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

You can definitely apply even if you were fired! Washington ESD looks at the reason for termination. If it wasn't for misconduct (like stealing, fighting, etc.), you should be eligible. Performance issues usually don't disqualify you from UI benefits unless it was willful misconduct. File your claim online at esd.wa.gov and let them make the determination.

The key is whether Washington ESD considers it misconduct connected with work. Simple poor performance usually isn't misconduct. However, if they claim you violated company policy or were insubordinate, that could be a different story. Either way, apply immediately - don't wait. You have nothing to lose by applying.

Had a similar situation last year - got let go for 'not being a good fit' which was basically performance. Took forever to get through to someone at Washington ESD to check on my claim status. Spent hours calling that 833 number. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

APPLY ANYWAY! I got fired for being late too many times and still got approved. Washington ESD will investigate and make the call. Your former employer has to provide documentation if they want to contest it. Most employers don't even bother fighting it unless it was really serious misconduct.

File immediately but be prepared for possible adjudication. When you're fired, Washington ESD usually has to investigate to determine if you're eligible. This can take a few weeks. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication or you could lose benefits for those weeks.

The Washington ESD system is so confusing. I've been trying to figure out my claim status for weeks. Can't get through on the phone, my online account doesn't show much detail. It's incredibly frustrating when you need these benefits to survive.

I'm in a similar boat - got fired for 'performance' but I think it was really because I asked for a raise. Can Washington ESD see the real reason or do they just go by what the employer reports?

Whatever you do, don't quit your next job if you get one right away. I got fired, found a new job within a week, but it was horrible so I quit after 3 days. Now Washington ESD is saying I'm not eligible because I voluntarily left my most recent job. It's a mess.

Just want to add - make sure you have all your employment info ready when you apply. Washington ESD needs dates, employer addresses, reason for separation, etc. If you were fired, be honest about it but don't make it sound worse than it was.

The whole system is designed to make you give up. I spent 2 months trying to get answers about my claim. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through to an agent who cleared everything up in 10 minutes. Wish I'd known about it sooner.

Been there done that. Got fired for 'attitude problems' which was really just me standing up for myself. Washington ESD approved my claim after a short adjudication. Don't let them intimidate you into not applying.

Quick question - do you have to be actively looking for work while your claim is being adjudicated? I'm confused about the job search requirements during this phase.

The bottom line is this - Washington ESD would rather pay benefits than deal with appeals and legal challenges. Unless you did something really bad, they'll probably approve you. The employer has to prove misconduct, not you proving innocence.

One thing to watch out for - if your claim gets approved and then your employer appeals the decision, you might have to pay back benefits if the appeal goes against you. Just something to keep in mind.

I helped my brother through this process last year. Washington ESD is actually pretty fair about fired vs. laid off situations. Performance issues rarely count as misconduct unless there was clear policy violation or insubordination.

File online tonight if you can. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim date starts. Even if there's adjudication, your benefits will be backdated to your claim date if approved.

Washington ESD has gotten better about processing claims quickly. When I was fired in 2019 it took forever. Last year my cousin got fired and had an answer within 2 weeks.

Don't overthink this. File the claim, answer the questions honestly, and let Washington ESD do their job. Worst case scenario they deny you and you appeal. Best case you get approved right away. Either way you need to start the process.

Just remember to keep detailed records of everything - when you filed, when you got responses, any communications with Washington ESD or your former employer. If things get complicated, having good records helps a lot.

Final thought - even if you think you might not qualify, apply anyway. I've seen people surprised by approvals when they thought they'd be denied. Washington ESD looks at each case individually.