Can you collect unemployment if you are fired in Washington ESD?

Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD doesn't automatically deny claims for termination. They'll investigate whether you were fired for 'misconduct' which has a specific legal definition. Performance issues alone usually don't qualify as misconduct unless it was willful or deliberate. File your claim ASAP since benefits are only paid from the date you apply, not the date you were terminated.

I was in almost the exact same situation last year. Got fired for 'attitude problems' but really it was because I wouldn't work unpaid overtime. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of investigation. The key is being honest about everything and providing documentation if you have any.

File your claim online at esd.wa.gov right away. Washington ESD will investigate the circumstances of your termination and determine if you're eligible. Even if you're initially denied, you have the right to appeal. I've seen people win appeals even when they lost the initial determination. The important thing is to keep filing your weekly claims during any appeals process.

Had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my claim status after being terminated. Spent hours on hold every day for a week. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent in like 15 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made such a difference being able to actually talk to someone about my situation.

being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you but it depends on WHY you were fired. if it was for gross misconduct like stealing or violence then probably no benefits. but performance issues or personality conflicts usually don't count as misconduct

Washington ESD uses a pretty strict definition of misconduct. It has to be willful disregard of the employer's interests or deliberate violation of workplace rules. Poor performance due to inability or good faith errors usually doesn't qualify as misconduct. Your situation sounds like it could go either way depending on how they documented the performance issues.

UGH the whole system is so frustrating! I got fired from my last job and Washington ESD made me jump through a million hoops. Took forever to get approved and then they wanted all this documentation I didn't even know I was supposed to keep. At least you're filing right away which is smart.

Make sure you keep copies of everything related to your termination - the termination letter, any documentation about your HR complaint, performance reviews, emails, etc. If Washington ESD opens an investigation, having this paperwork ready will help your case significantly. Also start your job search log right away since you'll need to show you're actively looking for work.

I got fired for being late too many times (my car kept breaking down) and still got unemployment. Washington ESD said it wasn't misconduct because I wasn't being late on purpose. Your situation sounds way better than mine was so I think you'll be fine.

Just want to warn you that even if you get approved, your former employer might appeal the decision. Mine did and it dragged the whole process out for months. But I eventually won at the hearing level. Don't give up if they initially deny you or if your employer fights it.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. Washington ESD will find out the truth anyway when they contact your employer. Be honest about being fired but explain your side of the story during the interview process.

File online asap! The longer you wait the more money you lose. Even if there's an investigation you should still file your weekly claims to preserve your place in line. I learned this the hard way.

Quick update on the Claimyr thing I mentioned earlier - just used them again yesterday to check on a different issue and they're still working great. Got through to Washington ESD in under 20 minutes when I couldn't get through on my own after trying for days. Really takes the stress out of dealing with the phone system.

You'll probably be fine but prepare for the possibility of an adjudication. Washington ESD takes terminations seriously and will want to investigate. The good news is they seem to be processing these faster than they used to. My friend just went through this and got a decision in about 2 weeks.

One more thing - if you do get approved and your employer appeals, don't panic. The appeal hearing is your chance to really tell your side of the story. I actually felt more confident after the hearing than I did during the initial investigation.

Performance firing vs misconduct firing are totally different things in Washington ESD's eyes. Sounds like yours was performance-related which is usually not considered misconduct. You should be okay but definitely file immediately.

I got fired for supposedly not following procedures but it was really because I complained about safety issues. Washington ESD approved my claim after investigating. The key was having documentation of my safety complaints and showing the timeline of events. Sounds like you have a similar retaliation situation.

don't let them intimidate you into not filing. some employers will try to make you think you can't get benefits if you were fired but that's not true. washington ESD will make their own determination based on the facts

The whole process is nerve-wracking but most people who get fired for performance reasons do end up getting approved for benefits. Just be patient and honest throughout the process.

One last tip about getting through to Washington ESD if you need to call them - I mentioned Claimyr earlier but wanted to add that they were especially helpful when I needed to speak to someone about my adjudication status. Their system knew exactly which department to route me to instead of me getting bounced around between different offices.

Bottom line - file your claim, be honest about everything, keep good records, and don't give up if you face any obstacles. The system is there to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, which sounds like your situation.