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

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment even if you were fired! The key is whether it was for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful or repeated after warnings. Since you had no prior warnings, that works in your favor.

You can definitely apply for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD looks at the reason for termination. If you were fired for misconduct, that's disqualifying. But if it was performance-related or they said budget cuts, you should be eligible. The key is whether it was willful misconduct or just not being a good fit.

File your claim immediately! Don't wait around wondering if you qualify. Let Washington ESD make that determination. I was fired from my last job for allegedly being late too often (which wasn't even true) and I still got approved for benefits.

I went through this same situation last year. Got fired for 'performance issues' but really they were just downsizing. Filed for unemployment and it took about 3 weeks for approval. Washington ESD did call my old employer to verify, but my claim was approved. The main thing is it wasn't misconduct like stealing or breaking rules.

This is actually a really common situation. I've helped several people with similar cases. Washington ESD distinguishes between misconduct and non-misconduct terminations. Performance issues, not meeting expectations, or even attendance problems that aren't willful usually don't disqualify you. The employer has to prove it was misconduct.

Definitely apply! I was fired from my last job for 'poor performance' and got approved for unemployment. The worst they can do is say no, but from what you described it sounds like you have a good case. Washington ESD is pretty fair about these situations. Just file online and be honest about what happened.

The good news is that Washington ESD has a pretty reasonable standard for misconduct. They define it as a willful violation of company policy or deliberate disregard of your job duties. Poor performance alone usually doesn't qualify as misconduct. However, if you've been struggling to reach Washington ESD by phone to file your claim, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

I got fired two months ago for supposedly having a bad attitude but really my manager just didn't like me. Still got my unemployment approved! The trick is to be completely honest about what happened but don't admit to any wrongdoing. Stick to the facts.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have 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 busy signals.

Whatever you do, don't lie on the application. Washington ESD will find out the real reason you were fired when they contact your employer. If there's a discrepancy, that could hurt your case. Just be truthful about what happened.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. why do they make it so hard to figure out if you qualify or not?? just file the claim and see what happens I guess

File your weekly claim as soon as possible even while your initial claim is being processed. A lot of people don't realize you need to file every week to maintain your eligibility. I made that mistake and had to backdate several weeks.

I'm going through something similar right now. Got fired two weeks ago for 'not meeting expectations' but I think it was really retaliation for complaining about working conditions. Filed for unemployment and it's been in adjudication for a week now. This whole process is so stressful.

The unemployment system is such a joke. They make you jump through hoops even when you're clearly eligible. I was denied initially when I got fired and had to appeal. Took two months to get approved. The whole system is designed to discourage people from claiming benefits.

The most important thing is documenting everything from your termination. Get a copy of your termination letter, any performance reviews, emails, whatever you can. If your employer contests your claim, you'll need evidence.

Been there! Got fired for 'performance' three months ago and my claim was approved no problem. Washington ESD is actually pretty reasonable if you weren't fired for misconduct. Just file as soon as possible because benefits don't start until you apply.

same thing happened to my brother last year. got fired for performance but still got unemployment. took forever to get through to someone at Washington ESD though

Just wanted to add that even if your claim gets denied initially, you can appeal. I had to appeal my denial and won. The appeals process is pretty fair and they look at all the evidence. Don't give up if the first decision isn't in your favor.

Quick question - when you file, do you need any special documentation from your employer? I'm in a similar situation and want to make sure I have everything ready.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone to ask questions about your specific situation, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but it saved me hours of calling. Much better than sitting on hold for 2+ hours only to get disconnected.

I was fired for 'attitude problems' last year and still got approved for unemployment. The key is they have to prove it was deliberate misconduct, not just personality conflicts or performance issues. Sounds like you have a solid case.

Been through this exact situation. Got fired for 'insubordination' which was really just me standing up for myself. Filed for unemployment anyway and got approved after about a month. The key is that Washington ESD looks at the whole picture, not just what your employer claims.

File online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. Don't overthink it. Answer the questions honestly and let Washington ESD determine if you qualify. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but at least you tried.

If you end up needing to contact Washington ESD about your claim, I had good luck with Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to an actual person instead of waiting on hold forever. Really saved me time when I needed to check on my claim status.

Whatever you do, don't let your former employer intimidate you out of filing. They might tell you that you won't qualify but that's not their decision to make. I had a boss try to convince me not to file after he fired me - glad I didn't listen to him!

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Got terminated three weeks ago for allegedly violating company policy but I think it was retaliation for filing a complaint with HR. Still waiting to hear back on my unemployment claim.

quick question - do you have to be looking for work while your initial claim is being processed or only after it's approved?

The unemployment system in this state is such a mess. They make it nearly impossible to reach anyone by phone and the website is confusing. No wonder people get frustrated and give up on filing claims they're entitled to.

For what it's worth, I got fired from my last job for excessive tardiness (which was partially true, I'll admit) and still qualified for benefits. The standard for misconduct is pretty high - it has to be willful and work-related.

Make sure you appeal if they initially deny your claim! A lot of people just accept the first decision but you have the right to request a hearing. Sometimes employers provide misleading information in their initial response.

Bottom line - being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment. File your claim, be honest about what happened, and let Washington ESD make the determination. Most people who get fired for performance reasons rather than true misconduct end up qualifying.

Whatever happens, don't take it personally. Companies fire people for all kinds of reasons and it doesn't reflect on you as a person. Focus on finding your next opportunity and let Washington ESD handle the unemployment benefits. You've got this!

One more thing - make sure you start your job search right away even while waiting for your claim to be approved. Washington ESD requires you to be actively looking for work and you'll need to document your job search activities.

I was in your exact situation 6 months ago. Fired for 'performance issues' but it was really just downsizing. Applied for unemployment and got approved within 3 weeks. The process was actually pretty straightforward. Don't stress too much about it.

If your claim ends up in adjudication and you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone, definitely check out Claimyr. I was stuck in adjudication for weeks and couldn't get anyone on the phone. Used Claimyr and got connected to an agent who cleared up my case immediately.

Bottom line - yes, you can collect unemployment if you're fired, as long as it wasn't for misconduct. File your claim, be honest about what happened, and keep looking for work. The system is designed to help people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Just to wrap up - make sure you file your weekly claims on time even while your initial claim is pending. Missing weekly claims can cause delays or issues with your benefits. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar.

Hope everything works out for you! Getting fired is tough but unemployment benefits are there for exactly this reason. Don't feel bad about using them - you paid into the system and deserve the support.