Can I get ESD unemployment after being fired from a new cafe job for being sick?

That really sucks! I think you should be able to apply for unemployment since you were let go through no fault of your own. Being sick isn't misconduct. But I'm not 100% sure about the length of employment thing. Does anyone know if there's a minimum time you need to work somewhere before you can qualify?

Yes, you should apply right away. Washington is a "base year" state, which means your eligibility is based on your work history during the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file. So it's not just about your most recent job. Since you mentioned you had another job before this one, those hours and wages will count toward your eligibility as long as they fall within your base year. The key factors ESD looks at are: 1. If you worked at least 680 hours in your base year 2. If you lost your job through no fault of your own Being fired because you were legitimately sick is generally not considered misconduct, so you should qualify based on that criteria. Make sure to explain exactly what happened when you file.

ESD will definitely contact your former employer, that's standard procedure. Make sure you're honest and consistent about why you were let go. Since you have a doctor's note, mention that in your application and keep it as evidence in case you need it later. Just be aware that your employer might contest your claim by saying you were unreliable or couldn't perform the job - some employers do this to avoid having their unemployment insurance rates go up. If that happens, you'll enter adjudication and have to provide your side of the story.

lol cafe owners are the WORST. i worked at 3 different cafes and they ALL pulled this kinda stuff. treat employees like disposable napkins and then wonder why turnover is so high. you should 100% file for unemployment and make them pay for treating you like garbage. the system is designed to protect workers from exactly this kind of garbage.

Just wanted to add that when you file, be very specific about the timeline and circumstances. Don't just say you were "let go" or "fired" - explain that you missed work due to a documented illness and were terminated as a result. ESD makes a big distinction between being fired for misconduct (which can disqualify you) and being fired for other reasons like getting sick (which shouldn't disqualify you). Also, prepare for the possibility that your claim might go into adjudication, which is basically when ESD investigates disputed claims. If this happens, don't panic - it's pretty common and doesn't mean you won't get benefits. It just takes more time to resolve.

When I had a claim go to adjudication last year it took almost 2 months to resolve!!! ESD is impossible to reach by phone too - I spent hours calling every day and never got through to anyone. Super frustrating especially when you're already stressed about money.

One more important thing - make sure you start filing your weekly claims immediately after you apply for benefits, even if your application is still pending or in adjudication. If you wait until your application is approved to start filing weekly claims, you won't get back pay for those weeks. You need to establish a claim pattern from the beginning. Each week, you'll need to document at least 3 job search activities (applications, interviews, etc.). There are some exceptions to the job search requirements, but it's best to just do them to avoid complications.

i went thru something similar but my claim got denied b/c my boss said i was a no-call no-show even tho i texted him every day i was sick. make SURE you have proof you communicated about being sick!!!!

To follow up on your question about how long adjudication takes - it varies quite a bit depending on ESD's current workload, but typically 3-6 weeks. If you're concerned about immediate finances while waiting, you might want to look into other temporary assistance programs like: 1. Emergency Assistance programs through DSHS 2. Rental assistance programs in your county 3. Food banks and Basic Food benefits If your claim is eventually approved, you'll receive back payments for all the eligible weeks you claimed, even during the adjudication period. Just make sure to keep filing those weekly claims consistently.