Can I still get Washington ESD unemployment if I was fired from my job?
I got terminated from my warehouse job last Friday and I'm trying to figure out if I can even apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. My supervisor said I was fired for 'attendance issues' but I had legitimate reasons for missing work (sick kid, car trouble). I've been working there for almost 2 years and this is my first time dealing with unemployment. Does being fired automatically disqualify you from getting benefits? I really need to know before I waste time applying.
61 comments
Join the conversation
Kelsey Chin
Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from Washington ESD benefits. The key is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Attendance issues can be tricky - if you had valid reasons and followed company policy for reporting absences, you might still qualify. You should definitely apply and let Washington ESD make the determination.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorThanks! I did follow the call-in policy each time. How long does it usually take for them to decide?
0 coins
Kelsey Chin
It varies, but if your employer contests the claim, it could go to adjudication which can take several weeks. Better to apply sooner rather than later.
0 coins
Norah Quay
I was in a similar situation last year. Got fired for being late too many times but I fought it and won my appeal. The key is documenting everything - keep records of your reasons for absences and any communication with your employer about attendance.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorDid you have to go through the whole appeal process? That sounds stressful.
0 coins
Norah Quay
Yeah it was nerve-wracking but worth it. I got about 8 months of benefits after winning the appeal.
0 coins
Leo McDonald
Apply immediately! Even if you're not sure you qualify, there's no penalty for applying. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. If your employer contests it, you'll get a chance to present your side of the story. I've helped people get benefits even after being fired for attendance when they had legitimate reasons.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorShould I mention the sick kid and car trouble specifically when I apply?
0 coins
Leo McDonald
Absolutely. Be specific about the circumstances and provide any documentation you have - doctor's notes, repair receipts, etc.
0 coins
Jessica Nolan
The hardest part is actually getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status if issues come up. I spent weeks trying to call them about my adjudication. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorHow much does something like that cost? I'm already broke from being fired.
0 coins
Jessica Nolan
It's worth checking out their site for details. For me it was worth it just to get answers instead of calling hundreds of times.
0 coins
Angelina Farar
Never heard of this before but might be useful if I run into problems with my claim.
0 coins
Sebastián Stevens
UGH the whole system is so frustrating!!! I got fired 3 months ago and I'm STILL fighting with Washington ESD about my benefits. They side with employers way too often. But yes you should still apply because you never know.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorWhat's your situation? Are you going through an appeal?
0 coins
Sebastián Stevens
Yeah I'm waiting for my hearing date. My employer said I was fired for 'poor performance' but really they just wanted to get rid of me because I complained about safety issues.
0 coins
Kelsey Chin
Just to clarify some terminology - when Washington ESD investigates your claim, they'll determine if you were fired for 'misconduct.' This has a specific legal definition and isn't the same as just being a bad employee. Things like tardiness due to legitimate reasons, isolated incidents, or performance issues usually don't qualify as misconduct.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorThat's really helpful to know. I was worried they'd automatically deny me.
0 coins
Bethany Groves
What exactly counts as misconduct then? I'm worried about my own situation.
0 coins
Kelsey Chin
Generally it's willful or deliberate violations of company policy, like theft, violence, or repeatedly ignoring direct orders. Attendance issues can be misconduct if you're chronically absent without excuse.
0 coins
KingKongZilla
been there done that, got fired for attendance and still got benefits. just apply and see what happens. worst case they say no and you appeal.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorHow long did it take to get approved?
0 coins
KingKongZilla
like 3 weeks i think? my employer didn't contest it though so that probably helped
0 coins
Leo McDonald
Another important point - make sure you're actively looking for work while your claim is processing. Washington ESD requires job search activities even during the initial review period. Keep a log of your job applications because they might ask for it.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorHow many jobs do I need to apply for each week?
0 coins
Leo McDonald
The current requirement is 3 job search activities per week. This can include applications, networking, job fairs, etc.
0 coins
Rebecca Johnston
I thought it was 4 activities per week? Or did that change?
0 coins
Leo McDonald
It's 3 for most people, but it can be higher if you're in certain categories. Check your WorkSourceWA requirements to be sure.
0 coins
Nathan Dell
My brother got fired from Amazon warehouse for attendance and he got benefits. Took like a month to get approved but he got back pay for the whole time. Don't give up!
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorThat gives me hope. I worked at a warehouse too so maybe they're more understanding about the physical demands.
0 coins
Nathan Dell
Yeah they know those jobs are tough. Just be honest about your reasons for missing work.
0 coins
Maya Jackson
File your claim ASAP! You can't get benefits for weeks before you apply, so every day you wait is money lost. The online application is pretty straightforward and you can always provide additional documentation later if needed.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorI'll do it tonight. Should I wait until I get my final paycheck or can I apply now?
0 coins
Maya Jackson
Apply now. You'll report any final wages when you file your first weekly claim.
0 coins
Tristan Carpenter
One thing to watch out for - if your employer contests your claim, you might have to do a phone interview with Washington ESD. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier to help me get through to prepare for mine. Really glad I did because the interviewer had specific questions about my attendance records.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorWhat kind of questions did they ask?
0 coins
Tristan Carpenter
They wanted to know about specific dates I was absent, whether I followed company policy, and if I had documentation for my absences. Having all that info ready made a big difference.
0 coins
Amaya Watson
I work in HR and I can tell you that most attendance-related terminations don't meet the bar for misconduct, especially if the employee had legitimate reasons and followed proper procedures. Document everything and don't be afraid to appeal if you're initially denied.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorThis is really reassuring coming from someone in HR. I was so worried I'd done something wrong.
0 coins
Grant Vikers
What's the difference between being fired for cause vs misconduct? I always thought they were the same thing.
0 coins
Amaya Watson
Companies can fire you 'for cause' for lots of reasons that don't constitute misconduct under unemployment law. Misconduct has to be willful and substantial - not just poor performance or isolated incidents.
0 coins
Giovanni Martello
Same boat here - got fired for attendance last month and just got approved for benefits! Took about 3 weeks total. My employer didn't contest it which helped. The key is being completely honest in your application.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorHow much are you getting in benefits? I'm trying to figure out what to expect.
0 coins
Giovanni Martello
It's based on your wages from the past year. You can use the benefit calculator on the Washington ESD website to estimate your amount.
0 coins
Savannah Weiner
whatever you do dont lie on the application!!! they will find out and then you'll be in real trouble. i made that mistake and got a fraud penalty
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorDefinitely planning to be 100% honest. What did you lie about if you don't mind me asking?
0 coins
Savannah Weiner
i said i quit instead of being fired because i thought it would be easier. big mistake. they contacted my employer and found out the truth.
0 coins
Levi Parker
The waiting is the worst part. I applied 2 weeks ago after being fired and I'm still waiting to hear back. At least I know I'm not the only one going through this. Thanks for asking this question!
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorHave you been able to check your claim status online?
0 coins
Levi Parker
Yeah it just says 'under review' which tells me nothing. I tried calling but couldn't get through.
0 coins
Jessica Nolan
That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Saved me so much time and frustration trying to get through on my own.
0 coins
Libby Hassan
I got fired for attendance 6 months ago and I'm still getting benefits. Don't let anyone tell you that being fired automatically disqualifies you. Fight for what you deserve!
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorThat's encouraging! Did you have to go through an appeal process?
0 coins
Libby Hassan
Nope, got approved on the first try. I think it helped that I had doctor's notes for most of my absences.
0 coins
Hunter Hampton
Just want to add that even if you get initially denied, don't give up! The appeal process exists for a reason and lots of people win their appeals. I volunteer at a legal aid clinic and we help people with unemployment appeals all the time.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorGood to know there are resources available if I need help with an appeal.
0 coins
Hunter Hampton
Absolutely. Most counties have free legal aid for unemployment issues. Don't try to navigate the appeals process alone if you don't have to.
0 coins
Sofia Peña
Update us on how it goes! I'm curious to hear what happens with your claim. Hoping it works out for you.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorWill do! Thanks everyone for all the advice and encouragement. Feeling much more confident about applying now.
0 coins
Aaron Boston
Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims even while the initial decision is pending.
0 coins
Vincent Bimbach
AuthorI'll make sure to do that. Thanks again everyone!
0 coins