Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I get terminated from my job?

Yes, you can typically get unemployment if you're terminated, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will look at whether you were fired for misconduct or just performance issues. If it's performance-related and not willful misconduct, you should be eligible for UI benefits.

File as soon as you're terminated, don't wait! The sooner you apply with Washington ESD the sooner your claim starts processing. Even if they challenge it, you want to get the process started immediately.

I got fired last year for attendance and still got my UI benefits. Washington ESD approved me after about 3 weeks. Your employer can contest it but they have to prove misconduct, not just poor performance.

Just went through this whole process myself. The key thing is being honest on your application about why you were terminated. Don't try to hide it or lie about it because Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway. If you're having trouble getting through to them on the phone to check your claim status, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a human at Washington ESD. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing, i got fired 2 months ago and still dont fully understand if i did everything right on my weekly claims

For weekly claims you need to apply to at least 3 jobs per week and keep records in your job search log. Washington ESD can audit this so make sure you're documenting everything - company name, position, date applied, method of contact.

The whole system is designed to make it as hard as possible for working people to get help. They'll find any excuse to deny your claim and then make you jump through hoops to appeal it. It's ridiculous!

Update: I got terminated today. My manager said it was due to not meeting performance standards. I'm planning to file for unemployment tomorrow morning. Feeling pretty anxious about the whole process but this thread has been really helpful.

I was in a similar boat last year - got let go for 'not being a good fit' which was really just performance stuff. Washington ESD approved my claim without any issues. The weekly filing process is pretty straightforward once you get used to it.

Make sure you keep all the documentation from your termination - any writeups, the termination letter, etc. If your employer contests your claim you'll need that stuff for the adjudication process.

Just remember you have to be actively looking for work while collecting UI. Can't just sit at home doing nothing or they'll cut off your benefits.

Been there! Got fired from my retail job for missing too many shifts (I had transportation issues) and Washington ESD still approved my benefits. Took about 4 weeks total but I did get back pay for the waiting period.

If you do run into issues with your claim or need to speak to someone at Washington ESD, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. I used it again last week when I had questions about my ongoing claim and got connected to an agent in like 15 minutes instead of spending hours calling.

honestly the worst part about getting fired is dealing with all this bureaucratic BS afterward. like im already stressed about money and now i have to navigate this confusing system

Pro tip: file your weekly claims on the same day each week to avoid missing the deadline. I almost lost a week of benefits because I forgot to file on time.

The job search requirement is 3 jobs per week but make sure you're applying to suitable work. Can't just apply to random jobs that have nothing to do with your skills or experience.

Got fired for performance issues 6 months ago and my claim was approved no problem. The key is Washington ESD looks at whether it was misconduct or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct.

remember to also look into other benefits you might qualify for while unemployed - food assistance, healthcare subsidies, etc. unemployment benefits alone might not cover all your expenses

I tried that Claimyr thing mentioned earlier and it actually worked! Got through to Washington ESD in under 20 minutes when I'd been trying to call for days. Definitely recommend it if you need to talk to someone about your claim.

One thing to watch out for - if you get any severance pay that might affect when your benefits start. Washington ESD considers severance as wages which could delay your first payment.