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

That's reassuring, thank you! What exactly counts as misconduct in Washington ESD's eyes?

Misconduct is usually things like theft, violence, repeated tardiness after warnings, or willful violation of company rules. Poor performance or inability to meet expectations generally isn't misconduct.

Did your employer try to fight it? I'm worried they'll contest my claim.

They did contest it initially, but Washington ESD still approved me. They interviewed both me and my former supervisor over the phone. Just stick to the facts.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true tbh

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got through to an agent in like 15 minutes instead of spending hours calling.

Oh no, I didn't know that! I'll file today then. Thanks for the warning!

Yes, the waiting week is gone but you still need to file quickly. Don't let time pass unnecessarily.

What exactly counts as misconduct? I was never written up formally, just had a few conversations about my work pace.

Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. Poor performance due to inability rather than unwillingness usually doesn't count as misconduct. Safety concerns you raised might actually work in your favor.

That's encouraging to hear! So even though they said 'for cause' I might still have a chance? How do I make sure I explain the car trouble situation properly on my application?

Exactly - be honest about the attendance issues but explain the circumstances. Document any proof you have about the car problems (repair receipts, etc.) in case they request more information during adjudication.

That's reassuring! It was just performance related, nothing like misconduct. How do I prove that when I file my claim?

When you file your initial claim on the Washington ESD website, just be honest about the reason for separation. If your employer contests it, there will be an adjudication process where both sides present their case.

How long did the appeal take? That sounds stressful.

About 6 weeks total but I got backpay for the whole period once I won. The hearing was over the phone and pretty straightforward.

Same thing happened to me. The appeal hearing was actually easier than I expected. Just be prepared to explain your side clearly.

How long did the investigation take? I'm worried about paying bills while waiting.

Mine took about 3 weeks for adjudication but I got backpay for the whole period once approved.

How long did the whole adjudication process take for you? I'm in a similar boat and getting anxious about how long I'll be without income.

Mine took about 3 weeks but I've heard it can vary. The hardest part was actually getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim status. Calling their main number was impossible.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals and getting hung up on.

That's really helpful insight from someone who knows the employer side. Makes me feel more confident about applying.

Question for you - do employers have to provide documentation when they contest a claim?

Yes, we have to provide whatever documentation we have that supports the misconduct claim. Performance reviews, write-ups, attendance records, etc.

Good to know! How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

About 2 weeks, but I've heard some people wait longer if there's an issue that needs adjudication.

What if your employer lies about the reason they fired you? Can they just make stuff up to prevent you from getting benefits?

They can try, but Washington ESD investigates these claims. If there's a dispute, you'll have a chance to present your side during the adjudication process. Keep any documentation you have about your employment.

That sounds helpful! I'm hoping I won't need to call but it's good to know there are options if I do.

I've heard mixed things about those calling services. Are they legit?

Yeah it's totally legitimate. They just help you get through the phone system - you still talk directly to the ESD agent yourself. Worth it when you need answers and can't get through on your own.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Just helps you get through the phone maze, doesn't cost a fortune either.

Nope! There's a big difference between being fired for misconduct versus being fired for other reasons like poor performance, attendance issues, or just not being a good fit. Washington ESD evaluates each case individually.

damn I wish I knew this 6 months ago when I got canned from my warehouse job

Wow, three times? What were you fired for if you don't mind me asking?

first one was layoffs, second was attendance, third was 'attitude problems' whatever that means. none were misconduct so i qualified each time

How many jobs do you have to apply to per week?

It's 3 job search activities per week minimum, but they don't all have to be applications. Can include networking, attending job fairs, etc.

I didn't know about the backdating! I was going to wait until I was sure I qualified. I'll file this weekend.

Yes, definitely file right away! I made that mistake and lost out on a week of benefits because I waited.

I never thought of it as whistleblowing but I guess that's kind of what it was.

Document everything you can remember about those safety conversations and when they happened.

This is really helpful. So when I file my initial claim, should I mention the car trouble specifically or just stick to basic facts?

Be honest but concise in your initial application. If they need more details, they'll ask during the adjudication process. Don't overthink it - just state that you were terminated for attendance issues due to transportation problems.

Have you tried using that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier? Might be worth a shot if you can't get through normally.

haven't heard of it but I'll check it out. anything is better than sitting on hold for 3 hours

Is there anything specific I should say or avoid saying on the application?

Just be honest and factual. Don't embellish but don't undersell your situation either. Stick to what actually happened.

And make sure you have your employment history ready - you'll need dates, wages, and reason for separation for your recent jobs.

Good to hear another success story. Starting to feel more optimistic about this.

Usually yes, if there's no contest from the employer and you meet all the other requirements (earned enough wages, able and available for work, etc.), your claim should be approved pretty quickly.

That makes sense. I guess most employers don't bother contesting unless it was for something serious.

Do they calculate it automatically or do I need to provide all that information?

They pull most of it from employer records but it's good to have your own documentation as backup.

Did your employer try to fight it when you filed?

yeah they contested but esd sided with me after looking at everything

It's never too late to learn for next time! The worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised. I know several people who got approved after being fired.

Yeah I definitely will if anything happens again. Still working at my current place but good to know for the future.

Should I mention the safety concerns I raised or just stick to what they officially said about performance?

Mention both - the official reason they gave AND your concerns about retaliation for safety issues. Give them the full picture.

This is good advice. I tried to sugarcoat my situation and it backfired during adjudication.

What kind of evidence did you provide to prove it wasn't misconduct?

Emails showing I was doing my job properly, witness statements from coworkers, documentation of the toxic environment.

How do you file weekly claims if your case is still under investigation?

You just file them normally. If there's a hold on your account due to adjudication, you won't get paid until it's resolved, but you need to keep filing to maintain your claim.

You're right - nothing to lose by trying. Thanks for the encouragement!

When do I start filing weekly claims? Right after I submit the initial application?

Yes, you'll get instructions after you file your initial claim. Usually you file weekly claims on Sundays for the previous week.

That's exactly my situation - quota/performance issues. Really appreciate hearing from someone with the same experience.

Same here. Got fired for 'not being a good fit' which was basically performance and still got approved.

How much does something like that cost?

They focus on the value of getting through rather than cost. For me it was worth it to avoid spending days trying to reach someone.

That's reassuring. I was worried they'd automatically deny anyone who got fired.

Nah, they investigate each case individually. The burden is on the employer to prove misconduct.