Can u get unemployment if you get fired in Washington state?

Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment even if you were fired! The key thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you were terminated for misconduct or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job. If it was really about cost-cutting like you suspect, that would be considered a layoff and you'd qualify.

Definitely file your claim right away! Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. Even if your employer contests it, you have appeal rights. The worst that happens is they say no, but if you don't apply you get nothing for sure.

I was in a similar situation last year - got fired for 'poor performance' but really they were just downsizing. Had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on my claim status. Ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real agent within minutes instead of sitting on hold forever. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED! they'll find any excuse to deny you benefits. I got fired for being 5 minutes late ONE TIME and they said it was misconduct. had to appeal and fight for months to get my benefits.

Here's what Washington ESD considers when you're fired: 1) Was it misconduct connected to work? 2) Was it deliberate/willful? 3) Did it violate company policy? Performance issues alone usually don't meet this standard unless you were deliberately underperforming or refusing to follow instructions.

same thing happened to my cousin, she got fired but still got unemployment. just file and see what happens

Also remember that if Washington ESD denies your initial claim, you have 30 days to appeal. Don't give up if they say no the first time - appeals are pretty common and successful when the firing wasn't for actual misconduct.

honestly depends on your employer and how they frame it. some companies will fight tooth and nail to prevent paying unemployment

Quick update on that Claimyr thing I mentioned - used them again last month when I had questions about my job search requirements. Still works great for actually reaching a human at Washington ESD instead of dealing with their automated system.

thanks everyone, going to file my claim tomorrow. feel a lot more confident about it now

I got fired for attendance issues and still got unemployment. Washington ESD looks at the whole situation, not just the employer's side.

just don't expect it to be easy or quick. Washington ESD moves at the speed of molasses and half their staff doesn't know what they're doing

been there, it sucks but you'll get through it. unemployment isn't much but it helps keep you afloat while job hunting

One more tip - when you file, be very specific about the reason for termination. If they said 'performance issues' but you suspect it was really budget cuts, mention both. Washington ESD will investigate and contact your employer for their version too.

got fired from my last job too and was worried about the same thing. filed anyway and got approved. worst case they say no and you appeal

That Claimyr service mentioned earlier actually sounds pretty useful. I've been trying to get clarification on my claim for weeks and can never get through to anyone at Washington ESD.

file as soon as possible, the waiting period starts from when you file not when you lost your job

Washington ESD is actually pretty reasonable about firings vs layoffs. They know employers sometimes use 'performance' as an excuse for budget cuts.

Final thought - even if there's some uncertainty about whether you'll qualify, file anyway. The application process itself will help clarify things and you'll get a definitive answer from Washington ESD rather than just guessing.

good luck with everything! losing a job sucks but at least washington has decent unemployment benefits compared to some states