Can I file for Washington ESD unemployment if I was fired from my job?

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD will look at whether you were terminated for "misconduct" or just performance/business reasons. Performance issues usually don't disqualify you unless it was willful misconduct. You should definitely apply right away since there's a waiting period.

I got fired from my retail job last year for being late too many times and still got approved for UI benefits. The key is whether it was intentional misconduct or not. Sounds like your situation might qualify since it was performance-related, not something like theft or fighting.

Just went through this exact situation myself. Filed online at esd.wa.gov and it was pretty straightforward. The tricky part was getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim status. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help me get connected to an actual agent when I couldn't get through on my own. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The Washington ESD will investigate any termination to determine if it was for misconduct. Poor performance, lack of skills, or economic reasons typically don't disqualify you. However, if they find evidence of willful misconduct (like violations of company policy, insubordination, or criminal acts), you could be denied benefits.

Yes, you can definitely file even if you were fired. Washington ESD will look at the specific reason for termination. If it was for performance issues rather than misconduct, you might still qualify. The key is whether it was 'misconduct' or just not being able to do the job well enough.

I was in a similar situation last year - got fired for 'not being a good fit' which was basically performance. Filed anyway and got approved after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The worst they can do is say no, but you should definitely try.

ugh the whole system is such a nightmare. I got fired from my last job for "attitude problems" which was basically just me standing up for myself when management was being unreasonable. Still got my unemployment though after they did their investigation. Don't let them intimidate you into not filing.

File ASAP! There's a one-week waiting period anyway and the sooner you get in the system, the sooner you might start getting benefits. Even if there's an issue with your termination, it's better to have the claim started.

The distinction Washington ESD makes is between misconduct (which disqualifies you) and inability to perform the job (which usually doesn't). No formal warnings actually works in your favor - shows they didn't follow progressive discipline for misconduct.

Same thing happened to my brother-in-law. He was "let go" for performance but really they were just downsizing. Got his unemployment with no problems. The Washington ESD people are pretty fair about these things from what I've seen.

One thing to keep in mind - even if you qualify for unemployment, you'll need to actively search for work and report your job search activities each week. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week typically. Don't forget about that requirement!

been there done that. got canned from my construction job for "safety violations" that were really just me questioning some sketchy practices. fought it and won my UI benefits. dont let them bully you out of what you earned.

Quick update on the Claimyr thing mentioned earlier - I actually tried it last month when I was having issues with my weekly claim certification. Worked pretty well for getting through to someone at Washington ESD without the usual phone tag. Might be worth looking into if you run into problems with your claim.

Just went through this whole process myself and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check my claim status. If you run into the same issue, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.

DEFINITELY file!! I was fired for attendance issues (overslept a few times) and still got benefits. Washington ESD looks at each case individually. Don't let them scare you into not applying.

File your claim ASAP because there's a waiting period anyway. Even if there are issues to resolve, you want to get the process started. You can always appeal if they deny you initially.

Pro tip: when you file online, make sure you have all your employment information ready - dates, wages, reason for separation, etc. The Washington ESD application is pretty detailed and you don't want to have to go back and correct stuff later.

Just want to echo what others have said - being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment. I know someone who got fired for "not being a good fit" and still got benefits. The key is that it wasn't misconduct.

Washington ESD will ask both you and your employer for details about what happened. Be completely honest - lying or leaving out important details will hurt you more than the original firing reason.

The system is so broken. I know people who got fired for legitimate reasons and still got benefits while others who did nothing wrong get denied. It's all about how you explain it and sometimes just luck.

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired and being laid off when you file. Washington ESD treats them differently but both can potentially qualify for benefits depending on the circumstances. Don't assume you're disqualified just because you were terminated.

i was fired from target for being 15 minutes late once too many times and still got my unemployment. as long as you weren't stealing or doing drugs or something really bad you should be fine

I got fired from a retail job for 'not meeting sales goals' and Washington ESD approved my claim. Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job.

Don't forget that if Washington ESD denies your claim initially, you can appeal their decision. Sometimes they're overly cautious on the first review but a successful appeal can overturn that. You have 30 days to file an appeal if needed.

Make sure when you file that you select the right reason for separation. There should be an option for 'discharged/fired' and then you'll get to explain the circumstances in more detail.

Whatever you do, don't delay filing. I waited two weeks after getting fired thinking I wouldn't qualify and those were two weeks of benefits I could have gotten if I'd been approved.

I'm dealing with Washington ESD right now for a similar issue and using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Actually got through to an agent yesterday who explained exactly what documentation they needed for my case. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Performance issues vs misconduct is huge in Washington state. I work in HR and see this all the time. If someone can't do the job despite trying, that's usually not disqualifying. If they won't do the job or violate rules, that's misconduct.

File the claim online at esd.wa.gov and be prepared for it to go to adjudication since there was a termination involved. That just means they need to investigate before making a decision.

Document everything you can remember about the firing - dates, what was said, any emails or paperwork. If Washington ESD has questions later, you'll want those details.

Don't let anyone tell you not to file just because you were fired. Washington ESD exists to help people who lose jobs through no real fault of their own, and poor performance often falls into that category.

Started my claim process two months ago after being terminated and finally got my first payment last week. The key is being patient but persistent, especially if you need to contact them about your claim status.

Remember you'll also need to do job search activities once your claim is active. Washington ESD requires 3 job search contacts per week, so start keeping track of your applications.

Just an update in case anyone else is in this situation - filed my claim after being fired for attendance and got approved yesterday. Don't give up before you even try!

One thing to keep in mind - if Washington ESD approves your claim and your employer appeals their decision, you might have to go through a hearing process. But don't let that scare you from filing.

One more thing - if you do qualify for benefits, your weekly benefit amount will be based on your wages from the past year, not just this job. So even if this job didn't pay great, your benefits might be higher if you had better-paying work earlier in your base period.

Been following this thread and wanted to add - if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD about your claim status, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually does work. Used it myself when I couldn't get through their phone system. Worth checking out the demo video they linked if you're frustrated with busy signals.

Bottom line - file your claim regardless of being fired. Let Washington ESD make the determination rather than assuming you don't qualify. Worst case scenario is they say no, but many people who were terminated still qualify for benefits. You've got nothing to lose by filing.