Can you claim unemployment if fired - Washington ESD eligibility question

That's reassuring to hear. How do I know if what I did counts as misconduct? They said I wasn't meeting sales targets but I was never written up or anything.

Not meeting performance standards typically isn't misconduct. Misconduct usually involves things like theft, fighting, or deliberately violating company policies. You should definitely file your claim.

Good point. I was worried about wasting their time but you're right - better to try than assume I can't get benefits.

Exactly! I thought I wouldn't qualify when I got let go but ended up getting approved. The key is being honest about everything when you file.

Should I gather emails or anything before I file? I don't have much documentation since they never formally disciplined me.

Collect anything you have - emails about your performance, your job description, any feedback you received. Even if it's limited, having something is better than nothing.

Also keep records of your job search efforts starting now. Washington ESD requires you to look for work while collecting benefits.

Interesting, I'll check that out. Did you end up getting approved for benefits after being fired?

Yes! Took about 3 weeks for the adjudication to complete but I was approved. The key was explaining that my termination was due to performance, not misconduct.

Never heard of Claimyr before but sounds useful. The Washington ESD phone lines are brutal to get through on your own.

My manager did say something like that when I was leaving. Glad to know they can't just block me from getting benefits.

Employers sometimes say that to discourage claims because it can affect their unemployment tax rates. Don't let it stop you from filing.

Thanks for the link! I'll file tomorrow morning. Is there anything specific I should know about filling out the application?

Be completely honest about why you were terminated. Don't try to sugar-coat it or make it sound better than it was. Washington ESD will find out the truth anyway when they contact your employer.

Also make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank account info for direct deposit ready before you start.

Good to know about the weekly claims. I was wondering if I should wait until I'm approved to start those.

Definitely keep filing weekly! If you miss filing a weekly claim, you can lose that week's benefits even if you're later approved.

What counts as a job search activity? Just applying for jobs or other things too?

Applying for jobs, networking events, career fairs, interviews, contacting employers directly - there's a list on the Washington ESD website. Keep detailed records of everything.

You can also register with WorkSourceWA which sometimes counts as one of your weekly activities. They have job search resources too.

That's encouraging. In my case it was really about not getting proper training and support, so hopefully that works in my favor.

Sounds like you have a good case. Performance issues without misconduct usually result in approved claims. Just be thorough in explaining your side of the story.

How long do you have to file an appeal if needed?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal. The appeal process includes a hearing where you can present your case.

Appeals can take 2-3 months to resolve, but if you win, you'll get backpay for all the weeks you should have received benefits.

I might need to try that. I've been trying to reach Washington ESD about my claim for over a week with no success.

It's worth it. The regular phone lines are just impossible to get through, especially during busy periods. Claimyr takes the frustration out of trying to reach them.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filing now. Going to start the application first thing tomorrow.

Good luck! Remember to keep filing those weekly claims and documenting your job search. You've got this!

Keep us posted on how it goes. It's always good to hear success stories to help others in similar situations.