Unemployment

[u/taybra1]

I’ve been checking eServices and calling ESD daily for the past six weeks and I’m still told my claim is waiting for an adjudicator to be assigned.

I have already uploaded the following documents: • My husband’s job offer letter for his new position in Boise, Idaho (accepted September 22, 2025) • Our marriage certificate • My resignation letter • The full email thread with my employer after I resigned, which shows: • They asked me to return in-person September 30–October 3 to train my replacement • I provided a new physician’s note (extending through October 31, 2025) stating I remained under active care and could only work remotely • My employer explicitly denied my request for an ADA reasonable accommodation (remote work)

Background: I was on approved Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) for a serious health condition from July through early October 2025. My original medical certification ended September 30, but PFML benefits continued until October 3, which is why I made my resignation effective October 3, 2025.

With my employer unable to accommodate remote work and my spouse relocating for his new job, I had no practical choice but to move to Boise with him—we cannot afford to maintain two households. I have a bachelor’s degree and seven years of professional Human Resources experience. Since the move, I have been actively job-searching in the same field, have completed several pre-employment assessments, and am diligently logging all search activities in the required spreadsheet.

I completely understand ESD is overwhelmed right now. I’m simply hoping for any insight into why adjudication is taking this long and, based on the facts and documentation I’ve provided, whether my claim is likely to be approved for “following a spouse” and/or medical/voluntary quit with good cause.

Thank you so much for any information you can share—truly appreciate it!

[u/drossdragon]

I agree with u/SoThenIThought_ that the Able and Available issue will take priority over the moving to be with spouse. If you were on PFML when you left your job (or it had just ended), you will need to have a physician’s letter stating when you were cleared to return to work and if there were any limitations (like your remote-only requirement). Without that clearance they will still consider you not able and available for work.

For the move issue you will need to document when the move took place. ESD is required to examine whether you stayed working until the move date or a short time before. This is spelled out in RCW 50.20.050:

(iii) The claimant: (A) Left work to relocate for the employment of a spouse or domestic partner that is outside the existing labor market area; and (B) remained employed as long as was reasonable prior to the move;

[u/SoThenIThought_ → u/drossdragon]

exactly, because in that post is this

I provided a new physician’s note (extending through October 31, 2025) stating I remained under active care and could only work remotely

me: 🥶.. hoping to see the document and that it is not just entirely exclusive of work but determinant of suitable work. Fingers crossed

[u/taybra1 → u/SoThenIThought_]

Thank you for all the help, I really appreciate you taking the time to look at this with me. Everything I’ve already submitted to ESD is uploaded in the portal. Right now it shows “Separation Date” issue with “Adjudication in progress” under the decision tab. Quick background without going into identifying details: • My physician’s letter recommended I return only in a remote capacity until 10/30 to avoid risk of relapsing symptoms. • During/after my FMLA period, my employer never discussed continued leave options and did not engage in the interactive process for my ADA accommodation request. • I was ultimately given the choice of either returning in-person (to train my replacement for just a few days) or personally pay back the employer for covering the full insurance premiums. • I worked in HR there for 6 years, so the relevant email thread is between me and my direct manager (who is also in HR). I’d love to get your thoughts on whether sharing that full email thread (or parts of it) with ESD would strengthen the “good cause quit” argument. The thread clearly shows the timeline, the accommodation request/denial, the insurance ultimatum, and their statement that they no longer needed the training once remote wasn’t possible. Since it contains real names, company letterhead, etc., I want to be respectful and protect privacy. Would it be okay if I sent it to you via Reddit private message (I can blur/black-out names and any truly identifying info first), or would you prefer I paste only the relevant excerpts with everything redacted? Whatever you’re most comfortable with. Thanks again for any insight you can offer!

[u/Curious_Werewolf5881 → u/taybra1]

And what about a current physicians statement about your current ability to work and restrictions? If they haven't asked for that yet, they will so get started working on it.

And so, am I correct that you had the option of returning to work to train your replacement, which you declined? Was thar after your given last day? Was it after you had been cleared to return to work? Have you been cleared to return to work or only to work remotely?

Sorry! Edited to say I saw much of that info in other comments. You still need to work on your ability issue though....

[u/taybra1 → u/Curious_Werewolf5881]

On September 16, 2025, I submitted my resignation via email, effective October 3, 2025. Subsequently, my employer requested that I return in person from September 30 to October 3, 2025, to train my replacement and informed me that failure to do so would make me responsible for the employer-paid portion of my health insurance premiums.

In response, I promptly provided a physician’s note requesting a reasonable ADA accommodation to perform that training remotely through at least October 31, 2025. After I submitted the medical documentation, my employer withdrew the training request entirely and has not followed up regarding reimbursement of insurance premiums.

I made a good-faith effort to meet the employer’s needs within my medical restrictions. Despite having successfully worked remotely on numerous occasions during my six years in the HR department, I was told remote work was not supported in this instance.

For unemployment purposes, please note that the primary reason for my separation was the need to relocate for my spouse’s career advancement.

[u/ciearams]

Hi there! Im experiencing a similar issue, I left my job 10/27 because it was affecting my mental health/sibrurty- my employer said they wouldn't stand in the way of me getting my unemployment benefitsq.

That being said, I applied for my benefits 10/27 (that day). My weekly claims ( 5 of them now) are still pe ding, and it turns out I have an adjudication pending now as well- as of 11/12/2025. Im getting anxious because I have bills and $0, I dont k ow who to reach out to, ESD is all automated now and I've se t multiple messages with no response.

Any idea how long this can take od,who you can get a hold of to get updates?

[u/taybra1 → u/ciearams]

Since I posted this on Reddit, I’ve been in touch with u/SoThenIThought and I’m waiting to hear their take on my situation. You might want to DM them too — could be worth it.

As for me, I’m now 8 weeks into filing claims and still have zero updates from ESD.

Hoping things turn around for you soon!

[u/SoThenIThought_]

marriage certificate

Why did you upload this?

[u/taybra1 → u/SoThenIThought_]

What the website and phone rep said to do if you “Quit without fault – relocation to maintain the family unit following spouse’s mandatory job-related move”

[u/SoThenIThought_ → u/taybra1]

Just a heads up the relocation thing is an entire template and you will need more than just that. On someone in a separate reply

(Right now) are you medically capable of working full time? The main issue with this claim is going to be an able and available issue

[u/taybra1 → u/SoThenIThought_]

I am medically cleared to work and have been actively seeking new employment. I submitted my resignation with an effective date of October 3. Prior to that date, my employer requested that I return in person from September 30 to October 3 to train my replacement. In response, I promptly provided an additional doctor’s note confirming that I could perform this training remotely and was medically cleared to work in a remote capacity through October 30. My employer informed me that they could not accommodate remote work and no longer needed the training. As a result, my resignation remained effective on October 3, and I did not work or receive pay after that date. After six years with the company, and with my requested ADA accommodation ultimately denied, my family could no longer financially maintain two separate households. I therefore had to relocate with my spouse. I filed for unemployment benefits on October 6 (three days after my last day of employment). Since separation, I have been actively job searching, completing pre-employment assessments, and fully complying with all Washington State unemployment work-search and reporting requirements.

[u/SoThenIThought_ → u/taybra1]

------

Got it, so under the following laws is how the job separation will be adjudicated

The recommendation last time and every time for a job separation under this is

• 1. Documentation to show that they are a registered domestic partner or otherwise a spouse. Like a marriage license. Simply because this is specifically listed in the law

• 2. A brief statement describing that they (you) stayed In your job for as long as possible prior to the relocation, and how and why Simply because this is what is specifically required in the law. I can guide you on what to make if you want - and what we make can also be confirmed in a free 15 minute consultation with the law firm associated with our community. SEE BELOW

• 3. A document showing that you were required to relocate Sounds like you already uploaded this

  -------Next step: check for any other eligibility issues-----

1. Login to eServices, do the multifactor authentication
2. Click on your active claim
3. Click on the link that says upload a document
4. What is listed there is the title of the eligibility issue, in this example the open issue is an overpayment waiver. That is unlikely to be your issue, it's just an example of an issue and how it's listed on this screen. Share the eligibility issue with the moderator to help make a plan

• You tell me what is listed here and I will tell you how to solve it

If it is only your job separation then we need to complete these tasks and get this created, corrected, confirmed, and uploaded as an attachment to a message in eServices to ESD, If there are any other eligibility issues we must deal with them before we take the next step

examnple breakdown of statement

----- Best Practice -----

• SUBMIT your package of information to me for review or corrections prior to submitting it.

• Yes, I work for a law firm and any material we create can be vetted for free (if necesary)

[u/taybra1 → u/SoThenIThought_]

Can I message and/or email you direct to share the email thread between myself and my employer - paired with the additional documents I have provided ESD.

Based on your replies, it looks like I have provided everything to ESD except:

• proof of movE and/or relocation (I’m assuming you’re meaning lease agreement etc.)
• detailed message from me to ESD explaining the situation/timeline.

Please let me know if contacting direct would be okay.

Thank you!

[u/SoThenIThought_ → u/taybra1]

Hi yes. I sent you several messages on chat. You will have to pester me. The next few days are my part-time job which are much longer hours, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or maybe longer. I want you to pester me at least within every 24 hours

[u/taybra1 → u/SoThenIThought_]

I just sent the email, subject titled “taybra1 to SoThenIThought_RE: WA Unemployment.

There’s 6 attachments, and timeline within the body of the email.

Please let me know if there is any more info I can provide - and THANK YOU for your help!

[u/taybra1 → u/SoThenIThought_]

Did you receive my email?

[u/taybra1 → u/SoThenIThought_]

Pestering per your instructions - 👋🏼☝🏽

[u/SoThenIThought_ → u/taybra1]

this part:

detailed message from me to ESD explaining the situation/timeline.

Correct, ideally we follow the best practice and you create a draft and you send it to me for Corrections. Before submitting

i sent you a chat message. I see that you have a screenshot of an email that you sent me about 6 days ago. I just searched my inbox and I did not see it so I would like to email you from either of my company email address or from that address to you to prevent you from being caught by the spam blocker, which is empty there's nothing in that folder or trash

however. The information contained in those emails is helpful but not as helpful as what's going to defeat the able and available issue which is a notice or letter from your doctor stating that you're capable of working at least in some partial capacity. However I am not sure if you have a condition that has worsened or continued to such a capacity that you cannot work at all.

Sometimes this information can be extracted directly out of electronic record keeping such as Multicare without the need to do an additional request to the facility for a note or letter from one of your Physicians that states that you're capable of some sort of modified Duty

[u/taybra1 → u/SoThenIThought_]

It would be helpful for you to review the original email, as it contained six attachments — including the physician’s letter that outlined the medical recommendation for me to return in a remote capacity only.

(That letter was provided right after I submitted my notice of intent to separate and was told that if I did not return in person for two days to train my replacement, I would be required to repay the employer-paid insurance premiums.)

I’ll message you my email address separately and will forward the full thread with all six attachments again so it hopefully reaches you this time.

Thank you!

[u/taybra1]

It has been 12 weeks, I called today and ESD said they are still waiting for an adjudicator to be assigned. @SoThenIThought_ any advice?