Can I get unemployment if I was fired for being late in Washington?

That's good to hear. I do have screenshots of the bus app showing delays almost every day. Should I include those when I file?

Yes absolutely! Any documentation that shows the transportation issues were outside your control will help your case.

How long did it take for them to decide? I'm worried about the adjudication process taking forever.

Mine took about 3 weeks but that was last year. I hear it's faster now but you never know with Washington ESD.

Is that service legit? I've never heard of it before but I'm desperate to talk to someone at Washington ESD.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling for you so you don't have to sit on hold forever. Worked for me when I needed to explain my firing circumstances.

I used Claimyr too when my claim was pending for weeks. Much better than trying to call yourself and getting hung up on constantly.

I did get written up twice but only because my manager said she had to document it. I explained about the bus issues each time.

The fact that you explained the transportation issues and they're documented in your write-ups actually helps your case. It shows you weren't just being careless.

That gives me hope! Did he have to appeal or did they approve it right away?

it went to adjudication first but got approved after like a month. he provided documentation about the daycare schedule

Good point. I'll make sure to be specific about the bus route problems and how I tried to address them.

Also mention if you ever tried to find alternative transportation or adjust your schedule. Shows you made an effort.

That makes sense. I definitely wasn't trying to be late on purpose, it was just the reality of depending on public transit.

Exactly. Document everything you can about the bus delays and your attempts to resolve the issue. That will be key if it goes to adjudication.

That sucks! Did you have documentation for the medical appointments?

Yeah but Washington ESD said I should have requested schedule accommodation from my employer first. So frustrating.

That's why it's important to show you tried to address the issue beforehand. Did you ever talk to your supervisor about adjusting your start time?

Already started the application but got nervous about the separation reason part. I'll go back and be more detailed like everyone suggested.

Good call. The more specific you are upfront, the less likely it is to drag out in adjudication.

I did ask about starting 30 minutes later to account for the bus schedule but my manager said company policy wouldn't allow it.

Perfect! Make sure to mention that when you file. Shows you were proactive about finding a solution.

You should file as soon as possible but you generally have up to a year to file a claim. However, benefits only start from when you file, not when you were terminated.

Yeah I read that too. That's why I'm trying to get my application finished this week.

Did you have to provide a lot of documentation or was it pretty straightforward?

i had to submit some evidence during adjudication but nothing too crazy. just proof of the childcare situation and that id asked for help

What kind of documentation should I prepare just in case?

Bus schedules, screenshots of delays, any emails or texts with your supervisor about the tardiness, your employee handbook section on attendance policy. Anything that supports your case.

I'm hoping to avoid that whole mess by being thorough with my initial application.

Smart approach. The more detail you provide upfront the better chance you have of avoiding adjudication altogether.

That's reassuring. I was worried I'd have to prove I deserved benefits instead of them having to prove I didn't.

Exactly. Your employer will need to provide evidence that your tardiness was deliberate misconduct, not just poor attendance due to circumstances.

How did you explain it in your application? I want to make sure I phrase things correctly.

just be honest about the transportation challenges and any efforts you made to solve them. dont make excuses just state facts

Good to know there's a backup plan. Hopefully it won't come to that but it's reassuring.

The appeal process gives you a chance to present your case more thoroughly, especially if new information comes to light.

Already started updating my resume and looking at job boards. Do I need to register with WorkSource too?

Yes, you'll need to register with WorkSourceWA and log your job search activities. It's all part of the ongoing eligibility requirements.

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear! Did you use the transit authority's own data about delays?

Yes, I got official delay reports from Metro and included screenshots from their app showing the consistent problems with my route.

I'll definitely keep that in mind. The idea of waiting on hold for hours trying to reach someone sounds awful.

Claimyr saved me so much frustration when I needed to clarify details about my job separation. Much easier than the normal calling process.