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

That's a relief to hear. So I should go ahead and file the claim then? I was worried they'd just automatically deny me.

Yes, absolutely file! The worst they can do is say no, but based on what you described, you have a good case. Make sure to mention the lack of progressive discipline when you file.

What about if you get fired for being late too many times? Is that considered misconduct?

Chronic tardiness can be misconduct if it's willful and you were warned about it repeatedly. But if it was due to transportation issues or other circumstances beyond your control, you might still qualify.

How long did the investigation take? I'm worried about how I'll pay rent if this drags on for weeks.

Mine took about 3 weeks for the adjudication process. During that time I couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to check on the status - the phone system is absolutely terrible.

Actually, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual Washington ESD agent when I was dealing with my adjudication. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works. Made the whole process so much less stressful.

The website can be confusing but the main thing is just getting your initial claim filed. You can always call later to clarify any details if needed.

yeah but calling is impossible! I've tried dozens of times and either get busy signals or sit on hold for hours then get disconnected.

Good point. I'll file this weekend. Do I need any specific documents or information when I apply?

You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and details about why you were separated from your job. Have your last employer's contact info ready too.

That's a common misconception. You can get unemployment if you're fired, just not if you're fired for misconduct. There's a big difference between poor performance and actual misconduct.

oh wow I had no idea! Good to know for future reference.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time. Have you tried reaching out to the unemployment advocacy groups? They sometimes can help with appeals.

I've tried everything. Can't even get through on the phone to talk to a human being about my case. It's ridiculous.

Exactly! The uncertainty is the worst part. Hope yours gets approved quickly.

thanks, fingers crossed for both of us

That's smart. I should write down everything I can remember while it's still fresh. Did you end up getting approved?

Yeah, but it took forever to get through to someone at Washington ESD during the adjudication process. I actually used Claimyr to help me reach an agent when I needed to provide additional information. Worth every penny to avoid the phone system nightmare.

Good to know there's a backup plan. Hopefully it doesn't come to that but I'll keep it in mind.

Absolutely. The initial determination isn't always correct, especially in cases where it comes down to he-said-she-said between you and your employer.

I hadn't thought about that angle. I did file a complaint with OSHA about the safety issues. Would that documentation help?

Definitely! Any documentation showing you reported safety violations before being terminated could strengthen your case that this was retaliation, not performance-related.

Since I never got any written warnings, they won't have much documentation to provide. That should work in my favor, right?

Exactly. Lack of progressive discipline or documentation makes it harder for them to prove misconduct. Washington ESD looks for a pattern of warnings that the employee ignored.

The adjudication process just takes time unfortunately. I tried calling multiple times to check on mine but could never get through to anyone.

This is exactly why I recommend Claimyr for anyone dealing with adjudication issues. Being able to actually speak to a Washington ESD agent instead of waiting in phone limbo was a game changer for me.

Definitely planning to be completely truthful. I figure honesty is the best policy with government agencies.

Smart approach. They appreciate honesty and it builds credibility for your case.

Being laid off typically means loss of work due to lack of business, while being fired is termination for cause. Both can qualify for unemployment unless the firing was for misconduct.

Thanks for clarifying! I learned something new today.

I've definitely noticed that. Even finding the right forms on their website was a hassle.

Yep, it's intentionally bureaucratic. But stick with it - you've paid into the system through your paychecks, so you've earned the right to benefits if you qualify.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm going to file tonight. This thread has been really helpful!

Glad we could help! Keep us posted on how it goes.

Good point. I should probably start applying for jobs now even before my claim is approved. Can't hurt to get a head start.

Smart thinking. Plus it shows you're taking the work search requirement seriously if anyone asks.