Can you collect unemployment if fired from your job in Washington?

You can definitely apply for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether the termination was for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful or deliberate. I'd recommend filing your claim right away since there's a waiting period.

same thing happened to me got fired for being late too many times but still got approved for UI benefits took about 3 weeks though

File your claim immediately through the Washington ESD website. Even if your employer contests it, you have the right to an adjudication hearing. Make sure you document everything about your termination - save any emails, write down conversations, keep your employee handbook. The burden is on your employer to prove misconduct, not on you to prove you deserve benefits.

I had trouble reaching Washington ESD when my claim got flagged for review after being fired. Spent hours calling and either got busy signals or got disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process so much easier when I needed to explain my situation.

The Washington ESD system is SO broken. They make it impossible to reach anyone and then deny claims for ridiculous reasons. I got fired for 'attitude problems' which is completely subjective but they still made me jump through hoops to prove I deserved benefits.

Here's what you need to know about Washington unemployment after being fired: 1) File immediately - benefits start from when you file, not when you were terminated. 2) Be honest about the reason for termination. 3) If it goes to adjudication, participate fully in any fact-finding interviews. 4) Keep documenting your job search even while the claim is pending.

The key factors Washington ESD considers for fired employees: Was the act that led to termination deliberate? Did you know it could result in firing? Was it a single incident or pattern? Did you have control over the situation? Performance issues due to lack of skill or ability typically don't disqualify you from benefits.

file online its way easier than calling and you get confirmation that you submitted it properly

Just want to add that if your claim does get contested and you need to speak with someone at Washington ESD, Claimyr really saved me time and frustration. I tried for days to get through on my own before using their service. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to explain your situation properly.

been fired twice and got unemployment both times first one was for attendance second was for not meeting sales goals neither one was considered misconduct by washington esd

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired 'for cause' vs 'without cause.' Even if they say performance issues, that's usually not 'for cause' in the legal sense that would disqualify you from unemployment benefits.

Just remember that your employer will probably contest your claim regardless. That's standard procedure for most companies now. Don't let that discourage you from filing - contest doesn't mean automatic denial.

Don't forget that you need to be able and available for work while collecting benefits. That means actively job searching and able to start work immediately if offered a suitable position. Keep detailed records of your job search activities.

good luck with washington esd system its a nightmare but you deserve benefits if you paid into it

Final advice: File your claim this week, be completely honest about the termination circumstances, save all documentation, and don't be discouraged if it goes to adjudication. Most termination-related claims that aren't for actual misconduct do get approved, it just sometimes takes time for Washington ESD to sort through the details.

UPDATE: Just wanted to share that I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I needed to talk to Washington ESD about my contested claim. Got connected within an hour instead of spending days trying to call. Really made a difference in getting my situation resolved quickly.

honestly just file and dont overthink it worst case they say no and you appeal most people who get fired for performance stuff do get approved eventually

Remember to file your weekly claims even while your initial claim is being reviewed. If you get approved, you'll get back pay for those weeks, but only if you filed the weekly claims during that time.

one more thing if you do get denied dont give up the appeal process actually works if you have a legitimate case like yours sounds like it is

Best of luck with your claim! Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you, especially for performance issues. The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, which sounds like your situation.