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The Washington ESD website has good information about what constitutes misconduct vs. other reasons for termination. I'd recommend reading through that section so you understand how they evaluate these cases.
Bottom line: file your claim as soon as you're terminated, be completely honest about the circumstances, document everything, and don't get discouraged if it takes time. Most legitimate claims get approved eventually.
The Washington ESD system has gotten better over the years but it's still not perfect. Be patient with the process and keep good records of everything you submit.
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Sounds like at my income level I should get close to the maximum benefit amount, which is better than I expected. I feel much more prepared now if I do end up needing to file for unemployment.
Good luck with everything! The first week is always the hardest but once you get into the routine of filing weekly claims, it becomes pretty straightforward.
One more tip - if you do need to call Washington ESD and Claimyr isn't an option, try calling right when they open at 8 AM or during lunch hour. Those seem to be the best times to get through.
Though honestly, Claimyr is so much easier than trying to time your calls perfectly. Just saying!
CaptainAwesome
One last plug for Claimyr - if you do get audited or have rate disputes, being able to actually talk to Washington ESD agents instead of waiting on hold for hours is invaluable. The peace of mind alone is worth it.
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KylieRose
•Thanks for all the info everyone. This thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding what I'm getting into.
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Miguel Hernández
Good luck with your restaurant! The unemployment tax system is confusing at first but you'll get the hang of it. Just don't try to wing it - get professional help and keep detailed records.
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KylieRose
•Definitely planning to hire a payroll company now. You've all convinced me it's worth the investment.
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