Don't let them intimidate you into not applying. Some employers will try to scare you by saying you won't qualify, but that's not their decision to make - it's Washington ESD's job to determine eligibility.

I went through almost the exact same situation about 6 months ago - got let go from my job for "performance reasons" after working there for over a year with no prior warnings. I was really stressed about whether I'd qualify for benefits, but I applied anyway and got approved after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The key thing that helped me was being completely honest in my application about what my employer told me when they fired me. Don't try to spin it or make it sound better than it was - just state the facts. Washington ESD is pretty good at distinguishing between actual misconduct and employers just wanting to cut costs. Good luck with your application!

The whole misconduct determination process can be stressful but try not to panic. Washington ESD sees these cases all the time and they're generally pretty good at sorting out legitimate misconduct from employer retaliation or policy disputes. Your situation with the shared registers and small shortages doesn't sound like the type of willful misconduct they typically use to deny benefits.

I went through something similar with a "misconduct" termination about 6 months ago. The key thing to remember is that Washington ESD looks at the actual facts, not just what your employer claims. From what you've described - shared registers, small shortages that could have multiple causes, and no clear proof you were responsible - this sounds like you have a strong case. Make sure to emphasize in your claim that multiple employees used the same register and that the shortages were minor and could have been honest mistakes or system errors. I'd also suggest writing down a detailed timeline of events while everything is still fresh in your memory. The adjudication process can take a few weeks, but don't let that discourage you from filing immediately. Even if there's an initial denial, the appeal process gives you another chance to present your case. Stay positive and document everything!

Bottom line for the original poster - file your claim. There's absolutely no age limit in Washington state for unemployment benefits. You paid into the system while working, you're entitled to benefits if you meet the eligibility requirements.

I went through this same situation at 69 when my warehouse job ended due to company restructuring. Filed online without any issues - Washington ESD never questioned my age, only whether I met the standard requirements. The hardest part was actually the job search component since many employers don't even respond to applications from older workers. But as long as you document your search efforts properly and stay available for work, age is not a factor in your eligibility. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise - you earned these benefits through years of working and paying into the system.

Thanks for posting this question OP! I'm in the exact same boat - just got hired and was stressed about how to properly end my claim. This thread has been super informative and now I feel confident about filing my final weekly claim correctly.

Just wanted to add one more important tip - make sure to keep all your documentation from your job search and final claim filing for at least a year after you close your claim. I had Washington ESD audit my claim 8 months after I ended it (they do random audits) and I was so glad I had kept all my records. Screenshots of your final weekly claim, copies of job search logs, documentation of your start date, etc. It only took them a few days to clear the audit because I had everything organized, but without those records it could have been a nightmare.

this whole sysem is rigged.... ive been waiting 11 weeks now for my appeal and still no date. they just hope we'll give up and go away

Update: I just got a letter from OAH with my appeal date! It's scheduled for July 12th, so about 5 weeks from when I filed the appeal. Now I'm super nervous and trying to gather all my documentation. Really appreciate all the advice everyone has shared - I feel much more prepared now. I'm still filing my weekly claims and doing job searches as recommended. Fingers crossed this works out.