Can you file unemployment if you are fired from your job in Washington state?

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment even if you were fired! Washington ESD will review your case to determine if the termination was for misconduct or not. Performance issues usually don't disqualify you unless it was willful misconduct. You should definitely apply and let them make the determination.

I went through something similar last year. Got fired for 'attendance issues' but it was really retaliation. Filed anyway and got approved after adjudication. The key is being honest about everything when you file your initial claim.

Just a heads up - if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you through to an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals when I needed to resolve an issue with my adjudication.

File immediately! Don't wait. Even if you're not sure you qualify, let Washington ESD make that decision. The worst they can do is deny you, but if you don't file at all you definitely won't get benefits. Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct unless you were deliberately doing something wrong.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. i got fired 3 months ago and still fighting it. they said i was fired for cause but it was total BS. still waiting on my appeal hearing

One thing to keep in mind - if your employer contests your claim (which they probably will), you might go into adjudication. This means Washington ESD will investigate both sides of the story before making a decision. Don't panic if this happens, it's normal for termination cases.

I'm going through adjudication right now for a similar situation. Been waiting 4 weeks so far. The uncertainty is killing me but I've heard from others that if you were fired for performance vs misconduct, you usually get approved eventually.

File now, worry later. Seriously. I know people who got fired and still got benefits. Washington ESD looks at whether you were fired for gross misconduct or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately sabotaging things.

def file asap. my brother got fired last year for being late too much and still got unemployment. took a while to get approved but he got it. the key is dont lie about anything when u file

You mentioned safety violations - that's actually really important. If you were fired for complaining about unsafe working conditions, that's protected activity and could make your unemployment case even stronger. Document everything you can remember about the timeline.

The system is set up to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Even if you were fired, if it wasn't for serious misconduct, you should qualify. Don't let your employer intimidate you into not filing.

been there done that. got fired from my last job for 'poor attitude' which was code for standing up to my toxic manager. filed for unemployment and got approved after they investigated. took 5 weeks total but i got backpay for the whole time

Quick question - when you file, make sure you're ready to start looking for work immediately. Washington ESD requires job search activities even while your claim is being processed. Don't want to get caught off guard by that requirement.

Washington ESD is actually pretty fair about these things. I've seen people get approved even when their employer fought hard against it. The key is being truthful and providing any evidence you have to support your case.

just wanted to add - if you do get denied initially, don't give up! you can appeal the decision. lots of people win on appeal even if they lose the initial determination. the appeals process gives you a chance to present your case more fully

I work in HR and see this all the time. Most terminations for performance don't disqualify people from unemployment unless there was willful misconduct involved. Your safety complaint angle actually sounds like it could work in your favor.

File today if you can. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start the process. Even if it takes weeks to get approved, your benefits will be backdated to when you first filed. Every day you wait is potentially money you're losing.

Same boat as you last year. Got fired for 'insubordination' which was really just questioning my boss's illegal practices. Filed anyway and got approved after a hearing. Sometimes you have to fight for what's right.

Another option if you can't get through to Washington ESD - I used a service called Claimyr when I was stuck in adjudication hell. They have agents who can actually get you connected to speak with someone at ESD. Really saved my sanity when I couldn't get through on my own. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you're interested.

Bottom line - file your claim ASAP and let Washington ESD sort out whether you qualify or not. That's their job, not yours to figure out beforehand. Worst case scenario you get denied and can appeal. Best case you get approved and start receiving benefits.