for months.

Sounds like you're on the right track. Just make sure to file as soon as possible after quitting - don't delay thinking you need perfect documentation.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money if I'm thinking about quitting.

I can't remember the exact cost but it was worth it for me. The time and stress I saved was huge. Check out claimyr.com for their current info. When you're dealing with potential benefit delays, sometimes you have to invest a little to get your claim moving.

I mentioned this earlier but Claimyr really helped me with this exact problem. They basically get you through to an agent without the crazy wait times. Worth checking out their demo video to see how it works - saved me hours of frustration.

I'll look into that, thanks. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get some answers about my claim.

What kind of documentation do they want to see? I have emails but is that enough?

Emails are good. Also any written complaints you filed, witness statements, medical records if it affected your health, photos of unsafe conditions, etc. The more evidence the better.

How long did your adjudication take? And did you get approved?

Took about 4 weeks and yes, I got approved. Having detailed documentation and witness statements from coworkers really helped my case.

This is really helpful. The harassment situation definitely fits my case. Do you know if there's a time limit for filing after you quit?

You should file your unemployment claim as soon as possible after quitting. There's no specific deadline but delays can raise questions during adjudication. The sooner you file, the sooner the process can start.

That's smart. I should review our employee handbook to see what it says about harassment policies.

Also check if your state has any specific labor laws that are being violated. Washington has pretty strong worker protection laws.

I do have some emails where my supervisor was pretty condescending and unprofessional. Didn't think those would be useful but maybe they are.

Definitely keep those! Anything that shows unprofessional behavior or creates a hostile work environment can support your case.

How long should I spend documenting before I quit? I honestly don't know how much longer I can stay in this environment.

if it's really bad for your mental health don't sacrifice that. But spend at least a week or two writing down specific incidents with dates and times. Take screenshots of any texts or emails.

How long is the typical waiting period? I'm already struggling with the reduced hours.

It varies but plan for at least 4-6 weeks from when you file to when you might see your first payment, assuming your claim gets approved. That's why documentation is so important - it can speed up the adjudication process.

Absolutely good cause! Being asked to violate laws or professional ethics is a clear reason to quit. Document the request and your refusal if possible - emails, witnesses, anything that proves what happened.

This is really helpful. It sounds like documentation is key no matter what the reason for quitting is.

Did you need multiple doctor visits or just one letter?

I had been seeing my doctor for months about the anxiety so there was a documented history. One letter probably wouldn't be enough without that background.

Who should I talk to? I can't afford a lawyer and I can't get through to Washington ESD.

Try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier, or maybe contact a local legal aid organization. Some offer free consultations for employment issues.

That makes sense. I'm going to start gathering all my documentation this week before I make any final decisions.

I've been taking photos of inappropriate messages my supervisor leaves on my desk. Is that enough?

That's great evidence! Also keep a detailed log of verbal incidents with dates and any witnesses present. The more detailed your documentation, the stronger your case.

Screenshots of text messages are also really helpful if the harassment extends to personal communication.

Wouldn't that hurt my chances of getting another job though?

Not necessarily if you have documentation that it was retaliation for complaining about harassment. But definitely get advice on this strategy first.

This is risky advice. Getting fired can definitely impact future employment opportunities.

How long does adjudication usually take? I'm worried about being without income for too long.

Mine took about 3 weeks but I've heard it can be anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on complexity. The good news is if you get approved, you'll get back pay for the waiting period.

Significant schedule changes, especially ones that interfere with childcare arrangements, can potentially qualify as good cause. The key is showing that the changes were unreasonable and that you tried to work with your employer to find a solution.

That sounds similar to my situation with the hour cuts. It seems like Washington ESD looks at whether the employer made unreasonable changes that affected your ability to work.

Yeah I'm definitely going to document my attempts to address this with management first. Better safe than sorry.

I'll check that out. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

That's kind of scary. What if my coworkers are afraid to speak up because they don't want to lose their jobs too?

I understand that concern. Even if you can't get witness statements, your own detailed documentation and any written evidence can still be enough if it's thorough and credible.

Do you still have to do the job search requirements during the appeal process?

Yes, you need to keep meeting all the regular requirements including job search activities. Keep detailed records of your job search efforts just like any other claimant.

How do you prove 'constructive dismissal'? That sounds hard to document.

It usually involves a pattern of behavior - sudden schedule changes, unreasonable job duties, isolation from coworkers, etc. You need to show the employer was essentially forcing you to quit.

I don't think I qualify for FMLA since I haven't been there a full year yet. Only about 8 months.

That's tough. You might still have options under Washington state family leave laws though. Worth checking into.

What if giving notice makes the harassment worse? I'm genuinely worried about retaliation.

then document that too! if they retaliate after you give notice, that's even more evidence for your case

Did they help you with the appeal itself or just getting through to ESD?

Just getting through to ESD, but the agent I spoke with gave me really specific advice about my case that I never would have gotten from the website.

This is what scares me the most. I don't want to guess wrong and end up with no income.

I totally understand that fear. The best thing you can do is get as much documentation as possible and talk to someone who knows the system before you make any decisions.

How long do appeals take? I keep hearing different timeframes.

It varies but usually 30-60 days. You can request an expedited hearing if you're facing financial hardship.

I didn't know about that. Do I have to file that before I quit?

No, you can file it after, but having it on record shows you took the situation seriously and tried to address it through proper channels.

That's a good point. Should I write down my version of events before I file?

Absolutely. Write a timeline of incidents with dates, times, witnesses, and what actions you took. It'll help you stay consistent and organized.

Thank you for saying that. Sometimes I feel like I'm being dramatic but the stress is really affecting my sleep and everything else.

You're not being dramatic at all. Workplace harassment is serious and can have real health consequences. Trust your instincts.

You're right. I've been putting this off for too long already. I'm going to start making some calls tomorrow and see what my options are. Thank you everyone for all the advice.

Good luck! Remember, you have rights as an employee and you deserve to work in a safe, respectful environment. Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise.

I'll look into that. At this point I'm willing to explore any option that might help me get out of this situation safely.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has resources for workplace issues. Even if they can't solve your immediate problem, having a complaint on file could help your unemployment case.

This is all really helpful but also kind of scary. I feel like I'm in a no-win situation - stay and deal with the problems or quit and risk not getting benefits.

I felt the same way when I was in your situation. The key is preparation - document everything, try to resolve issues first, and then make your case clearly to Washington ESD. It's stressful but it can work out if you do it right.

I hadn't thought about talking to a lawyer. Are there any free consultations available for this kind of thing?

Many employment lawyers offer free initial consultations. You can also check with legal aid organizations in Washington state. Even a brief consultation could help you understand your options and document your situation better.

Thank you everyone for all the advice! I feel like I have a much better understanding of what I need to do to protect myself if I decide to quit. This has been incredibly helpful.