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

Yes you can file for unemployment even if you were fired, but it depends on WHY you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for misconduct or just poor performance. Performance issues usually don't disqualify you, but misconduct like stealing or fighting does.

File ASAP! Even if you're not sure if you qualify, it's better to apply and let Washington ESD decide. You can always appeal if they deny you initially. The worst thing you can do is wait and lose potential benefits.

I was in a similar situation last year. Got fired for 'attendance issues' but it was really because I was dealing with a family emergency. Filed anyway and got approved. Washington ESD was pretty reasonable about it. The key is being honest about what happened and providing any documentation you have.

Honestly, trying to reach Washington ESD by phone is going to be your biggest challenge. I spent weeks trying to get through to ask questions about my claim. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works.

The whole system is rigged against workers anyway. They'll find any excuse to deny your claim even if you deserve it. File but don't get your hopes up too high.

Make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file - dates of employment, wage info, reason for separation. And start keeping a job search log right away because you'll need to show you're actively looking for work.

same thing happened to me got fired for being late too many times but it was cause my car kept breaking down and i couldnt afford to fix it. filed anyway and got approved so dont worry too much about it

Important distinction - there's a difference between being fired for misconduct vs. being laid off or terminated for non-misconduct reasons. Misconduct is things like theft, violence, or willful disregard of company rules. Poor performance, inability to do the job, or even attendance issues usually don't qualify as misconduct.

One more thing - when you file, you'll need to register with WorkSourceWA too. It's required for keeping your benefits active. Don't skip this step or they might hold up your payments.

Don't let the fear of getting denied stop you from filing. Even if your employer contests it, you can appeal and often win. I've seen people get approved on appeal even when they were initially denied.

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov if you haven't already. The online system is usually faster than calling or mailing stuff in.

My sister got fired for supposedly being rude to customers but she thinks it was retaliation for complaining about her supervisor. She filed for unemployment and got approved. Washington ESD seems to give people the benefit of the doubt if the employer can't prove actual misconduct.

Just to follow up on the Claimyr thing - I know it sounds like an ad but I'm just sharing what worked for me. When my claim got stuck and I couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD, that service literally saved me weeks of frustration. Worth checking out if you run into phone issues.

Quick tip - when you file your weekly claims, be completely honest about any work you do or money you earn. Even small amounts need to be reported. Better to be honest and get reduced benefits than to hide something and get disqualified later.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Got fired last month and my claim is still in adjudication. It's nerve-wracking but I'm trying to stay positive. At least I know I can file even though I was terminated.

One last thing - keep records of everything. Save emails, write down dates of conversations, keep copies of your termination paperwork. If you end up having to appeal, having good documentation makes a huge difference.

Been there, done that. Got fired for 'insubordination' which was really just me standing up for myself against a toxic boss. Filed anyway and got my benefits. Don't let them intimidate you out of filing.

Filing for unemployment was the best decision I made after getting fired. Even though it was stressful waiting for approval, I'm glad I didn't let fear stop me from applying. You deserve those benefits if you're eligible.

Don't forget about the waiting week. Even if you get approved, there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start. Plan your budget accordingly.

Whatever you do, don't quit your next job without having another one lined up. It's much harder to get unemployment if you quit voluntarily, even if you have good reasons.