Can you claim unemployment if you get fired in Washington ESD?

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will investigate whether your termination was due to misconduct. Being late due to car trouble doesn't sound like willful misconduct - that's more like circumstances beyond your control.

The key thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you were fired for misconduct connected with your work. Simple tardiness due to transportation issues usually doesn't qualify as misconduct. You should file your claim immediately and let them make the determination during adjudication.

I was in a similar situation last year - got terminated for attendance issues but it was due to medical appointments I couldn't reschedule. I used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when my claim went into adjudication. The service helped me reach an actual agent who could explain my case status instead of just waiting weeks for a decision. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

File anyway!!! The worst they can say is no but at least you'll know for sure. I got fired from my last job for stupid reasons and still got approved.

Make sure when you file that you're honest about the reason for termination. Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway, so any discrepancies will hurt your case. But based on what you described, you have a good chance of approval.

washington esd is so backed up right now, expect delays even if you qualify. took them 6 weeks to process my partners claim when she got laid off

Important note: if your employer contests your claim, be prepared for a phone interview or hearing. Keep all documentation about your car problems, work schedule, and any communication with your employer about the attendance issues.

I hate how they make you feel guilty for needing help when you lose your job through no fault of your own. Like getting fired automatically makes you a bad person or something.

Another tip - if you do get approved, make sure you understand the job search requirements. Washington ESD requires you to log at least 3 job search activities per week and keep records in WorkSourceWA.

My advice is don't wait - file immediately. Even if there's adjudication, your claim date starts from when you first file, not when it gets approved. Every day you wait is money you might not get back.

Just want to add that if your claim gets denied initially, you can appeal. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way - the appeals process exists for a reason.

Transportation issues are usually considered non-misconduct, especially if you were trying to resolve them. I had a friend who got approved after being fired for attendance due to childcare problems.

Pro tip: if you end up needing to talk to Washington ESD during adjudication and can't get through, there's a service called Claimyr that helps you reach actual agents. I discovered it when I was stuck waiting for weeks with no updates on my claim status. Really saved me a lot of stress trying to get answers.

make sure to file your weekly claims even during adjudication otherwise you'll lose those weeks even if you get approved later

The whole misconduct thing is so subjective. I know people who got fired for way worse stuff and still got benefits, while others got denied for minor things. Really depends on how your case gets reviewed.

OP, based on what you described, I think you have a solid case. Car problems causing tardiness isn't willful misconduct. Just make sure you have documentation and file ASAP.

One more thing - if your employer fights the claim and you end up in a hearing, don't go in unprepared. Organize all your evidence beforehand and be ready to explain your situation clearly.

The fact that you were trying to explain the situation and it was due to circumstances beyond your control should work in your favor. Washington ESD generally looks favorably on that kind of case.

Just remember that even if there's a delay in processing, you'll get backpay for all eligible weeks once approved. So don't stress too much about the timing as long as you file promptly.

Last thought - if you do get approved and this was your first job loss, make sure you understand all the requirements. Missing job search activities or weekly claim deadlines can cause problems later.