


Ask the community...
Bottom line - file as soon as you can, be honest about everything, and keep good records. The system works if you follow the rules, even though it can be frustrating to navigate.
For anyone still worried about this process - I've helped several friends close their claims and it's really not complicated. The Washington ESD online system handles most of the work for you once you report your return to work date accurately.
Just to close the loop on the Claimyr discussion - I used them last month for a different issue and they were legit. Sometimes it's worth paying for help when you need to talk to Washington ESD quickly, especially if you have time-sensitive questions about your claim.
The waiting week is gone now which is nice. You used to have to wait a week before benefits started but they eliminated that. So you can get paid for your first week of unemployment.
Last thing - if you have questions about your specific situation, the ESD website has a lot of good information. Start there before trying to call. But if you do need to talk to someone and can't get through, that Claimyr service people mentioned actually works.
For what it's worth, I've been on both sides of this as a former HR person. Most companies will contest unemployment claims automatically, but Washington ESD is pretty fair about investigating the actual facts. If you weren't willfully violating policies or being deliberately insubordinate, you'll likely be approved for benefits.
Bottom line - don't let them intimidate you. If you get fired and you weren't committing misconduct, apply for unemployment benefits. Worst case scenario, they deny your claim and you appeal. Best case, you get approved and have some income while you look for a new job. Either way, you're not worse off for trying.
Connor O'Neill
Don't let them intimidate you during the process. Employers sometimes try to make terminations sound worse than they were to avoid paying unemployment taxes.
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Mateo Hernandez
•That's what I'm worried about. They might exaggerate things.
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Connor O'Neill
•Washington ESD hears these cases all the time. They can usually tell when employers are stretching the truth.
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QuantumQuester
You'll be fine. Performance issues are way different from misconduct in Washington ESD's eyes. Just file your claim and be patient with the adjudication process.
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Mateo Hernandez
•Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm going to file my claim today.
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Aisha Khan
•Good luck! Come back and let us know how it goes.
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