Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits After Quitting A Job

Most people are aware that they are entitled to unemployment benefits when their employment is terminated. But some may be unaware that under certain circumstances, an individual may be eligible for unemployment benefits even if they quit their job. 

WAC 192-320-070 lists the following reasons for an employee voluntarily quitting, which are considered attributable to the employer:

• Change in work location which causes an increase in distance and/or difficulty of travel, but only if it is clearly greater than is customary for workers in the individual's classification and labor market;

• Deterioration of work site safety provided the employee has reported such safety deterioration to the employer and the employer has failed to correct the hazards within a reasonable period of time;

• Employee skills no longer required for the job;

• Unreasonable hardship on the health or morals of the employee;

• Reductions in hours;

• Reduction in pay;

• Notification of impending layoff; and

• Other work-related factors the commissioner considers pertinent.

Whether an individual qualifies under the above criteria is determined by the Employment Security Department on a case-by-case basis. ESD will often ask follow-up questions to determine whether an applicant is eligible for benefits. It’s important to be aware that these criteria exist when applying for, or appealing, ESD’s determination of benefits.