Can u apply for unemployment if you get fired - Washington ESD eligibility question

That's a relief to hear. I do have some documentation like the urgent care visit paperwork. Should I include that when I file my claim?

Yes, definitely keep all that documentation ready. You might not need it immediately when filing, but Washington ESD may request it during adjudication if your former employer contests the claim.

How long did the whole process take for you? I'm worried about how I'll pay rent if this drags on.

It took about 3 weeks for my adjudication to complete. Some people get lucky and it's faster, others take longer depending on how complex the case is.

Good point, I'll file today. Is there anything specific I should say or avoid saying in the application?

Just be truthful and factual. Don't embellish but also don't undersell legitimate reasons you had for absences. Stick to the facts and let Washington ESD make the determination.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash.

It's worth checking their site for current info, but for me it was worth it to actually get through to someone at Washington ESD instead of being on hold for hours or getting hung up on.

That's interesting, I might need that if I can't get answers about my claim. The phone system is already driving me crazy.

While I understand the frustration, Washington ESD still has to follow their guidelines about what constitutes misconduct. The good news is they often side with workers when there are legitimate reasons for absences.

Good for you! Make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even while the adjudication is pending. You can't get paid for weeks you don't claim.

Will do, thanks for the reminder!

That's reassuring. I definitely wasn't willfully missing work - I had real emergencies that came up.

That's exactly the kind of situation where Washington ESD typically sides with the worker. Document everything and be prepared to explain your circumstances if they ask.

That's awful, the waiting is the worst part. Have you tried calling them?

I've tried calling dozens of times but keep getting the busy signal or getting disconnected after being on hold forever. It's so frustrating.

This is exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - they specialize in getting through to Washington ESD when the normal phone lines are jammed. Might be worth looking into if you're stuck.

That's good to know. My former employer seemed pretty frustrated with me but hopefully they won't make a big deal out of it.

Even if they do contest it, Washington ESD will review all the facts. They're generally fair in their determinations as long as you're honest about what happened.

Good to know there's an appeal option. Hopefully it won't come to that but it's reassuring to know it exists.

Exactly. Many people don't realize they can challenge an initial denial. The appeals process is there for a reason.

Already filed this morning thanks to everyone's advice! Now just playing the waiting game.

A month seems like forever when you need the money. Did you have to provide any specific documentation?

They asked for some stuff from my employer but mostly it was just explaining my side of the story during a phone interview.

I'll definitely stay on top of checking my account. Is there usually a notification when they make a decision?

Yes, you should get a notification through SecureAccess Washington and possibly by mail. Just check regularly to be safe.

Good reminder! I was already planning to start looking but wasn't sure about the reporting requirements.

Yeah, you need to log your job search activities. Keep track of where you apply, when you apply, and any interviews or networking events you attend.

Personality conflicts usually don't qualify as misconduct under Washington ESD rules. As long as you weren't insubordinate or violating specific policies, you should be okay.

That's reassuring. I was always professional, we just didn't see eye to eye on some work approaches.

You have to wait for adjudication to complete before any payments are released. But if you're approved, you'll get back pay for all the weeks you filed claims during the waiting period.

Okay thanks, that makes sense. At least you don't lose those weeks if you're eventually approved.

That's the second recommendation for that service. Might be worth keeping in mind if I need to talk to someone.

Yeah, especially if you're dealing with any complications in your case. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to sort things out.

Thanks for the encouragement! This whole situation has been really stressful but everyone's advice has been super helpful.

Good to know! How do they usually schedule those - by phone or email?

Usually they'll send a notice through SecureAccess Washington with the date and time. Sometimes it's a phone interview, sometimes in person.

Thank you! I feel much more confident about the whole process now thanks to everyone's help and advice.