Can u file for unemployment if u get fired - Washington ESD eligibility questions

Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment even if you were fired! The key thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct.' Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful or you were deliberately not doing your job. Since you say there were no write-ups, that actually works in your favor.

File immediately! I got fired from my last job too and was approved for benefits. Washington ESD will investigate and contact both you and your employer to get the full story. Just be completely honest about what happened.

I had a similar situation and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to check on my claim status. Super frustrating when you need answers about your benefits. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD the same day. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works. Total game changer for getting through their phone system.

The fact that you had no previous write-ups is huge. Washington ESD considers misconduct to be something willful and substantial. Poor performance alone typically doesn't disqualify you from UI benefits. When you file your claim, make sure to explain exactly what happened and mention that you had no prior disciplinary actions.

ugh this is so stressful! I got fired last month and I'm still waiting to hear back from Washington ESD about my claim. The adjudication process is taking forever and I can't get anyone on the phone to tell me what's going on. Bills are piling up and I'm starting to panic.

File your initial claim online at esd.wa.gov right away. Don't wait. Even if your employer contests it, you can still potentially receive benefits while the adjudication is pending. The worst thing you can do is delay filing.

just file man, worst they can say is no. i got fired from my warehouse job for being late too many times and still got approved lol. washington esd is pretty fair about this stuff

One thing to keep in mind - if your employer does contest your claim and says you were fired for misconduct, Washington ESD will do a fact-finding interview with both parties. Just be prepared to explain your side of the story clearly and provide any documentation you have.

The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible. I've been trying to get through for days about my pending adjudication and it's impossible. Someone mentioned Claimyr earlier - has anyone else actually used it? Seems too good to be true.

Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct unless your employer can prove you were deliberately not doing your job or ignoring clear instructions. The burden of proof is on them to show it was willful misconduct, not just that you weren't meeting their standards.

God I hate how long this adjudication process takes. It's been 5 weeks now and still nothing from Washington ESD. How are we supposed to survive while they take their sweet time deciding if we deserve benefits?

filed for unemployment twice in my life, both times after getting fired. got approved both times. washington esd is actually pretty reasonable about this stuff if you just tell the truth

Just to be clear about the process - when you file your initial claim, Washington ESD will send a notice to your former employer. They have 10 days to respond if they want to contest your claim. If they don't respond or don't provide evidence of misconduct, you'll likely be approved automatically.

Same boat as you OP. Got fired 2 weeks ago for 'performance issues' but really I think my manager just didn't like me. Filed my claim right away and now I'm in adjudication hell waiting to hear back. At least we're not alone in this mess.

Pro tip: when you file your weekly claims while waiting for adjudication, make sure you're still doing your job search activities and logging them. You'll need that documentation if your claim gets approved retroactively.

The key thing is that getting fired for poor performance is NOT the same as getting fired for misconduct. Misconduct has to be willful - like stealing, fighting, or deliberately not following rules. Poor job performance doesn't qualify as misconduct under Washington law.

Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr thing since people are asking about it. I was super skeptical at first but it actually worked perfectly. Instead of wasting entire days trying to call Washington ESD, I got connected to someone who could actually help me understand my claim status. Worth every penny when you're stressed about your benefits.

honestly the whole unemployment system is a joke. they make you jump through hoops just to get the benefits you already paid into. but yeah definitely file even if you got fired, you probably qualify

Quick question - if I file and then find a new job before my claim is processed, do I need to do anything special or just stop filing weekly claims?

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'm definitely going to file my claim tonight. Feeling much more confident about my chances now. Will update if I hear anything back from Washington ESD.