Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I get fired for background check issues?

You can definitely apply for Washington ESD benefits. Getting fired for a background check doesn't automatically disqualify you, especially if you were honest about your history. The key is whether you were terminated for misconduct or not.

Washington ESD will look at the specific circumstances of your termination. If the employer had policies about background checks that weren't clearly communicated to you, or if there was a delay in processing that wasn't your fault, you have a good chance of getting benefits approved.

File your claim right away! I had something similar happen and Washington ESD approved my benefits. The adjudication process took about 2 weeks but they ultimately ruled in my favor because I hadn't committed any workplace misconduct.

I went through this exact situation last year and had trouble reaching anyone at Washington ESD to check on my claim status. If you run into that problem, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

washington esd usually sides with workers in background check situations unless there was obvious fraud involved. you should be fine

Make sure you have documentation of what you disclosed to the employer. Washington ESD might ask for proof that you were honest during the hiring process.

The worst part about this kind of termination is how sudden it is. At least with unemployment you'll have some income while you search for a new job that's a better fit.

Question - did they give you any written documentation about why you were terminated? That could be important for your Washington ESD claim.

honestly the background check system is so messed up these days. companies take forever and then act surprised when stuff comes up that was already disclosed

File your Washington ESD claim today if you haven't already. There's usually a waiting week anyway so the sooner you start the process the better.

Similar thing happened to me but it took weeks to resolve because I couldn't get through to Washington ESD on the phone. Their call volume is insane. That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually worked for me too - saved me hours of redialing.

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired 'for cause' vs. being let go due to circumstances beyond your control. Background check issues usually fall into the second category.

Don't let this discourage you from being honest on future applications. Most employers appreciate transparency even if this one didn't handle the situation well.

If your claim goes into adjudication, don't panic. It just means Washington ESD needs to investigate the circumstances. As long as you were truthful, you should be approved.

THE WHOLE BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM IS A SCAM! They drag their feet for weeks then fire people for stuff that has nothing to do with the job!

Keep documentation of your job search efforts too. Washington ESD requires you to look for work while collecting benefits and they might ask for your job search log.

You mentioned this was a warehouse job - those types of positions usually have pretty standard background check requirements. If they weren't clear about their specific standards, that works in your favor.

I tried to help my friend with a similar situation and we spent forever trying to reach Washington ESD by phone. Eventually found out about this Claimyr thing that actually gets you through to a real person. Might be worth looking into if you hit roadblocks.

The good news is that Washington ESD is generally pretty fair about these kinds of situations. Just be honest in your application and provide any documentation you have.

Update us on how it goes! Always curious to hear how these background check cases turn out with Washington ESD.

I went through something very similar about 8 months ago. Got let go from a retail job after their background check flagged an old charge I thought I had disclosed properly. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 10 days - no adjudication needed. The key thing that helped me was having screenshots of the job application where I checked "yes" to having a criminal history and provided details in the explanation box. Even though the background check company found additional details I wasn't aware of, ESD ruled that I had made a good faith effort to be honest and that the termination wasn't due to workplace misconduct. Definitely apply ASAP and gather any evidence you have of your disclosure during the hiring process.