Can an employee get Washington ESD unemployment if fired - need answers

Yes, you can definitely get unemployment if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless they involve deliberate violations of company policy. You should absolutely file a claim - the worst they can do is deny it, and you can appeal if that happens.

File immediately! I was fired for 'attitude problems' last year and still got approved. The key is that Washington ESD has to prove you committed misconduct, not the other way around. Performance issues are usually not enough unless it's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

I had to deal with this exact situation when I got fired for 'poor performance' after 6 years with the same company. Couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to check on my claim status. Finally used Claimyr.com to get connected to an actual agent - they have this system that calls you back when an agent is available instead of waiting on hold. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Got my questions answered in one call instead of weeks of frustration.

ugh this is so stressful when you're already dealing with being fired. I was terminated for 'insubordination' which was really just me asking for my legally required breaks. Still got unemployment after they investigated.

Here's the thing about Washington ESD and fired employees - they use a pretty strict definition of misconduct. It has to be something that shows deliberate disregard for the employer's interests or willful violation of company policy. Poor performance, personality conflicts, or even attendance issues usually don't qualify as misconduct unless they're extreme.

File your claim TODAY. Don't wait. Even if Washington ESD denies it initially, you can appeal and often win. I see so many people who wait weeks thinking they won't qualify, then miss out on benefits they could have been receiving.

The unsafe working conditions complaint might actually help your case. If they fired you in retaliation for reporting safety issues, that could be considered wrongful termination and would definitely make you eligible for UI benefits.

My brother got fired for 'not being a good fit' and still got unemployment. Washington ESD approved him because being a bad fit isn't misconduct - it's just incompatibility.

One more thing - when you file your weekly claims, be prepared for the job search requirements. You'll need to log 3 job search activities per week and be able and available for work. Don't let that catch you off guard.

I got fired from a retail job for 'customer service issues' and Washington ESD approved my claim. The investigator said my employer couldn't prove I was deliberately providing bad service - just that I wasn't great at it.

WASHINGTON ESD IS TERRIBLE AT ANSWERING PHONES. I spent 3 weeks trying to get through after being fired. Finally someone told me about Claimyr and I got connected to an agent the same day. Seriously saved my sanity.

Just want to add - document everything about your firing. Write down exactly what was said, when it happened, who was present. If this goes to an appeal hearing, you'll want those details fresh in your memory.

been fired twice in my career and got unemployment both times. first time for 'not meeting expectations' and second time for 'cultural fit'. neither was considered misconduct by washington esd.

File the claim but be prepared for a potential disqualification if they determine it was misconduct. You can always appeal though. I've seen people win appeals even after being initially denied.

The fact that you complained about safety issues and then got fired is suspicious timing. Washington ESD will definitely look at that during their investigation. Retaliation firings are almost never considered misconduct.

i got fired for 'attendance' but it was really because i had to take care of my sick mom. washington esd still approved me because missing work for family emergencies isn't misconduct.

Whatever you do, don't delay filing. Your benefit year starts when you file, not when you were fired. Every day you wait is potentially money you're losing.

One last tip - when you do get someone from Washington ESD on the phone (whether through normal calling or using something like Claimyr), ask them specifically about the safety complaint retaliation angle. That could strengthen your case significantly.

Update us on how it goes! Always curious to hear how these situations work out.

Good luck with everything. Being fired is stressful enough without worrying about unemployment benefits. Hope everything works out for you.