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

Getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' which has a specific legal definition. Poor performance usually isn't considered misconduct unless it was willful or intentional. You should definitely file a claim and let Washington ESD make the determination.

I got fired last year for attendance issues and still got approved for benefits. The key is that Washington ESD has to determine if what you did rises to the level of misconduct. Missing work occasionally isn't misconduct, but if you were like constantly no-showing without calling in, that might be different.

You need to be really careful about how you answer the questions when you file your initial claim. Washington ESD will ask why you're no longer working and you need to be honest but also not hurt your case. Don't volunteer information that makes it sound like you did something wrong.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status or if it goes into adjudication, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They've got a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

The whole system is messed up honestly. They make it so hard to figure out if you qualify and then even if you do qualify, good luck actually getting someone on the phone to help you with problems. I've been fighting with Washington ESD for months over an overpayment notice that I think is wrong.

I got fired about 6 months ago and was approved for benefits. My employer tried to fight it saying I was terminated for cause but I appealed and won. The hearing officer said that what they claimed was misconduct was really just a disagreement about job expectations. Don't give up if they initially deny you.

Make sure you save any documentation from your employer about the termination. Even if they didn't give you written warnings, if you have any emails or text messages that show the real reason you were fired, that could help your case.

One thing to know is that even if you get approved, your former employer might still contest individual weekly claims. So make sure you're honest on every weekly certification about any work you do or income you receive.

i got fired from mcdonalds for being late too many times but still got unemployment so you should be fine if it was just performance stuff

The most important thing is to file your claim as soon as possible. There's a waiting period anyway so the sooner you get the process started, the sooner you might start receiving benefits. And remember that even if your claim goes into adjudication, that doesn't mean you'll be denied.

Just remember if your claim does get stuck in adjudication and you can't reach anyone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. I was about to lose my mind trying to get through on my own.

Don't let them intimidate you. Employers sometimes contest claims even when they know the person should qualify, just to try to keep their unemployment tax rates down. Stand up for yourself and provide any evidence you have.

I was in a similar situation last year. Got fired for 'attitude problems' which was really just me questioning some unsafe practices at work. Filed for unemployment and got approved after about 2 weeks. The key is being honest but not admitting to any intentional wrongdoing.

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov as soon as you can. The application isn't that complicated but make sure you have your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and your bank account info if you want direct deposit.

One more tip - if you do get a phone interview as part of the adjudication process, be prepared but don't overthink it. Answer their questions directly and don't volunteer extra information that might hurt your case. They're trying to determine if you committed misconduct, not whether you were a perfect employee.

Been dealing with Washington ESD for years and the bottom line is that most people who get fired for performance reasons do qualify for benefits. Misconduct has a pretty high bar - it has to be willful or deliberate violation of company policy.

Whatever you do, don't delay filing. Even if you're not sure you qualify, let Washington ESD make that determination. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but if you don't file at all you definitely won't get benefits.

Good luck with your claim! Most people in your situation do get approved, it just might take a few weeks if your employer contests it. Don't give up and make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even if the initial decision is pending.

Just wanted to add that if you need help getting through to Washington ESD later on, there are services like Claimyr that can help you reach an actual person instead of sitting on hold forever. Really saved me when I had issues with my claim.