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

You can definitely apply even if you were fired! Washington ESD looks at the reason for termination. If it wasn't for willful misconduct, you should be eligible. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately doing things wrong.

Yes, you can still collect unemployment if you're fired, but it depends on WHY you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct.' Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful misconduct or gross negligence. You should definitely apply - the worst they can do is deny it and you can appeal.

File your claim right away! Even if there's a dispute, you want to get the process started. I was fired for 'poor performance' last year and still got my benefits approved after adjudication.

File your claim immediately! Even if there's a dispute about the reason for termination, you want to get your claim date established. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination, but you don't want to lose weeks of potential benefits while you're deciding whether to apply.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my termination case. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent - check out claimyr.com. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made a huge difference for me.

The key thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you were fired for misconduct or just because you couldn't do the job well enough. Misconduct has to be deliberate - like stealing, fighting, or repeatedly violating company policies after warnings.

I was in a similar situation last year. Got fired for 'not meeting expectations' and was terrified I wouldn't qualify. But I got approved after Washington ESD reviewed everything. The key is being honest about what happened and letting them make the determination. Your employer will have a chance to dispute it, but performance issues rarely disqualify you.

ugh the whole system is so confusing!! I got fired too and have no idea if I qualify. why can't they just make it simple???

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and it's impossible. The phone system is so frustrating - keeps hanging up on me after waiting forever. Found this service called Claimyr that actually helps you get through to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth it if you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

The burden of proof is on your employer to show misconduct occurred. Simply being terminated for performance doesn't automatically disqualify you. Washington ESD will look at factors like whether you received progressive discipline, had training opportunities, and whether the performance issues were within your control. Document everything you can remember about your employment and termination.

Been through this before with Washington ESD. They have a whole process for fact-finding when there's a termination dispute. Both you and your employer submit statements, then they make a decision based on the evidence.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. If they ask why you were terminated, be honest but brief. You can explain your side during the adjudication process if needed. I've seen people get in trouble for misrepresenting the circumstances of their separation.

ugh this whole system is so confusing! I got fired months ago and still fighting with Washington ESD about my claim. They keep asking for more documentation and I don't even know what they want anymore. How do you even prove you weren't fired for misconduct??

File immediately but be prepared for potential adjudication. Washington ESD takes termination cases seriously and investigates thoroughly. Don't let that scare you though - just be honest about what happened.

Same thing happened to my cousin. She got fired for being late too many times but Washington ESD still approved her because the company never gave her formal warnings. Every case is different.

Most people don't realize that being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment. The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, and poor performance usually falls into that category unless it was intentional or egregious.

Make sure you file your weekly claims even while the adjudication is pending! A lot of people don't realize you need to keep certifying to maintain your claim. If you're approved retroactively, you'll get paid for those weeks, but only if you filed the weekly claims.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST WORKERS!!! They make it so hard to get benefits even when you pay into the system for years. I got denied twice before finally getting approved. Don't give up!

Quick question - do you have to wait a certain amount of time after being fired to file? Or can you do it right away?

I used to work for an HR company and saw tons of these cases. Most people who think they were fired 'for cause' actually weren't. Companies often use vague terms like 'performance issues' when they really just want to get rid of someone.

The whole misconduct standard is pretty specific in Washington. It has to be a deliberate violation of company policy or willful disregard of your job duties. Simple incompetence or honest mistakes don't count. Your situation sounds like it would qualify for benefits based on what you've described.

Don't forget you'll need to do the job search requirements even while your claim is being adjudicated. Keep track of where you apply in case Washington ESD asks for your job search log.

Another vote for Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your case. I couldn't get through for weeks trying to check on my adjudication status. Claimyr got me connected in like 10 minutes.

been there done that. got fired from my warehouse job for 'attitude issues' which was complete BS. filed anyway and got approved after they investigated. my advice: just be completely honest on your application about what happened.

Remember that even if you get denied initially, you can appeal the decision. I know several people who won on appeal even after being denied the first time. The appeals process gives you more opportunity to present your case.

File your weekly claims even during adjudication! This was crucial for me. If you get approved later, you can get backpay for those weeks, but only if you filed the claims.

What kind of documentation should I gather to support my case? I want to be prepared in case Washington ESD asks for more information.

One more recommendation for anyone struggling to reach Washington ESD - I discovered Claimyr after weeks of frustration and it was a game changer. They have a demo video that explains exactly how it works. Definitely worth checking out if you're hitting walls trying to get information about your claim.

Good luck with your claim! The most important thing is to file quickly and be honest. Don't let being fired discourage you from applying - lots of people in your situation end up getting approved for benefits.

been there! got canned from my last job for 'attitude problems' which was basically just me asking questions they didn't like. still got my unemployment though. washington esd was pretty fair about it once they heard both sides of the story

I work in HR and can tell you that most employers don't contest unemployment claims for performance-related terminations unless there was clear misconduct involved. It's often not worth their time and effort, especially if they know the termination was just due to fit issues or performance struggles.

When I was going through my termination situation, I couldn't get anyone at Washington ESD on the phone to ask questions. Super frustrating when you're stressed about money. Ended up using Claimyr to get through - they have this system that keeps calling until you get connected to an actual person. Worth checking out if you need to speak with someone directly about your claim.

The key thing is timing - file your claim as soon as possible after termination. There's a waiting period anyway, but you don't want to delay getting the process started. Even if there's a dispute, you want to establish your claim date right away.

Just went through this exact situation two months ago. Filed immediately even though I was scared they'd deny me. Got approved after about 3 weeks of investigation. The adjudication process was nerve-wracking but worth it. Don't let fear stop you from applying - you deserve benefits if you qualified.

Remember that even if you get denied initially, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process gives you another chance to present your case, and sometimes the hearing officers see things differently than the initial determination. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way.

One more thing - when Washington ESD contacts your former employer, they'll ask specific questions about the reason for termination and whether progressive discipline was used. If your employer can't provide documentation of misconduct, that works in your favor. Keep copies of any performance reviews or communications you have.