Can someone get unemployment if they are fired from their job in Washington?

Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. The key is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Being late and missing shifts could potentially be considered misconduct, but it depends on the specific circumstances and whether your roommate had warnings or tried to address the issues.

I got fired from my last job for performance issues and still got approved for unemployment. The Washington ESD looks at whether you were fired for misconduct or just because you weren't a good fit for the job. Performance problems usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately doing bad work.

She should definitely apply right away. Even if there's a question about the termination, Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. The worst they can do is deny the claim, but she might be surprised and get approved. Make sure she files her weekly claims even during the adjudication process.

Your roommate should apply but be prepared for potential delays. When I was dealing with a termination issue, I couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to check my claim status. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual ESD agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process way less stressful.

ugh the whole system is so confusing! I thought if you got fired you were automatically screwed. This gives me hope because I'm worried about my own job security right now. What exactly counts as misconduct anyway?

I've been through this process twice unfortunately. The first time I got denied because I was fired for arguing with customers (fair enough, that was misconduct). The second time I got approved because I was laid off due to budget cuts. Your roommate's situation sounds more like the second scenario if she was having transportation issues.

One thing to keep in mind is that her former employer might contest the unemployment claim. They have the right to provide their version of events to Washington ESD. If that happens, there might be a phone hearing where both sides can present their case.

Make sure she applies online through the Washington ESD website as soon as possible. There's a waiting period anyway, so the sooner she files, the sooner she might start receiving benefits if approved. And remember, unemployment benefits are based on her earnings over the past year, not just her most recent job.

I'm curious about this Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier. Has anyone else used it? I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for over a week about my claim that's stuck in adjudication.

Just wanted to add that even if she gets initially denied, she can appeal the decision. I know someone who got approved on appeal after being denied initially. The appeals process gives you another chance to explain your side of the story.

Has anyone dealt with Washington ESD lately? I swear their phone system has gotten worse. I spent 4 hours on hold yesterday just to get disconnected.

Your roommate should also start looking for work right away and keep a job search log. Even if her claim gets approved, she'll need to show she's actively seeking employment to continue receiving benefits.

Bottom line: she should absolutely apply. Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. The Washington ESD will review the circumstances and make a decision. Better to apply and potentially get approved than not apply and definitely get nothing.