Can I get unemployment if I got fired from my job in Washington?

You can absolutely apply for unemployment benefits even if you were fired. Washington ESD doesn't automatically disqualify you just because you were terminated. They'll investigate the circumstances around your firing to determine if you're eligible. The key question is whether you were fired for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues generally don't count as misconduct unless they involve willful behavior.

I got fired from my last job too and still got unemployment. The process took about 3 weeks because they had to do an investigation called 'adjudication' where they contact both you and your former employer to get the details. As long as you weren't stealing or doing something really bad, you'll probably be fine.

Here's what Washington ESD looks for when you're fired: they need to determine if it was 'misconduct connected with work.' Simple poor performance, inability to do the job, or personality conflicts usually don't qualify as misconduct. However, things like theft, violence, intentional rule violations, or repeated tardiness after warnings could be considered misconduct. Since you mentioned performance issues, you're likely eligible.

I was in a similar situation last year and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on my claim status during the adjudication process. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. I ended up using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have this system that calls for you and connects you when someone picks up. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

Whatever you do, don't delay filing your claim! You should file as soon as possible after losing your job. Even if Washington ESD needs to investigate, your claim will be backdated to when you first became unemployed. But if you wait too long to file, you could lose out on benefits for those weeks.

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file - dates of employment, your employer's contact info, and your reason for separation. The online application at esd.wa.gov is pretty straightforward but having everything organized makes it go faster.

The Washington ESD website has a good FAQ section about eligibility after being fired. Basically, they consider whether your actions were deliberate and work-related misconduct. Struggling with job performance when you're trying your best is very different from intentionally breaking rules or not showing up to work.

I got fired from my warehouse job for attendance issues (I was late a lot due to childcare problems) and they still approved my unemployment claim. The key was explaining the circumstances honestly. Washington ESD understood that I wasn't being intentionally disrespectful or trying to avoid work.

During the adjudication process, Washington ESD will probably schedule a phone interview with you. Don't panic if this happens - it's standard procedure when someone is fired. They'll ask you to explain the circumstances and give you a chance to tell your side of the story. Just be honest and factual.

One thing to remember is that your former employer might contest your unemployment claim. This is pretty common when someone is fired. If they do contest it, don't freak out - it just means Washington ESD will do a more thorough investigation. You'll still have a good chance of getting benefits if you weren't guilty of serious misconduct.

I worked at Washington ESD for a few years and can tell you that performance-related terminations are usually approved for benefits. The misconduct has to be willful and substantial. Things like chronic tardiness, theft, violence, or drug use would typically disqualify you. But struggling to meet sales goals or having difficulty with job tasks generally doesn't rise to the level of misconduct.

Don't forget that you'll need to start doing job searches once your claim is approved. Washington ESD requires you to look for work and log your job search activities. The requirements are pretty reasonable - usually 3 job search activities per week - but make sure you understand what counts and what doesn't.

Just went through this whole process myself after getting fired from my office job. The adjudication took about 2 weeks and they approved my claim. The hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions. I ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it was a lifesaver. Finally got to talk to someone who could explain what was happening with my claim.

The most important thing is to file your claim truthfully and completely. Don't try to hide anything or make your situation sound better than it was. Washington ESD will find out the truth anyway when they investigate, and being dishonest could hurt your case. Just explain exactly what happened and let them make the determination.

Also keep in mind that even if you're initially denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeal process gives you another chance to present your case, sometimes with additional evidence or clarification. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now. Got fired from my restaurant job for 'attitude problems' which I think is unfair. I filed for unemployment two weeks ago and I'm still waiting to hear back. The uncertainty is killing me but these responses are making me feel more optimistic about my chances.

One more tip - when you're filling out your weekly claims (if your initial claim gets approved), make sure you answer all the questions accurately. Don't report any work or income unless you actually worked and earned money. And remember that you need to be actively looking for work and able to accept work to continue receiving benefits.

I had a friend who used Claimyr when he was having trouble getting updates on his unemployment claim status. He said it was worth every penny because he was able to get answers instead of just wondering what was happening. Sometimes it's worth paying a little to save your sanity, especially when you're already stressed about being unemployed.

Bottom line: file your claim, be honest, and don't assume you'll be denied just because you were fired. Washington ESD sees these cases all the time and they're pretty good at distinguishing between misconduct and performance issues. You've got this!