Can you file for unemployment if fired in Washington - need help understanding eligibility
Got terminated from my warehouse job last Friday and I'm confused about whether I can even apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. My supervisor said I was let go for 'performance issues' but honestly I think it was more about them cutting costs. I've been working there for almost 2 years with no major write-ups or anything. Does being fired automatically disqualify you from getting UI benefits in Washington? I really need to know before I waste time filing a claim that'll just get denied.
50 comments


Melody Miles
You can definitely file for unemployment even if you were fired! The key is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless they were willful or you repeatedly ignored warnings. Washington ESD will investigate your claim during adjudication to determine if your termination qualifies you for benefits.
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Jace Caspullo
•That's reassuring, thank you. So they'll actually investigate what happened at my job? How long does that adjudication process usually take?
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Melody Miles
•Yes, they'll contact both you and your former employer to get both sides of the story. Adjudication typically takes 2-4 weeks, sometimes longer if they need additional information.
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Nathaniel Mikhaylov
File ASAP! Even if you're not sure about eligibility, you want to get your claim date established. I was fired from my retail job for 'attendance issues' (I had COVID twice last year) and still got approved for benefits after adjudication.
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Jace Caspullo
•Good point about filing right away. Did you have to provide documentation during your adjudication process?
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Nathaniel Mikhaylov
•They asked for my work schedule and any communication I had with my manager about the absences. Having documentation definitely helped my case.
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Eva St. Cyr
The Washington ESD website has specific guidelines about misconduct vs. poor performance. Generally, if you were trying to do your job but just weren't meeting expectations, that's not misconduct. But if you were deliberately not following rules or being insubordinate, that could disqualify you.
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Kristian Bishop
•This is really helpful info. Where exactly on the Washington ESD site can I find these guidelines? I want to read up before I file.
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Eva St. Cyr
•Check the 'Eligibility Requirements' section under unemployment benefits. They break down different termination scenarios pretty clearly.
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Kaitlyn Otto
I struggled with getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim after being fired. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works - basically they handle the calling and waiting for you.
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Jace Caspullo
•Interesting, how much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money while waiting for benefits.
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Kaitlyn Otto
•It was worth it for me because I needed to clarify some things about my termination that were affecting my claim. Way less stressful than trying to call myself.
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Axel Far
•Never heard of Claimyr before - does it actually work or is it just another scam service?
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Kaitlyn Otto
•Definitely legit. They connected me to a real Washington ESD agent within a couple hours when I couldn't get through on my own for days.
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Jasmine Hernandez
same thing happened to me but with a restaurant job. they said i wasnt fast enough during rush but honestly the training was terrible and they expected way too much. filed anyway and got approved after like 3 weeks
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Jace Caspullo
•That gives me hope! Did they contact your old employer during the process?
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Jasmine Hernandez
•yeah they called both of us. just be honest about what happened and dont make excuses
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Melody Miles
One thing to keep in mind - even if you get approved, your former employer might appeal the decision if they disagree with Washington ESD's determination. That can delay your benefits, but don't let that stop you from filing. You have rights as a worker.
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Jace Caspullo
•Oh great, another thing to worry about. What happens if they do appeal?
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Melody Miles
•You'd get a hearing notice and chance to present your side again. Most employer appeals aren't successful if the original decision was fair.
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Luis Johnson
•My employer appealed and lost. The hearing was actually easier than I expected - just had to explain my side over the phone.
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Ellie Kim
MAKE SURE you file within the deadline! You have to apply within a certain timeframe after losing your job or you might lose benefits. Don't wait around wondering if you qualify - let Washington ESD make that determination.
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Jace Caspullo
•How long do I have to file after being terminated?
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Ellie Kim
•You should file as soon as possible, but technically you can backdate your claim. Still, the sooner the better for getting your benefits started.
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Kristian Bishop
I'm dealing with something similar right now - got fired from my office job for 'not being a good fit' which seems like BS to me. Filed my claim two weeks ago and it's still in adjudication. The waiting is killing me.
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Jace Caspullo
•How has the process been so far? Any tips for filling out the application?
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Kristian Bishop
•Just be really detailed about what led to your termination. I wish I had included more specifics in my initial application.
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Fiona Sand
•Two weeks isn't that long for adjudication unfortunately. Mine took almost a month but I did get approved eventually.
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Mohammad Khaled
The whole system is broken IMO. They make it so complicated to figure out if you even qualify, then make you wait forever for a decision. Meanwhile bills keep coming. Sorry just venting - yes you should definitely apply though.
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Jace Caspullo
•I totally understand the frustration. It's scary not knowing if you'll have any income coming in.
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Alina Rosenthal
•I get the venting but the system actually works pretty well once you understand it. Most legitimate claims get approved.
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Finnegan Gunn
Don't forget you'll need to start doing job searches right away once you file, even during adjudication. Washington ESD requires you to log your job search activities every week when you file your weekly claim.
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Jace Caspullo
•Good point! How many job applications do you need to do per week?
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Finnegan Gunn
•It's usually 3 job search activities per week, but check your specific requirements when you set up your claim. Can include applications, networking, job fairs, etc.
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Miguel Harvey
Quick question - does anyone know if getting fired affects your weekly benefit amount? Or is it just about whether you qualify at all?
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Melody Miles
•Your benefit amount is based on your earnings history, not how you lost your job. If you qualify, you'll get the same amount whether you were laid off or fired.
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Miguel Harvey
•Thanks! That's one less thing to worry about then.
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Ashley Simian
I used Claimyr too when I was having issues with my claim status after being terminated. Really helped cut through the phone tree frustration. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person at Washington ESD to get things moving.
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Jace Caspullo
•Seems like a few people have mentioned this service. Might be worth looking into if I run into problems.
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Oliver Cheng
•I was skeptical at first but honestly anything is better than spending hours on hold just to get hung up on.
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Taylor To
Been through this process twice unfortunately. First time I was fired for 'restructuring' (aka they just didn't like me) and got approved. Second time was for actual performance issues and I got denied initially but won on appeal.
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Jace Caspullo
•What made the difference in your appeal? Was it worth the extra hassle?
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Taylor To
•I gathered more documentation showing I was trying to improve and that my manager wasn't providing adequate support. Definitely worth appealing if you think the initial decision was wrong.
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Ella Cofer
Pro tip: when you file your claim, make sure you have your last day of work correct and any final pay information. Washington ESD is really picky about dates and it can delay your claim if there are discrepancies.
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Jace Caspullo
•Good to know! I should double-check my final paycheck stub before filing then.
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Ella Cofer
•Exactly! And keep records of everything - you might need to reference it later during adjudication.
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Kevin Bell
Bottom line - you have nothing to lose by filing. Worst case they deny you and you're in the same position you're in now. Best case you get benefits while you look for a new job. Just make sure you're honest about what happened.
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Jace Caspullo
•You're absolutely right. I'm going to file today. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!
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Savannah Glover
•Good luck! Hope your adjudication goes smoothly and you get approved quickly.
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Melody Miles
•Keep us updated on how it goes. Your experience might help someone else in a similar situation.
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