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One more thing - if you worked in multiple states recently, you might need to file in a different state depending on where you earned the most wages. Check the ESD website for interstate claim info.
File online at esd.wa.gov - it's way easier than trying to call. The online application walks you through everything step by step. Just be honest about the termination reason and provide your perspective in the comments section.
Bottom line - getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. Performance issues rarely rise to the level of misconduct unless there was willful wrongdoing or repeated policy violations. File your claim and let Washington ESD make the determination.
The Washington ESD system is honestly pretty broken. I've seen people get denied for the most ridiculous reasons, then get approved on appeal for the exact same information. Sometimes it's just a computer glitch or someone made a mistake reviewing your file.
Update us when you figure out what the issue was! I'm curious if it was the WorkSource registration thing. That seems to trip up a lot of people and they don't make it clear that it's required.
Don't forget that even if you can't get regular unemployment, you might be able to get other types of assistance while you're between contracts. There are programs for people in transition that don't require the same employment history.
UPDATE: I decided to go ahead and file a claim based on my W-2 wages from earlier this year. Worst case they deny it, but at least I'll know for sure. Will update this thread if I hear anything back from Washington ESD.
Smart move. And if you get stuck trying to reach Washington ESD about your claim status, remember that Claimyr can help you get through to an actual person instead of waiting on hold forever.
Natasha Petrova
One last thing - if you're coming from another state, make sure to close out any claims there before filing with Washington ESD. You can only have one active unemployment claim at a time, but it's all still handled through state agencies, not federal ones.
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Keisha Johnson
•Good to know! I'm a Washington resident so not an issue for me, but good info for others.
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QuantumQuest
•Yeah, interstate claims can get complicated but Washington ESD can help with that process too.
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Amina Sy
thanks everyone for clearing this up. was making it way more complicated than it needed to be. washington esd it is!
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Keisha Johnson
•Same here! One agency to deal with makes life so much easier.
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Paolo Rizzo
•Glad we could help! That's what these forums are for.
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