Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I was let go from my job?

Yes, you can absolutely file for UI benefits even if you were terminated. Washington ESD looks at whether you were fired for 'misconduct' specifically. Performance issues usually don't qualify as misconduct unless there was willful violation of company policy. The fact that you had no formal warnings works in your favor.

I was in a similar situation last year - got let go for 'attitude problems' but really it was because I complained about harassment. Filed my claim right away and it took about 3 weeks to get approved. Washington ESD sided with me once they heard both sides of the story.

File immediately but be prepared for it to go into adjudication since your employer will likely contest it. I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD during my adjudication period - spent hours on hold every day. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real person at Washington ESD. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

Just remember you'll need to start doing your weekly claims right away even while the adjudication is pending. And keep track of all your job search activities because Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!! They'll find any excuse to deny your claim and then make you wait months for an appeal. I got fired for being 5 minutes late ONCE and they called it 'attendance misconduct' - took 4 months to get my benefits!

I'm going through something similar right now - got terminated for 'not meeting expectations' after 6 months. My claim has been in adjudication for 2 weeks already and I'm getting really anxious about it.

Make sure you have all your documentation ready - pay stubs, any emails about the termination, employee handbook if you have it. Washington ESD will want to see everything during the fact-finding interview.

honestly this is why I never complain about anything at work anymore... too risky. but yeah you should definitely file, sounds like wrongful termination to me

You mentioned unsafe practices - document everything you can remember about those incidents. If Washington ESD sees a pattern of retaliation for legitimate complaints, it strengthens your case significantly.

File online through secure.esd.wa.gov - it's way faster than calling. Just make sure you have all your employment history for the last 18 months ready.

This happened to my brother too - 'performance issues' right after he complained about wage theft. His claim got approved because Washington ESD could see the timing was suspicious. Document everything and be honest about the safety concerns.

I used Claimyr too when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD about my pending claim. Worth every penny when you're stressed about money and can't get answers any other way.

Just remember that even if your employer contests your claim, that doesn't mean you'll be denied. Washington ESD makes the final decision based on all the facts, not just what your employer says.

Same thing happened to me at a different warehouse - complained about safety violations and suddenly I was 'not a good fit.' Filed immediately and got approved after adjudication. The timing of your termination after raising concerns will definitely be noted by Washington ESD.

whatever you do dont wait around hoping they'll call you back or something. file that claim TODAY if you can. every day you wait is money you cant get back

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired for cause versus being laid off. Sounds like your situation is somewhere in between, which is exactly what adjudication is designed to sort out.

I hate when employers pull this stuff! Fire someone for bogus reasons and then try to deny their unemployment. At least Washington ESD usually sees through it if you present your case well.

Quick tip - when you do your fact-finding interview with Washington ESD, stick to the facts and don't get emotional about it. Present your side clearly and let them draw their own conclusions about whether it was legitimate performance issues or retaliation.

One more thing - if your claim does get denied initially, don't panic. You have appeal rights and lots of people win on appeal even if the initial determination goes against them.