Can you apply for Washington ESD unemployment if you get fired from your job?

Yes you can definitely apply! Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. The key is whether you were fired for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job.

File your claim ASAP through the Washington ESD website. Even if your employer disputes it, you can still receive benefits while the adjudication process happens. I was fired from my retail job last year for being late too many times and still got approved.

When you file, be completely honest about the circumstances of your termination. Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway, so don't try to hide anything. Focus on explaining your side - the lack of training, schedule changes, etc. Document everything you can remember.

I was in a similar situation last month - got fired for 'attendance issues' but it was really because I had to take my kid to medical appointments. Couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks trying to check my claim status. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person at ESD. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

ugh the whole system is so frustrating!! i got fired 2 months ago and STILL waiting for my benefits. they keep asking for more documentation and every time i call i get disconnected

Just to clarify some terminology - when Washington ESD reviews your case, it's called 'adjudication.' This happens when there's a question about your eligibility, like when you're fired. Don't panic if your claim goes into adjudication status, it's normal for termination cases.

One important thing - start your job search immediately even if you're confident about getting benefits. Washington has work search requirements where you need to make at least 3 job contacts per week and register with WorkSource. Keep detailed records of your job search activities.

I work in HR and see these cases all the time. 'Performance issues' is pretty vague language that employers use when they don't have clear misconduct. Your employer will need to provide specific examples of policy violations to deny your claim. Most performance-related terminations result in approved benefits.

File online at esd.wa.gov, it's way faster than calling. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment info for the last 18 months. The system will walk you through everything step by step.

Whatever you do, don't wait to file thinking you might find another job quickly. There's a waiting period anyway, and if you find work you can just stop filing claims. But if you wait too long to file initially, you lose out on potential benefits.

Been through this before - got canned for 'insubordination' which was really just me questioning unsafe work practices. Won my case because I had documentation of the safety concerns I raised. The key is having your side of the story ready with any evidence you can gather.

My cousin used that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier and said it was a game changer. She was stuck in adjudication limbo for a month and couldn't get anyone at ESD on the phone. Used their service and got connected within a day to sort out her issues.

Quick question - if they fired you, do you still get your final paycheck? Because that might affect when you can start collecting benefits.

File this week! Don't overthink it. The worst they can say is no, and then you can appeal if needed. But based on what you described, performance issues without clear misconduct usually qualify for benefits.

Last tip - when you do your phone interview (if they schedule one), be professional and stick to the facts. Don't badmouth your employer but do explain your side clearly. The ESD adjudicator just wants to understand what really happened.