Can you draw unemployment if fired in Washington - ESD eligibility question

Yes, you can absolutely get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless they were willful or repeated after warnings. Safety concerns definitely shouldn't count against you.

File your claim immediately! The sooner you apply, the sooner your benefits can start if approved. Even if your employer contests it, you can still potentially get benefits while the adjudication process is happening. Don't wait thinking you might not qualify.

I went through something similar last year. Got fired from a retail job for 'attitude problems' but it was really because I wouldn't work unpaid overtime. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The key is being completely honest on your application and during any phone interviews.

Getting through to Washington ESD by phone is going to be your biggest challenge honestly. I've been trying to get someone on the line for weeks about my own claim issues. If you need to speak with someone urgently, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get through to ESD agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

The main thing Washington ESD looks for is whether you were fired for misconduct. Things like theft, violence, or willful disobedience count as misconduct. Performance issues, not getting along with coworkers, or questioning policies usually don't qualify as misconduct.

File online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. The application process is pretty straightforward, but make sure you have all your employment information ready - dates, wages, reason for separation, etc. Don't overthink it, just be honest about what happened.

I was terminated for 'insubordination' which sounds way worse than performance issues, but I still qualified for benefits. The ESD adjudicator said questioning management decisions isn't the same as being insubordinate if you do it respectfully.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. I know someone who got fired for attendance issues and tried to claim they were laid off. Washington ESD found out and they had to pay back all the benefits plus penalties.

Just want to add that even if your initial claim gets denied, you have the right to appeal. I had to go through an appeal hearing but eventually won my case. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way.

The fact that you questioned safety protocols could actually work in your favor. Washington has strong worker protection laws and retaliation for raising safety concerns is illegal. Make sure to mention that in your application.

Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct unless there's clear evidence you were deliberately not doing your job. Sounds like you were trying to do your job safely and got pushed out for it.

Apply ASAP! You can file online 24/7 at esd.wa.gov. Even if there's some back and forth with your employer, you want to get your application in as soon as possible to start the process.

I had a similar situation where I got terminated for 'not being a good fit' but it was really because I refused to work off the clock. Washington ESD approved my claim without any issues. They understand the difference between legitimate termination and retaliation.

One more thing - if you do get approved, make sure you understand the job search requirements. You'll need to be actively looking for work and able to document your search activities. But don't worry about that right now, just focus on getting your claim filed.

The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Being fired for raising legitimate safety concerns sounds like exactly the kind of situation unemployment benefits are meant to cover.

If you run into any issues reaching ESD by phone during the process, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier is legit. I used it when I couldn't get through for weeks and it actually worked. Worth checking out if you get stuck.

Quick question - did you have any written documentation of the safety concerns you raised? Emails, incident reports, anything like that? That kind of evidence could be really helpful if your claim gets contested.

Just wanted to say good luck with your claim! It sounds like you have a solid case, especially with the safety angle. Don't let your former employer intimidate you - you have rights and the system is there to protect workers like you.

Final tip - when you file your weekly claims, make sure you report any work you do, even odd jobs or gig work. It's better to be upfront about everything than to have issues later. But again, focus on getting that initial application in first!