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

Yes, you can absolutely apply for unemployment benefits even if you were fired! Washington ESD will determine if your termination was for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful or repeated after warnings. You should definitely file your claim.

Don't listen to your manager - they don't know unemployment law. Washington ESD makes the final decision based on their own investigation. File immediately, you only have a limited time to apply and your benefits are backdated to when you file, not when you were terminated.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to discuss my termination details for my claim. The phone lines are always busy. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process so much easier.

the system is so messed up, they'll probably deny you anyway just because. i got fired for being 5 minutes late a few times and they still made me jump through hoops for weeks

Here's what Washington ESD looks for with fired employees: Was it misconduct? Misconduct means you deliberately violated company policy or were grossly negligent. Poor performance, personality conflicts, or good faith errors usually don't qualify as misconduct. Safety complaints are protected activity.

omg same thing happened to my brother last year!! he got fired and was so worried about unemployment but he got approved no problem

The key thing is to be completely honest in your application. Don't try to hide that you were fired - Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer. Explain your side of the story clearly and factually.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. My claim has been in adjudication for weeks because I was terminated. It's so stressful not knowing when I'll get approved or denied.

Pro tip: When you file your weekly claims while waiting for adjudication, make sure you're still doing your job search activities. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week even during adjudication.

been there done that, got the t-shirt. was fired from retail job for 'attitude problems' which was really just me standing up for myself against a terrible manager. got my unemployment no problem

Something important to remember - even if Washington ESD initially denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. Many people win on appeal even after being denied initially. The appeals process gives you a chance to present your case more thoroughly.

My wife just went through this exact situation. She was 'fired' but it was really retaliation for filing a complaint about her supervisor. Washington ESD approved her claim after investigating. The employer's response was pretty weak.

washington esd will probably just rubber stamp whatever your employer says happened. they don't really investigate anything properly

File immediately and don't overthink it. The worst they can do is say no, and then you appeal. I've helped several friends through this process and most people who were fired for performance reasons get approved eventually.

wait I thought if you get fired you automatically can't get unemployment? this is news to me

Just want to circle back on the Claimyr thing - it really helped me when I needed to speak with someone about my terminated employee status. The phone system is so frustrating otherwise. Definitely check out their demo video if you're struggling to get through.

The fact that you complained about safety violations before being fired is actually a huge point in your favor. Washington state has strong protections for whistleblowers. Make sure Washington ESD knows about the timeline of events.

been following this thread and just wanted to say good luck OP! sounds like you have a solid case for getting benefits approved

Final advice: File your claim online at secure.esd.wa.gov, be completely honest about being terminated, explain the circumstances clearly, and don't let your former employer intimidate you. Washington ESD makes the final decision, not your ex-boss.

This whole thread has been super informative. I had no idea about the whistleblower protections or that performance issues usually don't count as misconduct. Bookmarking this for future reference.