When do you not qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington state?

What exactly counts as 'good cause' for quitting? I have some emails documenting the hostile behavior but not sure if that's enough.

Documentation helps a lot! Harassment, discrimination, unsafe working conditions, or constructive dismissal situations can qualify as good cause. Keep all those emails - you'll need them if your claim goes to adjudication.

I can definitely work and I'm already job searching, so that part should be fine.

Make sure you understand what counts as valid job search activities. It's not just applications - networking, attending job fairs, skills training all count too.

That sounds helpful - I've been trying to call ESD for days with no luck. How does Claimyr actually work?

They basically handle the calling process for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. When they connect you with an ESD agent, you can ask about your specific quit situation and get a real answer instead of guessing.

I used Claimyr last month when I had questions about my adjudication. Saved me so much time and frustration compared to trying to get through myself.

I worked full-time for over a year so my earnings should be fine. It's really just the quitting issue I'm worried about.

Then focus on documenting that hostile work environment. The more evidence you have of the toxic behavior, the stronger your case for good cause separation.

How would I know if my employer is claiming misconduct? They didn't fire me - I definitely quit.

You'll find out when ESD contacts your employer during the claims process. Sometimes employers get vindictive and try to make it look like misconduct to avoid paying into the unemployment system.

This happened to my friend. She quit but her boss told ESD she was fired for attendance issues. Had to go through a whole appeal process.

I didn't get any severance since I quit. Does that actually make things easier in some ways?

In terms of timing, yes. No severance means no waiting period for that reason. Your main hurdle is proving the quit was for good cause.

I'm flexible on all of that - willing to work full-time, any schedule, and I can commute or relocate if needed.

That's good. Just make sure when you file your weekly claims you're honest about your availability. Any restrictions need to be disclosed.

And don't turn down job offers unless they're truly unsuitable. ESD tracks that stuff and it can disqualify you.

How long does the appeal process usually take? I need to start getting benefits soon if I'm going to qualify.

appeals can take a few weeks to a couple months depending on how backed up they are. but if you win the appeal you get back pay from when you first filed

I'm definitely going to look into that. Seems like talking to an actual person would be way better than guessing about my situation.

I second this recommendation. I spent weeks trying to get through to ESD on my own before using Claimyr. Made all the difference in getting my issue resolved quickly.

What kind of activities don't count? I thought any job application would qualify.

Applications definitely count, but things like 'browsed job websites' without applying don't. You need concrete, documentable activities like applications, interviews, networking contacts, etc.

The WorkSourceWA system is pretty specific about what you can log. Make sure you understand the categories before you start filing weekly claims.

I'm in my 30s so no retirement benefits to worry about there.

Then you're clear on that front. Focus on building your case for why quitting was justified due to the hostile work environment.

I'm a US citizen with no legal issues, so those aren't concerns for me.

I feel this so much. The whole process seems designed to discourage people from applying.

This is exactly why services like Claimyr exist - to cut through the phone system frustration and get you actual answers from ESD agents.

I don't have any other income right now, but good to know for the future. Thanks for all this information everyone - I think I have enough to decide whether to file.

Good luck with your claim! Remember to keep all documentation about the hostile workplace situation - you'll need it if your case goes to adjudication.

Definitely file - the worst they can do is say no, and you might be surprised. Hostile work environment can definitely qualify as good cause for quitting.