Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I'm fired from my job?

Yes, you can potentially get unemployment benefits even if you're fired, but it depends on WHY you were fired. Washington ESD will approve your claim if you were fired for reasons beyond your control - like poor performance, lack of skills, or personality conflicts. However, if you're fired for 'misconduct' (like stealing, violence, or willfully violating company policy), you'll likely be disqualified.

When you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will contact your employer to get their side of the story. This is called a 'fact-finding' process. Your employer has to provide specific reasons for the termination and any documentation they have. You'll also get a chance to tell your side through a phone interview or written statement.

I was in a similar situation last year - got fired from my warehouse job for 'performance issues' but really my supervisor just didn't like me. I was so stressed about calling Washington ESD because I kept getting busy signals or hung up on after waiting forever. Then someone told me about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you through to real Washington ESD agents. I watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) and decided to try it. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes and was able to explain my situation properly. My claim got approved two weeks later.

The key thing is to be completely honest when you file your claim and during any fact-finding interviews. Don't try to sugarcoat what happened or make up excuses. Washington ESD investigators can usually tell when someone isn't being truthful, and lying on your application is fraud.

ugh the whole unemployment system is such a mess. I got fired from my last job for supposedly violating dress code (I wore sneakers instead of dress shoes ONE TIME) and Washington ESD still made me wait 6 weeks to find out if I qualified. Meanwhile I'm behind on rent and eating ramen every day. The system is designed to make you suffer.

File your claim as soon as possible after you're terminated. Don't wait! You can file online at secure.esd.wa.gov or by phone. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed. Even if it goes to adjudication, you'll get backpay for the weeks you were eligible once it's approved.

Also remember that even if you get approved for unemployment, you'll need to actively look for work and report your job search activities every week when you file your weekly claim. Washington ESD requires at least 3 job search activities per week.

I got fired for attendance issues last year (had some health problems) and was denied initially. But I appealed the decision and won because I was able to show my absences were due to a medical condition. Don't give up if you get denied - you have appeal rights.

Just wanted to add - if you're worried about getting through to Washington ESD by phone, I had success with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I was in adjudication hell for a month trying to reach someone to clarify why I was fired vs laid off. Regular calling was hopeless but Claimyr got me connected to an actual person who could access my file and explain what was happening.

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired and being laid off when you file. If your employer says you were 'let go due to budget cuts' or 'position eliminated' that's a layoff, not a firing. Layoffs are almost always approved for UI benefits.

One thing to keep in mind - if you're approved for unemployment after being fired, your former employer's unemployment tax rate might go up. Some employers will fight legitimate claims just to avoid the cost increase, so don't be surprised if they contest your claim even if the firing wasn't for misconduct.

Quick question - does anyone know if getting fired affects how much you can receive in unemployment benefits? Like do you get less money than if you were laid off?

Been through this myself - got fired from a restaurant job for 'attitude problems' (really my manager was just a control freak). Filed for unemployment and got approved after about a month of back and forth. The key is providing any documentation you have - write-ups, emails, witness statements, etc. Build your case.

Last thing - don't quit before they fire you thinking it will look better. Quitting makes it much harder to get unemployment benefits approved. If they're going to fire you anyway, let them do it.

Hope everything works out for you OP. The uncertainty is the worst part but most people who get fired for performance reasons do end up getting approved for unemployment. Just file right away and be patient with the process.