Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I was fired from my job?
My employer terminated me last week and I'm not sure if I qualify for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. I was let go for what they called 'performance issues' but I feel like they didn't give me proper warning or training. Does being fired automatically disqualify me from getting UI benefits? I've never filed for unemployment before and I'm really stressed about how I'm going to pay my bills.
159 comments


Jungleboo Soletrain
Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment in Washington state. It depends on WHY you were fired. If it was for misconduct, then you might be denied benefits. But if it was for poor performance or inability to do the job, you could still qualify. You should definitely file a claim with Washington ESD and let them determine your eligibility.
0 coins
Anna Xian
•That's somewhat reassuring. What exactly counts as 'misconduct' versus poor performance? I was never written up formally but they said I wasn't meeting expectations.
0 coins
Jungleboo Soletrain
•Misconduct typically involves willful or intentional violations of company policy, like stealing, fighting, or repeatedly being late after warnings. Poor performance or lack of skill usually isn't considered misconduct.
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
Yes, you can potentially get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Being late occasionally usually isn't considered misconduct, especially if you had valid reasons like car trouble or emergencies. When you file your claim, make sure to explain your side of the story in detail.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•That's a relief! I was worried they'd automatically deny me. Should I mention the car problems and family emergency when I file?
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
•Absolutely mention those circumstances. Washington ESD will review both your employer's reason for firing you and your explanation. Document everything you can remember about the incidents.
0 coins
NebulaNomad
You can still potentially get unemployment even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will look at whether you were fired for 'misconduct' or not. Attendance issues can be tricky - if you had valid reasons like family emergencies and can document them, you might have a chance. You should definitely file a claim and let Washington ESD make the determination.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•Thanks! What kind of documentation would I need for the family emergencies? I have some medical records from when my mom was in the hospital.
0 coins
NebulaNomad
•Yes, medical records, hospital discharge papers, anything official that shows the emergency situation. Keep copies of everything when you file with Washington ESD.
0 coins
Rajan Walker
You should absolutely file your claim ASAP! Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. Even if your employer contests it, you have the right to appeal. The worst thing you can do is wait - you need to file within a reasonable time after losing your job to avoid complications.
0 coins
Anna Xian
•How long do I have to file? It's only been a week since I was terminated.
0 coins
Rajan Walker
•A week is fine - you should file now though. There's no specific deadline but the sooner the better. Your benefits will be calculated from when you file, not when you were fired.
0 coins
Malik Robinson
I was fired for performance issues last year and still got approved for unemployment. The key is that Washington ESD distinguishes between being fired for misconduct versus being fired for inability to do the job or other non-misconduct reasons. Attendance issues due to legitimate circumstances usually don't count as misconduct.
0 coins
Isabella Silva
•How long did it take for them to make a decision on your claim? I'm in a similar situation and getting nervous about the wait.
0 coins
Malik Robinson
•Mine took about 3 weeks to get approved. They had to do an investigation where they contacted both me and my former employer to get both sides of the story.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
Just a heads up - if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you actually reach a live agent instead of getting stuck in those endless phone loops. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really helped me get answers about my adjudication process.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•Is this legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days with no luck.
0 coins
Ravi Choudhury
•Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but I needed to talk to someone about my weekly claim issues and this actually got me through to an agent within a few hours instead of days of trying.
0 coins
Freya Thomsen
I was in a similar situation last year - got fired for being late too many times. Washington ESD initially denied my claim but I appealed it and won because I could prove the tardiness was due to my car breaking down and not having reliable transportation. The key is showing it wasn't willful misconduct.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•How long did the appeal process take? I'm worried about going without income for too long.
0 coins
Freya Thomsen
•The appeal took about 6 weeks total, but I kept filing my weekly claims during that time. Once I won, I got all the back pay.
0 coins
Nadia Zaldivar
I was in a similar situation last year. Got fired for 'not being a good fit' and was terrified I wouldn't get benefits. Filed anyway and was approved after a brief investigation. The key is being honest about what happened when you file your claim.
0 coins
Anna Xian
•Did your employer fight it? I'm worried they're going to contest my claim since they seemed pretty upset when they fired me.
0 coins
Nadia Zaldivar
•They did contest it initially, but after Washington ESD reviewed everything, they determined it wasn't misconduct. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me.
0 coins
Omar Fawaz
Just to clarify the Washington ESD rules - you're generally disqualified if you were fired for misconduct, but simple poor performance or inability to do the job usually doesn't count as misconduct. Attendance can go either way depending on the circumstances. File your claim online at esd.wa.gov and answer all questions honestly.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•Should I mention the family emergencies when I file the initial claim or wait until they ask?
0 coins
Omar Fawaz
•Mention them in the initial filing. Washington ESD will likely contact your former employer anyway, so it's better to give your side of the story from the start.
0 coins
Freya Andersen
File your claim ASAP regardless. Even if there's a question about eligibility, you want to get the process started. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. If they deny you initially, you can always appeal their decision.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•Good point. I'll file today. Better to get the ball rolling than wait and lose time.
0 coins
Omar Farouk
•exactly this!! I waited too long to file thinking I wouldn't qualify and missed out on benefits I could have gotten earlier
0 coins
Lukas Fitzgerald
If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to file your claim or check on its status, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to a real person. They have this system that calls for you and waits on hold. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.
0 coins
Ev Luca
•Is that legitimate? Sounds too good to be true honestly. How much does it cost?
0 coins
Lukas Fitzgerald
•It's totally legit - I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They don't ask for any personal info, just your callback number. Way better than spending hours on hold yourself.
0 coins
CosmicCadet
The whole system is rigged against workers anyway. They'll find any excuse to deny claims and save money. I got fired for supposedly violating company policy but it was really because they wanted to get rid of older employees. Washington ESD sided with the employer of course.
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
•That's frustrating, but every case is different. Did you file an appeal? Sometimes the initial determination gets overturned.
0 coins
CosmicCadet
•I tried but the whole appeals process is a joke. They just rubber stamp whatever the employer says.
0 coins
Chloe Martin
I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to discuss my firing situation. Spent hours on the phone trying to reach someone. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual agent. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•Is that service free? I'm already worried about money.
0 coins
Chloe Martin
•It's not free but way cheaper than missing out on unemployment benefits. They basically just help you get through to Washington ESD faster instead of wasting hours trying to call.
0 coins
Diego Rojas
•I used Claimyr too when I couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD. Worked exactly like they showed in the demo video. Got connected within 30 minutes instead of calling all day.
0 coins
Chloe Harris
What exactly do they consider 'misconduct'? I'm worried about my situation too - I got fired for arguing with my supervisor about safety issues.
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
•Misconduct generally means willful violations of company policy or deliberate acts that harm the employer. Arguing about legitimate safety concerns might not qualify as misconduct, especially if you were trying to follow OSHA guidelines.
0 coins
Malik Robinson
•You should definitely apply. Standing up for safety isn't misconduct - it's often legally protected. Washington ESD will investigate the specifics of your situation.
0 coins
Diego Mendoza
I'm dealing with something similar. Got let go for 'not being a good fit' but I think it was really because I requested accommodations for my disability. Planning to file for unemployment but also considering other legal options.
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
•Definitely file for unemployment - being fired for not being a 'good fit' usually isn't considered misconduct. You might also want to contact the EEOC about potential discrimination.
0 coins
Diego Mendoza
•Thanks, I'll look into both options. At least unemployment benefits would help while I figure out next steps.
0 coins
Avery Davis
The system is so unfair though! Employers can fire people for basically anything and then fight their unemployment claims. It's like getting punished twice for losing your job.
0 coins
Jungleboo Soletrain
•I understand the frustration, but Washington state actually has pretty worker-friendly unemployment laws compared to some states. The burden of proof is on the employer to show misconduct.
0 coins
Avery Davis
•Maybe, but they still make you jump through so many hoops just to get benefits you paid into while you were working.
0 coins
Anastasia Sokolov
wait so if you get fired you can still get unemployment?? i thought only people who got laid off could get it
0 coins
NebulaNomad
•Common misconception! You can get unemployment if you lose your job through no fault of your own, including some firing situations. Washington ESD looks at the specific circumstances.
0 coins
Anastasia Sokolov
•oh wow i wish i knew this when i got fired from target last year
0 coins
StarSeeker
The Washington ESD system is so confusing about this stuff. I got fired for 'performance issues' which sounds bad but was really just me being new and not catching on fast enough. Still got approved for benefits because they determined it wasn't misconduct. Every case is different.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•That gives me hope. My attendance problems were really due to circumstances beyond my control.
0 coins
StarSeeker
•Exactly, that's the key phrase - 'beyond your control.' Make sure Washington ESD understands that.
0 coins
Anastasia Popova
The fact that you had legitimate reasons for the tardiness works in your favor. I know someone who got fired for attendance but still got unemployment because they could prove it was due to medical issues and lack of reliable transportation.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•That gives me hope. My car situation was documented with repair receipts and the family emergency was real.
0 coins
Anastasia Popova
•Keep all that documentation! Washington ESD might ask for proof of your circumstances during their investigation.
0 coins
Sean Flanagan
just wanted to say good luck with your claim. The whole process is stressful but hang in there. Most people who get fired for non-misconduct reasons do end up getting approved eventually.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•Thanks for the encouragement! It's nice to know I'm not alone in this situation.
0 coins
Zara Shah
When you file, be completely honest about why you were fired but also explain your side. Don't try to hide anything because your employer will give their version anyway. Washington ESD will compare both accounts and make a decision based on the facts.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•Good advice. I'll make sure to be thorough in explaining the circumstances that led to my tardiness.
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
•Exactly right. Honesty is always the best policy with Washington ESD. They can usually tell when someone is being evasive or dishonest.
0 coins
NebulaNomad
Another thing to consider - even if you get denied initially, the appeals process exists for a reason. I've seen plenty of people win their appeals even after being denied at first. Don't give up if you get bad news initially.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•How does the appeals process work? Is it complicated?
0 coins
NebulaNomad
•You get a hearing where you can present your case to an administrative law judge. You can have witnesses, submit documents, and explain your side in detail. It's more thorough than the initial review.
0 coins
Collins Angel
just file and see what happens, worst case they say no and you appeal
0 coins
Anna Xian
•True, I guess I have nothing to lose by trying. Better to find out for sure than assume I'm not eligible.
0 coins
Sean O'Donnell
File immediately! Don't wait. Even if Washington ESD denies you initially, you can appeal. I've seen people win appeals for firing cases all the time. The worst thing you can do is not file at all.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•Good point. I'll start the application tonight.
0 coins
Luca Ferrari
I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I had adjudication issues and it really worked. Cost me some money but was worth it to actually talk to a human at Washington ESD instead of getting hung up on constantly.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•How much does it cost? I'm already tight on money since losing my job.
0 coins
Luca Ferrari
•I don't remember the exact amount but it was reasonable for what it did. Way better than wasting hours trying to get through on my own.
0 coins
Nia Wilson
The waiting is the worst part. I'm going through adjudication right now for a similar situation and it's been 2 weeks with no update. The uncertainty is killing me.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•Ugh, I'm dreading that wait. Do they give you any timeline for when to expect a decision?
0 coins
GalaxyGlider
•Adjudication typically takes 2-6 weeks depending on how complex the case is and how quickly they can get information from all parties involved.
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
File your weekly claims even while your case is under review! If you get approved, you'll get paid for all the weeks you were eligible, but only if you filed the claims. Don't skip this step even if you're not sure about your eligibility yet.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•Oh wow, I didn't realize that. I was going to wait until I got approved to start filing weekly claims.
0 coins
Mateo Martinez
•Nope, you need to file every week from the start. It's called 'continued claiming' and it's required to maintain your eligibility.
0 coins
Rajan Walker
When you file your claim, be prepared to provide details about your work history, why you were terminated, and your employer's information. Washington ESD will likely contact your former employer to get their side of the story too. The investigation process is pretty thorough.
0 coins
Anna Xian
•Should I try to get documentation from my employer about why I was fired? I don't have anything in writing.
0 coins
Rajan Walker
•If you can get it, yes, but don't delay filing your claim to chase down paperwork. You can always submit additional documentation later if needed.
0 coins
Zara Ahmed
Make sure you have your employer's information ready when you file - full company name, address, dates of employment, reason for separation. Washington ESD will verify everything with them anyway.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•Should I be worried about what my employer will tell Washington ESD? They weren't too happy when they fired me.
0 coins
Zara Ahmed
•Washington ESD will get both sides of the story. Just be honest about your circumstances and provide documentation for the family emergencies.
0 coins
Aisha Hussain
My brother got fired for similar attendance issues and ended up getting approved after they investigated. The key was that he had documentation showing he tried to communicate with his employer about his transportation problems but they wouldn't work with him.
0 coins
Emma Davis
•I wish I had communicated better with my manager about my car problems. I mostly just called in when I was going to be late.
0 coins
Aisha Hussain
•That's still good though - it shows you weren't just skipping work without notice. That matters to Washington ESD.
0 coins
Luca Esposito
I'm going through something similar right now. Got fired three weeks ago and my claim has been in adjudication ever since. Washington ESD is taking forever to make a decision. So frustrating when you need the money.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•Have you tried calling them to check on the status?
0 coins
Luca Esposito
•I've tried calling dozens of times but can never get through. Might try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier.
0 coins
Chloe Martin
•Definitely recommend Claimyr for getting through to Washington ESD. That's exactly why I started using them - couldn't reach anyone the normal way.
0 coins
Nia Thompson
The key thing to remember is that Washington ESD has to prove you committed misconduct - you don't have to prove you didn't. If your firing was due to circumstances like family emergencies, that's usually not considered misconduct.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•That's reassuring. I was worried I'd have to prove my innocence somehow.
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
Also remember you have to be actively looking for work and able to work to receive benefits. Don't forget about the job search requirements once you start collecting.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?
0 coins
Mateo Rodriguez
•I think it's 3 job search activities per week for Washington ESD, but check the current requirements when you file your weekly claims.
0 coins
GalaxyGuardian
been there done that. got fired for tardiness due to bus issues. washington esd approved me after i showed them my bus route got cancelled. just document everything
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•Good to know documentation is key. I'll gather everything I have about the family emergencies.
0 coins
Aisha Abdullah
Don't let your employer intimidate you into not filing. I had a boss try to tell me I couldn't get unemployment after firing me. That's not their decision - it's Washington ESD's.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•My manager did say something like that when they fired me. Glad to know they were wrong.
0 coins
Ethan Wilson
The whole system is rigged against workers anyway. File for everything you can get because these companies don't care about us.
0 coins
NebulaNomad
•While I understand the frustration, it's important to be honest in your application. Washington ESD does verify everything.
0 coins
Yuki Tanaka
File your claim as soon as possible! Benefits start from the week you file, not from when you lost your job. Every day you wait is money lost.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•I didn't know that! I'll definitely file tonight then.
0 coins
Carmen Diaz
Just want to echo what others said about Claimyr. When I needed to speak with someone at Washington ESD about my firing situation, regular calling was impossible. Claimyr got me through in under an hour. Worth every penny when you're dealing with potential benefit denials.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•I'm starting to think I might need to use that service if I run into problems with my claim.
0 coins
Andre Laurent
Remember that even if you get denied initially, you can appeal. I know someone who got fired for attendance and it took two appeals but they eventually got their benefits. Don't give up.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•Two appeals sounds stressful but good to know it's possible to win eventually.
0 coins
AstroAce
Good luck with your claim! Sounds like you have valid reasons for the attendance issues. Just be thorough with your documentation and honest in your application.
0 coins
Ravi Sharma
•Thanks everyone for all the advice! I feel much more confident about filing now.
0 coins
Zoe