Can you file for unemployment if you're fired - Washington ESD eligibility rules?

That's a relief to hear. How long does the adjudication process usually take? I need to know if I should start looking into other options.

Adjudication can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on how complex your case is. File your claim as soon as possible though because benefits are backdated to when you first became eligible, not when you actually file.

What if they say you violated company policy but you disagree with their interpretation? Can you still get benefits?

Yes, you can appeal their decision if Washington ESD initially denies your claim. You'll have the opportunity to present your side of the story during the appeal process.

Did you end up getting approved for benefits? I'm worried they'll side with my employer automatically.

Yeah I got approved! The adjudicator said that not meeting performance standards isn't the same as misconduct. Just be honest about what happened and provide any documentation you have.

Never heard of Claimyr before but might be worth trying. The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely brutal to get through.

Good point, I'll file today. Do I need any specific documentation from my employer?

You'll need your termination letter if you have one, and any documentation about the reasons for termination. But don't delay filing just to gather paperwork - you can submit additional info later.

That's encouraging! Were the circumstances similar to mine?

first time was attendance second time was they said i had bad attitude but adjudicator said neither was misconduct

This is so important! I know someone who got denied because their story didn't match what their employer told Washington ESD.

Should I mention that I think the firing was unfair or just stick to the facts?

Stick to facts but definitely explain your perspective. If you think the performance issues were due to lack of training or unclear expectations, mention that.

Washington state law defines misconduct pretty specifically. It has to be a willful or wanton disregard of your employer's interests, or a deliberate violation of reasonable workplace rules.

Okay so being bad at your job isn't the same as misconduct then?

Exactly! Poor performance due to inability or lack of skills is not misconduct. It only becomes misconduct if you were deliberately doing poor work.

Was she able to get her benefits in the end?

yeah she did! took a few weeks but once she actually talked to someone at washington esd everything got sorted out pretty quick

Have you been able to talk to anyone at Washington ESD about your case?

No, I've called dozens of times but never get through. Thinking about trying that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

Definitely try Claimyr! I was skeptical at first but it actually works. Being able to talk to a real person made such a difference in understanding what was happening with my claim.

That's good advice. I guess I have nothing to lose by filing.

Exactly! And remember, you can always appeal if the initial decision isn't in your favor. The appeals process gives you another chance to present your case.

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check that out before I file my claim.

The more you understand the process upfront, the better you can present your case. Knowledge is power when dealing with unemployment claims.

How many job searches do I need to do per week?

i think its 3 per week but check the website to be sure. and keep good records of where you applied

My supervisor did seem pretty confident that I wouldn't get benefits. Makes me wonder if they were trying to discourage me from filing.

Exactly! They have a financial incentive to discourage claims. Don't let them make that decision for you.

You definitely still have to actively search for work and be available for work. Unemployment benefits aren't meant to be a break from working, they're temporary assistance while you find new employment.

Got it, that makes sense. Just wasn't sure about the requirements.

So I should file weekly claims before I even know if I'm approved?

Yes! You file them and if you get approved, you'll get paid for all those weeks retroactively. If you don't file them, those weeks are lost forever.

Totally agree! The waiting period is the worst part. At least if they gave you a better estimate of how long it would take, you could plan accordingly.

This is why I'm thinking about trying Claimyr to actually talk to someone. The uncertainty is driving me crazy.

Thank you! I feel much better about the whole situation after reading everyone's responses. Going to file my claim today.

That's great! Hope everything works out for you. Keep us updated on how it goes.