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

You can still potentially get unemployment even if you were fired, but it depends on the specific circumstances. Washington ESD will investigate whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or just poor performance. Missing shifts due to transportation problems might not count as misconduct if it wasn't willful or repeated after warnings.

I was fired from my retail job last year for being late and still got approved for UI benefits. The key is that Washington ESD looks at whether it was misconduct connected to your work. If your employer contests your claim, you might have to go through adjudication where they investigate both sides of the story.

Having trouble reaching Washington ESD to ask questions about your eligibility? I was in the same boat after getting terminated. Spent hours calling their main number and either got busy signals or was hung up on. Found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to a real agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made such a difference when I needed to check on my claim status during adjudication.

File your claim ASAP regardless. Even if your employer contests it, you have the right to appeal if Washington ESD denies you initially. I've seen people win appeals even after being fired for attendance issues, especially if there were legitimate reasons like medical problems or transportation barriers.

This whole system is rigged against workers. They make it so complicated to figure out if you qualify and then put you through adjudication hell just to get benefits you paid into. I was fired for 'insubordination' which was really just me questioning unsafe working conditions and had to fight for months to get my UI approved.

To clarify the misconduct standard: Washington ESD defines misconduct as a willful or wanton disregard of your employer's interests, or deliberate violation of workplace rules. Simply being unable to perform the job adequately usually doesn't qualify as misconduct. Transportation issues leading to attendance problems often fall into a gray area.

Been there done that. Got canned from my construction job for missing work when my kid was sick. Employer fought my claim hard but Washington ESD sided with me during adjudication. Key thing is to document everything - keep records of why you missed work, any communications with your supervisor, stuff like that.

Another thing to remember - even if Washington ESD initially denies your claim, you have 30 days to appeal. The appeal hearing is your chance to tell your side of the story to an administrative law judge. I've seen plenty of people win on appeal even after initial denials.

Quick update on getting through to Washington ESD - that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier worked again today when I needed to check on a different issue. If you're struggling to reach an agent about your termination case, definitely worth trying. The regular Washington ESD phone lines are still a disaster.

Quick question - do you have to be looking for work immediately after filing even if your claim is still in adjudication? I'm confused about the job search requirements while Washington ESD is investigating my termination.

I got fired for attendance issues too but mine was different - kept missing work because of panic attacks. Had to provide medical documentation but Washington ESD approved my claim because they considered it beyond my control. Every situation is unique.

File now ask questions later. Seriously. The worst thing you can do is wait and miss the deadline to apply. Washington ESD can only backdate benefits so far, so every day you wait potentially costs you money if you do qualify.

One more tip - when you're filling out your Washington ESD application, be honest but focus on the facts. Don't admit fault or use language like 'it was my fault' even if you feel bad about the situation. Stick to what happened and why, let them make the legal determination about misconduct.

The transportation issue angle might actually work in your favor. Washington ESD has recognized that reliable transportation can be a barrier to employment, especially in areas with limited public transit. If you can show you made good faith efforts to resolve the problem, that helps.

Been following this thread and wanted to add - if your employer does contest your claim and you end up in adjudication, don't panic if it takes a while. Washington ESD is still backed up from all the changes over the past few years. Just keep filing your weekly claims and looking for work.

For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD about fired/termination questions - Claimyr really is a lifesaver. Used it again this week to clarify some stuff about my friend's misconduct case. The service connects you directly with Washington ESD agents instead of fighting the phone system. Worth every penny when you need real answers.

Final thought - remember that Washington ESD's job is to determine eligibility based on the law, not to punish people who lost their jobs. If you were fired for reasons beyond your control or that don't rise to the level of misconduct, you have a legitimate claim to benefits. Don't let employer intimidation stop you from filing.