Can I get Washington ESD unemployment benefits if I was fired from my job?

You can definitely apply! Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from Washington ESD benefits. The key is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job or violating company policies.

You can definitely apply for Washington ESD benefits even if you were fired. It depends on whether you were terminated for misconduct or not. Attendance issues might not count as misconduct if you had valid reasons for the absences and followed company policy by calling in.

I was fired for similar reasons last year and still got approved for benefits. The key is that Washington ESD looks at whether your actions were willful misconduct. Missing work for legitimate reasons usually doesn't qualify as misconduct.

Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from Washington ESD benefits. It depends on WHY you were fired. If it was for misconduct (like stealing, fighting, or willful violation of company policy), then you'll likely be denied. But if it was for performance issues, inability to do the job, or personality conflicts, you may still qualify. You should definitely file a claim and let Washington ESD make the determination.

I went through this exact situation last year. Filed my claim right away and it went into adjudication for about 3 weeks while Washington ESD investigated. They contacted both me and my former employer to get both sides of the story. Eventually got approved because I could prove I wasn't fired for misconduct.

You should file immediately. Even if your employer contests it, you can appeal their decision. I was fired for 'attitude problems' and still got my benefits after explaining my side during the adjudication process. The key is being honest about what happened when you file.

I had a similar situation where I couldn't get through to Washington ESD to check on my claim status after being fired. Spent weeks calling that 833 number with no luck. Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really helped me get my adjudication resolved faster.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! They'll find any excuse to deny you benefits even when your boss was clearly in the wrong. I got fired for 'insubordination' when I refused to work unpaid overtime and they still denied my claim initially. Had to fight tooth and nail to get it overturned.

Honestly, trying to reach Washington ESD by phone is a nightmare. I spent weeks calling hundreds of times just to check on my claim status. Finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to an actual agent in like 20 minutes. There's even a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much stress.

File your claim ASAP! Don't wait. Even if you're not sure you qualify, it's better to apply and let Washington ESD make the determination. You can always appeal if they deny you initially.

Make sure you document everything about your termination - any emails, witness statements, your employee handbook, etc. Washington ESD will want details about the circumstances. Also be prepared for your employer to possibly contest your claim, which could trigger an adjudication review.

been there, got fired last year for 'poor performance' but really it was because my manager didn't like me. still got my unemployment after they reviewed everything. just be honest when you file and don't try to hide anything

When you file your initial claim, you'll be asked specific questions about your separation from work. Answer them truthfully and thoroughly. If Washington ESD needs more information, they'll conduct fact-finding interviews with both you and your employer before making a determination.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Got fired three weeks ago and my claim is still in adjudication. It's nerve-wracking waiting for their decision but at least I filed right away so the claim date is backdated to when I first applied.

File immediately! Don't wait. Even if there's a chance you might be denied, you want to get your claim date established. You can always appeal if Washington ESD initially denies you. The worst thing you can do is not apply at all.

I actually discovered a service called Claimyr that helps people get through to Washington ESD agents when you can't reach them by phone. I used it when my claim was stuck in adjudication and it saved me so much time. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Quick question - does it matter what industry you work in? I was fired from a restaurant job and wondering if service industry terminations are treated differently by Washington ESD.

One thing to keep in mind - even if you're initially approved for benefits, your employer can still appeal the decision. I've seen cases where someone starts receiving payments and then has to pay them back after an employer's successful appeal. Just something to be aware of.

Performance issues vs misconduct is the key distinction. Misconduct means you willfully violated company rules or were grossly negligent. Just not being good enough at your job typically isn't misconduct under Washington ESD rules.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing. i got fired 3 months ago and still fighting my case. they said i was denied but i appealed and now waiting for a hearing date. the whole process takes forever

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST WORKERS!!! Employers can fire you for any BS reason and then dispute your unemployment claim to avoid paying higher taxes. It's disgusting.

Quick tip - when you file make sure you have all your employment details ready including exact dates, wages, and reason for separation. It makes the process smoother.

Make sure you document everything about your termination while it's fresh in your memory. Write down exactly what was said, who was present, any context about your performance reviews, etc. This will help if your claim goes to adjudication.

File your claim ASAP because there's a waiting period before benefits start anyway. Even if there's an adjudication issue to resolve, getting your claim in the system sooner rather than later is always better.

ugh been there... getting fired sucks but at least unemployment helps bridge the gap while you job hunt

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Got let go for 'not meeting expectations' but never received any coaching or improvement plans. My claim has been in adjudication for 2 weeks. The waiting is killing me financially.

The employer has to prove misconduct, not the other way around. If they can't provide documentation of warnings, progressive discipline, or clear policy violations, you'll likely be approved. Washington ESD generally gives claimants the benefit of the doubt in borderline cases.

My cousin got fired for attendance issues and still qualified for benefits because she had legitimate medical reasons for the absences. Every situation is unique, so don't assume you're automatically disqualified.

One more thing - make sure you understand the job search requirements once you start receiving benefits. You'll need to log your job search activities and be available for work.

whatever you do dont lie on the application. be honest about being fired but explain it was performance related not misconduct. lying will get you in way more trouble than being fired ever could

I got approved after being fired for performance issues. Took about a month for adjudication but Washington ESD sided with me. The key was showing I was trying to improve and that the employer didn't give me adequate support or warning.

Don't let them intimidate you into not filing. Some employers will try to discourage you by saying you won't qualify, but they don't make that decision - Washington ESD does. File your claim and let the system work.

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. The application asks directly about the reason for separation and gives you space to explain your side. Be thorough but honest in your explanation.

Remember that if your claim gets denied initially, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process gives you a chance to present your case to an administrative law judge who can overturn Washington ESD's initial decision if they find it was incorrect.

honestly the whole process is stressful but most people who get fired for non-misconduct reasons do end up getting approved eventually. just prepare for it to potentially take some time if there's an investigation

Update on that Claimyr service I mentioned - I actually used it again last week to check on a different issue with my claim. Still works great for getting through to Washington ESD when you can't reach them the normal way. Just thought I'd mention it again since a few people seemed interested.

Important tip: when you file your weekly claims while your case is in adjudication, make sure you're still doing your job search and reporting it correctly. Even if you're not getting paid yet, you need to meet all the requirements to maintain your eligibility.

Had a coworker who got fired and was worried about the same thing. Turned out the company didn't even contest her claim and she was approved within a week. Sometimes employers don't bother fighting unemployment claims, especially if they know the termination wasn't for serious misconduct.

Whatever you do, don't let anyone talk you out of filing. I almost didn't apply because a friend told me I wouldn't qualify after being fired. Ended up getting approved and receiving benefits for several months while I found a new job. You never know until you try.

Just wanted to add that if you do get approved, make sure you understand the work search requirements. You'll need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and keep a log of your activities. Washington ESD takes this seriously and can audit your job search at any time.

One last thing - if you do end up needing to appeal a denied claim, consider getting help from a legal aid organization or employment lawyer. Some offer free consultations for unemployment cases, especially if the termination seems questionable.

I got fired for 'performance issues' which was total BS and still got approved for benefits. Took forever to get through the adjudication process though.

Pro tip: keep detailed records of everything - when you were fired, what they told you, any documentation you have. You might need it later if there's a dispute.

Wait, don't you have to be laid off to get unemployment? I thought being fired meant you can't get it.

Another thing to consider - even if Washington ESD initially denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way.

I used Claimyr too when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about my claim status. Super helpful and way less frustrating than trying to call myself over and over.

Just remember that if you do get approved, you have to file weekly claims to keep getting benefits. Don't forget to do that every week!

The whole system is designed to discourage people from filing. They make it confusing on purpose so people give up and don't claim what they're entitled to.

My cousin got unemployment after being fired for showing up late too many times. If your absences were for legitimate reasons you should be fine.

File ASAP because there's usually a waiting week before benefits start, and the sooner you file the sooner that waiting period begins.

good luck! getting fired is stressful enough without worrying about money too

One last thing - if you do end up needing to contact Washington ESD and can't get through, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. It's been a lifesaver for so many people dealing with claim issues.

Update us on how your application goes! I'm sure others in similar situations would benefit from hearing about your experience.

Even if you get initially denied, you can appeal within 30 days. I've seen lots of people win on appeal even after being denied initially. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filing now. Going to start the application tonight and document everything I can remember about the termination. Really appreciate this community.