Are you eligible for Washington ESD unemployment if you get fired - need help understanding

Thank you! That's reassuring. I was worried I'd be wasting my time applying. Should I mention the safety violation complaints when I file?

Yes, definitely include all relevant details. If your termination was retaliatory, that could actually strengthen your case for benefits.

How long did the adjudication process take? I'm really worried about how I'm going to pay bills while waiting.

Mine took about 3 weeks. It's nerve-wracking but hang in there.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I recently found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear. I was genuinely trying to do my job well, just had some disagreements with management about following proper procedures.

Wait, what exactly counts as misconduct then? I'm in a similar situation and my employer is claiming I was 'insubordinate' for questioning their decisions.

Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. Simply disagreeing with management or questioning decisions usually doesn't rise to that level unless you were outright refusing to follow reasonable instructions.

Have you tried calling to check on the status? Sometimes there are additional documents they need that aren't showing up in the online system.

I've tried calling literally hundreds of times. Either busy signal or they hang up after an hour on hold.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it cuts through all that phone frustration and gets you connected to an actual agent who can tell you what's holding up your claim.

Good point about the timing. I was fired on Friday so I need to get on this right away.

Actually I think you have longer than a week to file? But yeah definitely don't wait too long.

You're right, you can file later but your benefits start from the week you file, not when you became unemployed. So every week you wait is money lost.

This is really helpful. My situation definitely sounds like the first category. I was never warned about my performance being an issue.

What if they fire you for calling in sick too much? I had the flu and missed 3 days and they terminated me for 'excessive absences.

That would likely qualify you for benefits unless you had received specific warnings about attendance and continued to miss work without valid reasons.

Did you have to do a phone interview or hearing? I'm nervous about having to explain everything over the phone.

I had a brief phone interview with an adjudicator. They just asked basic questions about what happened. As long as you tell the truth, you should be fine.

Phone interviews with Washington ESD can be tricky to schedule though. I waited 6 weeks for mine last time.

Good to know. I'm definitely expecting them to contest it since they seem pretty vindictive about the whole thing.

Yeah employers love to make it sound like you'll never get benefits but most of the time if you weren't fired for serious misconduct you'll be fine.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week? I've heard different numbers.

It's 3 job search activities per week in Washington. Can be applications, networking contacts, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records.

And make sure to register with WorkSourceWA if you haven't already. It's required for receiving benefits.

That's exactly how I was feeling. Like maybe I didn't deserve help because I got fired. But you're right, I paid into this system.

Exactly! You paid unemployment taxes on every paycheck. This is insurance you already paid for.

Good to know there's a backup plan. Hopefully it won't come to that but it's reassuring to know I have options.

The appeal process can take a while though, so definitely try to get everything right the first time if possible.

And if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your appeal or claim status, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Worth checking out their demo if you're facing phone connection issues.

Thank you everyone for all the advice and encouragement. I'm going to file my claim right now. Feeling much more confident about this.

Good luck! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Will do! This thread has been incredibly helpful.