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

Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' - attendance issues might not qualify as misconduct if they were related to legitimate medical reasons. You should apply right away and let them make the determination during adjudication.

I was fired for being late too many times and still got approved for benefits. It took about 3 weeks for them to review everything but they decided it wasn't misconduct. The key is being honest about what happened.

Don't let them intimidate you into not filing! I had a friend who was told by HR she couldn't get unemployment after being fired - total lie. Washington ESD makes that decision, not your former employer.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my claim that's stuck in adjudication after being terminated. The phone system is impossible - I keep getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever. Anyone have tips for actually reaching someone?

The whole system is rigged against workers. They make it as hard as possible to get benefits even when you're legally entitled to them. I was fired for 'insubordination' which was really just asking questions about safety violations.

Quick question - do medical appointments count as excused absences for unemployment purposes? I had cancer treatments but my employer said I was using too much sick time.

Here's what actually matters for Washington ESD unemployment eligibility after being fired: 1) It has to be misconduct connected to work 2) It has to be a willful disregard of employer's interests 3) Simple attendance issues usually don't qualify as misconduct, especially with medical reasons

I got terminated for 'poor performance' and was worried I wouldn't qualify for UI benefits. Turns out poor performance isn't the same as misconduct - you can still get unemployment if you were trying your best but just weren't meeting expectations.

Update on my phone situation - I finally got through to Washington ESD using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Took about 10 minutes and I was connected to an actual agent who could review my adjudication status. Definitely worth it when you're stuck.

Been there! File immediately even if you think you might not qualify. The worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised. I was fired for what my boss called 'attitude problems' but Washington ESD approved my claim because it wasn't actually misconduct.

Just wanted to add that you need to be honest about the termination reason when you file. Don't try to make it sound better than it was - Washington ESD will get your employer's version anyway and inconsistencies will hurt your case.

My sister was fired for attendance and got denied initially, but she appealed and won because she could prove the absences were for caring for her sick child. Don't give up if you get an initial denial.

The fact-finding process can be nerve-wracking but just tell your side of the story clearly. I was fired for what they called 'policy violations' but when I explained the circumstances to the Washington ESD investigator, they ruled in my favor.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Got fired for 'excessive tardiness' but it was because my bus route changed and I couldn't afford a car. Still waiting to hear back from Washington ESD adjudication.

For anyone still having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. The traditional phone system is basically broken - you're better off using a service that actually gets you through to agents who can help with your claim.

Medical issues are usually protected reasons for absence. If you have documentation of your appointments, make sure to mention that in your application. Washington ESD generally doesn't consider health-related absences as misconduct.

Whatever you do, apply as soon as possible. There's a waiting period anyway, so the sooner you file the sooner you might start receiving benefits if approved. Don't let uncertainty keep you from filing.

One last tip - keep detailed records of everything related to your termination and your job search while your claim is being processed. Washington ESD might ask for this information later.