Can a fired employee get unemployment benefits through Washington ESD?

That's really helpful to know! I was worried they'd just see 'terminated' and reject me right away. Should I mention that I think it was really about budget cuts when I file my claim?

Absolutely mention any budget concerns you were aware of. Be honest about the performance issues they cited but also include context about company financial situation. Washington ESD looks at the whole picture during adjudication.

I have the termination letter they gave me but it's pretty vague. Just says performance issues and lists my last day. Nothing specific about what I supposedly did wrong.

That vague language actually helps your case! If they can't be specific about misconduct, Washington ESD usually sides with the employee. Make sure to keep that letter for your records.

I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com. They basically call Washington ESD for you and get you connected to an actual agent. Saved me so much time and frustration! There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get through to them. Thanks for the tip!

This is exactly what I'm worried about - not being able to reach anyone if there are problems with my claim. Definitely going to look into this Claimyr thing.

That's not accurate at all. Washington ESD approves thousands of claims from terminated employees every month. Being late once isn't usually considered misconduct unless there's a pattern of attendance issues. Did you appeal their decision?

I tried to appeal but couldn't get through to anyone on the phone to understand the process. Gave up after a month of trying.

This is where Claimyr really helps - they can get you connected to the right department for appeals too. Worth looking into if you want to pursue it.

Good point, I'll file today. Better to try and get denied than not try at all. Do I need any specific documents to file online?

You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the past 18 months, and details about your termination. The Washington ESD website walks you through everything step by step.

That's encouraging to hear. I never got in trouble for safety issues or anything serious like that. Hopefully they'll see my situation the same way.

Yeah, performance issues are very different from safety violations or theft. You should be fine as long as you're honest about everything.

How long did they say the adjudication process would take? I'm worried about how long I'll be without income.

They said 4-6 weeks typically, but could be longer if they need to contact your former employer. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication.

That's crucial advice - keep filing weekly claims during adjudication or you'll lose those weeks even if approved later.

They said I wasn't meeting productivity targets and had some customer complaints. Nothing about behavior or attendance really. Just work quality stuff.

Work quality issues without misconduct are usually approvable. Sounds like you have a good chance of getting approved.

Absolutely, I plan to be completely honest. I'd rather be denied for telling the truth than get in trouble for lying.

Smart approach. Washington ESD fraud penalties are serious, so honesty is always the best policy even if it means a longer adjudication process.

That's really good to know. I was worried that any reason they give for firing would automatically disqualify me.

Nope, Washington ESD has pretty specific definitions of misconduct. Performance issues usually don't meet that standard unless there's willful disregard of company policies.

Do I need to start job searching right away even if my claim is still being processed?

Yes, you need to be actively seeking work from the day you file your claim. Washington ESD requires job search activities for every week you claim benefits.

You need to register with WorkSource Washington and complete at least 3 job search activities per week. Keep detailed records of everything.

What happens if they contest it? Does that mean I definitely won't get benefits?

Not at all. Contested claims get reviewed more thoroughly, but plenty of people win contested cases. Just means the process takes longer.

That sounds really helpful. I'm definitely going to keep their contact info handy in case I run into problems.

Yeah, it's worth having as a backup plan. Washington ESD phone system is notoriously difficult to navigate.

Planning to file today actually. Thanks for the encouragement - I was really on the fence about whether it was worth trying.

Definitely worth trying. Worst case they deny it and you're in the same position you're in now. Best case you get approved and have income while job searching.

How long do you have to file an appeal if you get denied?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal. Don't wait until the last minute though - start the process as soon as you get a denial.

That makes me feel a lot better. I was worried that any criticism of my work would automatically disqualify me.

Nope, there's a big difference between poor performance and misconduct. Misconduct has to be willful and substantial to disqualify someone from benefits.

I've got the termination letter and a few emails leading up to it. I'll make sure to save everything.

Good thinking. Documentation is key in unemployment cases. The more evidence you have, the better your chances.

Will do! Filing my claim this afternoon. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice and encouragement. This thread has been incredibly helpful.

Good luck! Remember to keep filing those weekly claims even during adjudication. Hope everything works out for you.

And don't hesitate to use Claimyr if you need to reach Washington ESD quickly. Sometimes having that direct connection makes all the difference.