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

It depends on WHY you get fired. If it's for misconduct, Washington ESD will likely deny your claim. But if it's for performance issues or not being a good fit, you should still qualify for unemployment benefits. They look at whether you were fired for willful misconduct specifically.

I got fired last year for 'performance issues' and still got approved for UI. The key is that it wasn't willful misconduct - I was trying to do my job but they said I wasn't meeting expectations. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of adjudication.

If you do get fired, file for unemployment immediately. Don't wait. Washington ESD will investigate and determine if you're eligible. Document everything - save emails, write down what your supervisor says, keep copies of any write-ups. You'll need this if they contest your claim.

I had similar issues calling Washington ESD when I got fired. Spent hours on hold trying to get through to someone who could explain the adjudication process. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME!!! New manager came in and started nitpicking everything I did. Wrote me up for things that were never problems before. Finally fired me after 3 years of good reviews. I was so scared I wouldn't get benefits but Washington ESD approved my claim. The old reviews and sudden change in write-ups actually helped my case.

Here's what Washington ESD looks for in misconduct cases: Was it willful? Was it substantial? Was it connected to your work? Simply not being good enough at your job doesn't qualify as misconduct. They need to prove you deliberately violated rules or policies.

got fired 6 months ago for 'attitude problems' - still got unemployment. employer contested it but washington esd sided with me. just be honest when you file and provide documentation

Important: If you get fired, your employer will likely contest your unemployment claim. This is standard practice for them. Don't panic if this happens - Washington ESD will conduct an investigation and make a determination based on the facts. Just be truthful and provide any documentation you have.

One thing to remember - even if they fire you, you still have to meet the other requirements for unemployment. You need to be able and available for work, actively seeking employment, etc. The firing part is just one piece of the eligibility puzzle.

My husband went through this exact situation. Got fired after new management came in and changed everything. He was so worried about getting unemployment but it turned out fine. Washington ESD could see the pattern - multiple long-term employees getting fired right after management changed. They approved his claim pretty quickly.

Just want to add - if you do need to contact Washington ESD about your claim, don't waste time trying to call during peak hours. The phone lines are always jammed. I found Claimyr super helpful for getting through to an actual person when I needed to check on my adjudication status. Much better than the endless hold music.

UPDATE: I just wanted to say that documenting everything was the best advice I got. When my employer contested my claim, I had a folder full of emails showing the changing expectations and unclear instructions. Washington ESD took one look at it and approved my benefits. Don't let them scare you - know your rights!

been through this twice unfortunately. first time i got benefits, second time i didn't because i actually did mess up pretty bad. it really depends on the specific circumstances. but if you're genuinely trying to do your job and they're just being unreasonable, you should be fine

Final piece of advice - if you do get fired and file for unemployment, don't quit first thinking it will look better. Quitting makes you ineligible for benefits unless you have good cause. Getting fired for non-misconduct reasons is actually better for your unemployment claim than quitting.

Remember that Washington ESD defines misconduct very specifically. It has to be a willful violation of company policy or deliberate disregard of your employer's interests. Poor performance, inability to meet expectations, or personality conflicts usually don't qualify as misconduct. You should be fine if you're genuinely trying to do your job.

One more thing - make sure you apply for unemployment benefits online through the Washington ESD website as soon as possible after being fired. There's a waiting period anyway, so don't delay. Even if you're not sure you'll qualify, it's better to apply and find out than to wait and lose potential benefits.

Last thought on this - if you do end up needing to speak with Washington ESD during the process and can't get through on the phone, definitely check out that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier. Saved me hours of frustration when I was trying to get updates on my claim status. The peace of mind was worth it.

just want to say this thread has been super helpful. i'm in a similar situation and was freaking out about it. feeling a lot better now knowing that getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits

For what it's worth, I've been on both sides of this as a former HR person. Most companies will contest unemployment claims automatically, but Washington ESD is pretty fair about investigating the actual facts. If you weren't willfully violating policies or being deliberately insubordinate, you'll likely be approved for benefits.

Bottom line - don't let them intimidate you. If you get fired and you weren't committing misconduct, apply for unemployment benefits. Worst case scenario, they deny your claim and you appeal. Best case, you get approved and have some income while you look for a new job. Either way, you're not worse off for trying.