Can I reopen ESD claim after getting fired from new job for 'not being right fit'?

Yes, you can reopen your existing claim if it's still within your benefit year (which is 52 weeks from when you first filed) AND you still have benefit funds remaining. If you accept a job and then get let go through no fault of your own, you can reactivate your claim by logging into your eServices account and selecting 'Reopen claim'. You'll need to report your work and earnings for the period you were employed, and ESD will assess if you're still eligible. But if you've worked enough hours at the new job, they might consider that for a new claim instead.

i was in this situation last yr... took a job for 3 months then they laid me off. went back to ESD and reopened my old claim no problem. the system will just ask u when u stopped working and why. BUT u need to make sure u answer the 'why u left job' part carefully! if u say u were fired it can trigger adjudication. if the company truly said it wasnt the right fit, put 'laid off due to lack of work' bc thats what it really is.

Everyone here is missing a key point - if you work at the new job for enough hours, you might actually QUALIFY FOR A NEW CLAIM with possibly higher benefits! When you go to reopen, the system will check if you've worked 680+ hours in your new base year. If so, they'll prompt you to file a new claim instead of reopening. This happened to me and my weekly benefit amount went up by $67! Just make sure you're getting paystubs and tracking your hours carefully at the new job.

You've gotten some good advice, but I'll add one warning: if the employer contests your unemployment by claiming misconduct or voluntary quit, you could face adjudication and potential denial. Document EVERYTHING while at the new job - especially if you sense things aren't working out. Save emails about your performance, keep notes after meetings, etc. If they truly let you go because you "weren't a right fit" (which is a layoff, not misconduct), having documentation helps if they later try to claim otherwise to avoid their UI tax rate increasing.

has anyone else been stuck in ESD phone hell trying to get someone to answer question like this??? i've been calling for DAYS trying to ask about reopening my claim and cant get through. on hold for 2+ hours yesterday then they hung up on me!!! so frustrating!!!!

Just be careful cause theres rules about suitable work after youve been on unemployment for a while. If you take the job and then quit cause you dont like it or its not what you expected, ESD will probably deny you. But if they fire you or lay you off you should be good to go back on benefits. Just make sure your benefit year hasnt expired while you were working!

Jumping in late here, but wanted to add that this is exactly why I've been scared to accept certain job offers too. The job market in WA is so volatile right now, especially in tech and retail. I actually turned down a 3-month contract because I was worried about what would happen to my benefits after. In retrospect, I should have just taken it and then reopened my claim like others have mentioned here. Live and learn I guess!

sorry but WHY are u even worried about this before u even have the job?? just take it if offered and do ur best! this negative thinking might be why u dont have work right now js

Don't let the negativity get to you - planning ahead is smart, especially after multiple layoffs! I've been through similar situations and it's totally reasonable to understand your safety net before making job decisions. One thing I'd add that others haven't mentioned: if you do end up reopening your claim, make sure to keep all your documentation from the new job (offer letter, job description, any performance feedback, termination letter, etc.). Even if everything goes smoothly with ESD, having a paper trail helps if there are any questions later. Also, don't forget that you can do some part-time or gig work while on unemployment too - might help ease the financial pressure while you're looking for the right permanent position. Good luck with the interview!

Just wanted to add my experience from a similar situation last year - I was on unemployment, took a job that seemed great during interviews, but after 6 weeks they said I "wasn't meeting expectations" and let me go. I was able to reopen my existing claim without any issues since I still had benefit weeks remaining. The key thing that helped me was that my former employer was honest about it being a performance/fit issue rather than misconduct, so there was no contest from their side. One tip: when you're at the new job, try to get any feedback in writing if possible. In my case, they sent me an email saying they appreciated my efforts but felt I wasn't the right match for their team culture - that email actually helped when I reopened my claim because it clearly showed it wasn't misconduct or voluntary quit. Don't let fear of "what if" stop you from taking opportunities, but definitely good to know your options ahead of time like you're doing!