Can you file Washington ESD unemployment if you get fired from your job?

Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment if you were fired! The key thing is whether it was for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless they were willful or you repeatedly ignored warnings. When you file with Washington ESD, they'll investigate and make a determination.

I went through this exact situation last year. Got fired for 'attitude problems' but really it was because I wouldn't work unpaid overtime. Filed my Washington ESD claim anyway and got approved after they investigated. The employer has to prove misconduct, not just say you were a bad employee.

Just make sure you file your claim as soon as possible! I waited a week after getting fired and regretted it because you can't get benefits for that first week. The Washington ESD website makes it pretty clear - you can file online at esd.wa.gov even if you were terminated.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to talk to someone about my claim status. Kept calling for days and either got busy signals or got disconnected after waiting on hold forever. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through - you can check it out at claimyr.com. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration!

Washington ESD doesn't automatically deny claims just because you were fired. They look at the specific circumstances. Things like tardiness, poor performance, or honest mistakes usually won't disqualify you. But theft, violence, or deliberately breaking company rules probably will. Sounds like your situation should be fine.

File immediately and don't let them intimidate you! Employers sometimes try to scare people into not filing by threatening to contest the claim. Even if they contest it, you still have a good chance if you weren't fired for actual misconduct.

Been through this dance before with Washington ESD. The system is actually pretty fair if you were genuinely wrongfully terminated. Just be prepared for some back and forth during the adjudication process. They'll want your side of the story and your employer's side too.

ugh the washington esd system is so slow tho... took forever for my claim to process when i got laid off. but yeah you can def file if you got fired, just depends on why

One more thing - when you file, be completely honest about why you were terminated. Don't try to sugar-coat it or hide anything. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer, and being dishonest on your application can actually disqualify you.

File your weekly claims even while they're investigating your initial claim! I made the mistake of not doing that and lost out on benefits for those weeks. Even if your claim is in adjudication, keep filing weekly.

My brother got fired for being late too many times and still got unemployment. Took about a month to get approved but he eventually got it. Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct unless you were deliberately sabotaging work.

If you do run into issues reaching Washington ESD by phone, I had success with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Really helped when I needed to get clarification on my claim status and couldn't get through their regular phone lines.

Document everything about your termination while it's fresh in your memory! Write down dates, who said what, any witnesses to the safety issues you reported. This will help if Washington ESD needs more information during their investigation.

honestly sounds like you have a strong case for getting benefits. safety retaliation is taken pretty seriously and performance issues alone usually dont disqualify you. just file asap and be patient with the process

The Washington ESD adjudication process can be nerve-wracking but try not to stress too much. They're pretty thorough in their investigations and usually get it right. Focus on finding your next job while you wait for the decision.

Been dealing with Washington ESD for years through various job transitions. They're generally fair about termination cases as long as there wasn't gross misconduct involved. Your situation with the safety complaint actually strengthens your case.

One last tip - when you get your determination letter from Washington ESD, read it carefully! It will explain their reasoning and tell you about appeal rights if you disagree with their decision. Most people just look at whether they were approved or denied.

Remember that even if your employer contests your claim, that doesn't mean you'll be denied. Washington ESD will look at all the evidence from both sides. Don't let their threats discourage you from filing - it's your right to apply for benefits.

Another vote for that Claimyr service if you need to reach Washington ESD urgently. Used it myself when I had questions about my weekly claim certification and it saved me hours of calling. Worth knowing about as a backup option.