Can you collect unemployment if you're fired Washington ESD eligibility question

That's a relief! I was worried being fired meant I couldn't get any benefits. Should I mention the lack of training in my application?

Yes, include all relevant details about your termination when you file. The more context you provide, the better Washington ESD can evaluate your claim.

What exactly counts as misconduct? I was never written up or anything, just had that one conversation about my performance.

Misconduct typically means things like theft, violence, or willful violation of company policy. Poor performance without willful negligence usually doesn't qualify as misconduct.

I got denied initially when I was fired but won on appeal. Don't give up if your first claim gets rejected!

Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind if I have trouble getting through to Washington ESD.

How much does that service cost? Seems like we shouldn't have to pay extra just to talk to unemployment.

I was frustrated about that too but honestly it was worth it to actually get my issues resolved instead of calling for hours every day.

Good point - I'll start filing weekly claims right away. Do I need to be actively job searching immediately?

Yes, you need to be able and available for work and actively seeking employment. Keep detailed records of your job search activities.

That sounds really frustrating. What kind of documentation did they ask for?

employment records, tax forms, proof of job search... basically everything. then they put it in adjudication for weeks

Adjudication can take time but stay on top of it. Call regularly to check on your status and provide any additional info they request promptly.

That's encouraging! Did you have to go through an appeal process or hearing?

Yes, I had to request a hearing after my initial denial. It was nerve-wracking but the hearing officer was fair and listened to both sides.

I'll file today then. Better safe than sorry. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Exactly! The worst they can do is say no, but you might be pleasantly surprised.

How likely is it that they'll contest it? My old boss seemed pretty irritated when they fired me.

It varies by employer. Some contest everything, others don't bother unless it's clear misconduct. You won't know until you file.

How long did it take to get approved? I'm worried about how I'll pay rent if it takes too long.

Mine took about 3 weeks from filing to first payment. Would have been faster but my employer contested it initially.

Definitely planning to be completely honest. Not worth the risk of making things worse.

Good approach. Honesty is always the best policy with Washington ESD claims.

I might need to try that if my claim gets complicated. The phone system is impossible to navigate.

Yeah, I was spending hours every day trying to get through before I found them. Much easier than the constant redialing.

That's what I'm hoping. I really was trying my best at the job, just felt like I never got proper guidance.

Document everything you can remember about your employment and termination. It'll help if there are any questions later.

It does seem like they make it more complicated than it needs to be. Hopefully my case will be straightforward.

fingers crossed for you! just be persistent if you run into any roadblocks

Perfect, I'll gather all that information before I start the application. Thanks for the website link!

No problem! The online system is pretty user-friendly once you get started.

Good to know about the appeal option if I need it. Sounds like that service helped you navigate the system.

Exactly - I had no idea I could appeal until I actually spoke with someone. The automated system doesn't give you all the information you need.

That's reassuring! Hopefully my situation goes as smoothly as yours did.

yeah just file asap and keep looking for work while you wait. good luck!

Makes sense - I'll start the application process today and stay on top of the weekly filings.

That's the smart approach. Better to have everything in order from the beginning.

I hadn't heard about that requirement. Is that something I do right away or after my claim is approved?

You should register as soon as possible. It's one of the requirements for maintaining eligibility, so don't wait.

What kind of questions do they ask in phone interviews? I want to be prepared.

They'll ask about the circumstances of your termination, what efforts you made to improve performance, and whether you violated any company policies.

Thank you! This thread has been really helpful. I feel much more confident about filing now.

That's what this community is for! Hope everything works out smoothly for you.