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

Thanks! I did follow the call-in policy each time. How long does it usually take for them to decide?

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.

Did you have to go through the whole appeal process? That sounds stressful.

Yeah it was nerve-wracking but worth it. I got about 8 months of benefits after winning the appeal.

Should I mention the sick kid and car trouble specifically when I apply?

Absolutely. Be specific about the circumstances and provide any documentation you have - doctor's notes, repair receipts, etc.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke from being fired.

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.

Never heard of this before but might be useful if I run into problems with my claim.

What's your situation? Are you going through an appeal?

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.

That's really helpful to know. I was worried they'd automatically deny me.

What exactly counts as misconduct then? I'm worried about my own situation.

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.

How long did it take to get approved?

like 3 weeks i think? my employer didn't contest it though so that probably helped

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

The current requirement is 3 job search activities per week. This can include applications, networking, job fairs, etc.

I thought it was 4 activities per week? Or did that change?

It's 3 for most people, but it can be higher if you're in certain categories. Check your WorkSourceWA requirements to be sure.

That gives me hope. I worked at a warehouse too so maybe they're more understanding about the physical demands.

Yeah they know those jobs are tough. Just be honest about your reasons for missing work.

I'll do it tonight. Should I wait until I get my final paycheck or can I apply now?

Apply now. You'll report any final wages when you file your first weekly claim.

What kind of questions did they ask?

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.

This is really reassuring coming from someone in HR. I was so worried I'd done something wrong.

What's the difference between being fired for cause vs misconduct? I always thought they were the same thing.

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.

How much are you getting in benefits? I'm trying to figure out what to expect.

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.

Definitely planning to be 100% honest. What did you lie about if you don't mind me asking?

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.

Have you been able to check your claim status online?

Yeah it just says 'under review' which tells me nothing. I tried calling but couldn't get through.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr. Saved me so much time and frustration trying to get through on my own.

That's encouraging! Did you have to go through an appeal process?

Nope, got approved on the first try. I think it helped that I had doctor's notes for most of my absences.

Good to know there are resources available if I need help with an appeal.

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.

Will do! Thanks everyone for all the advice and encouragement. Feeling much more confident about applying now.

Good luck! Remember to file your weekly claims even while the initial decision is pending.

I'll make sure to do that. Thanks again everyone!