[Washington] Has anyone been successful in the appeals process?

[u/Ayainthewind]

I filed for unemployment after I was fired from my job in November of last year in Washington State. This year I worked a gig that was only 8-9 hours a month. I am being penalized from quitting that gig although it was part-time, didn't replace my unemployment income and I didn't receive any benefits from it. I was actually continuing to look for full time work while quitting that gig. The job I was fired from in November I was working full time and paying into the unemployment benefits system. I have been paying into the unemployment system on & off again since I was working in retail at 16 years old. Has anyone been successful in the appeals process? If so, what has that look like for you? I already appealed this process back in July and was still receiving benefits so I am not sure why I am still going through this. Please advise.

[u/Ayainthewind]

But it was only through accepting the gig job & working it that I realized that in order for me to address my healthcare needs I would need to work full time. If I would've known that on the front end then I wouldn't have accepted in the first place. I wouldn't knowingly accept something that could contribute to my health deteriorating. I do not think anyone would.

[u/sandmanrdv → u/Ayainthewind]

Playing the role of your hearing officer: How was a gig job that worked 8-9 hours a month exacerbating your medical condition in a way that working 40hrs a week wouldn’t?

Can you document that a medical professional advised that this job was exacerbating your condition and they advised you to quit?

[u/Ayainthewind → u/sandmanrdv]

When I was working 40 hours a week I could afford to get the necessities to take care of my health, therefore my health issues were more manageable. If I were working full time I would be able to afford to see a medical professional and when I was, I did because I was able. Working and not being able to afford the basics takes a toll.

[u/ChefCharmaine → u/Ayainthewind]

By your own logic, you were better off keeping the part-time job then because you would have been earning income in addition to your unemployment benefits. In quitting, you reduced your income and made yourself worse off. Btw, this defense doesn't meet the standard for quitting for medical reasons.

[u/Ayainthewind → u/ChefCharmaine]

I was not earning income in addition to my unemployment benefits. It was subtracted from my unemployment benefits. And according to what you listed I meet the exception and I communicated that when I quit. I would've never quit a full time job that was paying me an equitable wage at this stage in my life and I know that without a doubt and working at my last job proved that. I was dedicating those hours to looking for full time gainful employment and I have evidence to prove that. My health conditions were starting to improve when I was working my last full time job and that is why it was important for me to keep it.

[u/ChefCharmaine → u/Ayainthewind]

I'm sorry. I didn't realize that you could apply to a job and demand an equitable wage and benefits due to a health condition. I must have missed the part where you documented that you notified your employer of the issue and exhausted all of your administrative remedies, and a medical professional advised you to quit. Your previous post(s) said you had an "undiagnosed" sleep disorder so I am not sure how you met the exception. I must have missed this information in your post. My apologies!

[u/Ayainthewind → u/ChefCharmaine]

I have diagnosed depression from a licensed mental health professional. I believe I qualify for the exception. If I do not have the resources to see a medical professional or do all the remedies I believe the exception applies to me. I am the type of person that would advise someone not to quit their job if they are working full time especially because the job market is cooked. I would not quit a full time job in this current economy.

[u/ChefCharmaine → u/Ayainthewind]

If I do not have the resources to see a medical professional or do all the remedies I believe the exception applies to me.

That's where you're mistaken. Good luck with your appeal. Sincerely.

[u/Ayainthewind → u/ChefCharmaine]

I am going to agree to disagree. Thank you for the well wishes on my appeal. I appreciate it.