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

Yes you can usually still get benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. If it was for poor performance rather than misconduct, you should be eligible. Washington ESD will review your case during adjudication.

Yes, you can absolutely get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on WHY you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether the termination was for 'misconduct' or not. If you were fired for poor performance (not your fault) or questioning safety issues (which sounds like protected activity), you should be eligible. You'll need to file your claim and explain your side of the story.

Yes, you can still apply for Washington ESD unemployment even if you're fired. The key is whether it was for 'misconduct' or not. Attendance issues might not qualify as misconduct depending on the circumstances. You should definitely file a claim and let Washington ESD decide.

File your claim ASAP! The sooner you apply, the sooner your benefit year starts. Being fired for performance issues is different from being fired for misconduct - performance issues typically won't disqualify you from UI benefits.

I was in a similar situation last year - got fired for 'attitude problems' but really it was because I complained about wage theft. Washington ESD approved my claim after an adjudication period. Just be honest about what happened and provide any documentation you have.

Just went through this myself! Got fired for 'insubordination' but it was really retaliation. Here's what helped me: I couldn't get through to Washington ESD on the phone for weeks to check my claim status. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that connects you directly to ESD agents. Watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) and it actually worked - got through the same day and was able to explain my situation properly to a real person.

I got fired last year for performance issues and still got approved for unemployment. Washington ESD looks at each case individually. The important thing is being honest about what happened when you file your weekly claims.

The key thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you were fired for 'misconduct.' Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately doing bad work. Safety concerns definitely shouldn't disqualify you - that's actually whistleblower protection territory.

ugh the system is so confusing... I got fired for being late too many times (my car kept breaking down) and they denied my unemployment. Had to appeal and everything. But questioning safety stuff is totally different - that should definitely qualify you.

I was in almost the exact same situation last year. Got fired from my warehouse job for not meeting productivity standards. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The key is being honest about why you were terminated when you file.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to discuss your situation, I had good luck with Claimyr recently. It's a service that helps you get through to actual ESD agents instead of waiting on hold forever. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

I struggled for weeks trying to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my firing situation. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me connect with an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

File your claim ASAP - you want to get the process started even if there might be an adjudication. The sooner you file, the sooner you'll potentially start receiving benefits. Don't wait thinking you might not qualify.

GETTING FIRED DOESNT AUTOMATICALLY DISQUALIFY YOU!!! I see this misconception all the time. Washington ESD has specific rules about what counts as misconduct. Being late due to childcare is way different than stealing or fighting at work.

My brother got fired for 'performance' last month and his Washington ESD claim was approved no problem. Like others said, performance issues aren't misconduct. The employer has to prove you did something deliberately wrong.

I'm in a similar situation - might get fired for missing too many days when my kids were sick. Have you looked into documenting your childcare issues? Like doctor notes for sick kids or daycare closure notices?

BE CAREFUL - employers often fight unemployment claims from fired employees. Make sure you document everything about the safety issues you raised. Save any emails, texts, or written warnings. You might need them if your employer contests the claim.

The Washington ESD system is SO confusing when you're dealing with termination situations. They ask all these detailed questions about the circumstances and I never know if I'm answering correctly.

Performance issues vs misconduct is a HUGE distinction in unemployment law. Misconduct is things like stealing, harassment, showing up drunk, etc. Not meeting sales targets is just poor performance and won't disqualify you.

The whole system is rigged against workers anyway. Employers can fire you for basically anything and then try to block your unemployment. It's ridiculous that we even have to worry about this stuff.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Got fired for 'attitude' but really it was because I wouldn't work unpaid overtime. Been trying to call Washington ESD for days to check on my claim status but keep getting disconnected after waiting on hold forever.

Washington ESD has a whole section on their website about misconduct vs non-misconduct terminations. Definitely check that out before you file so you know what to expect. But from what you described, you should be fine.

ugh the whole unemployment system is such a mess... took me forever to figure out if I qualified when I got let go

Make sure you have all your employment documentation ready when you file - pay stubs, termination letter if you got one, etc. Washington ESD might ask for verification during the adjudication process.

File immediately after you get fired, don't wait. There's a waiting week anyway so the sooner you file the sooner you might see benefits. Even if they initially deny you, you can appeal the decision.

Been through this exact scenario. Got fired for attendance, filed for UI, went through adjudication, and got approved. The key was explaining that my absences were due to legitimate childcare emergencies, not just being irresponsible.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. Be honest about being fired and why. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer, and lying will definitely disqualify you.

My sister used that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier when she couldn't reach Washington ESD about her disqualification. Worked really well - she got through to an actual person who explained exactly what she needed to do for her appeal.

File immediately! Don't wait even a day. Your benefit year starts the week you file, not when you were terminated. Every day you delay is money potentially lost.

Just want to add that even if your claim gets initially denied, you can appeal. I know several people who won their appeals after being fired. The appeals process gives you a chance to tell your side of the story properly.

The fact that you were questioning safety practices actually works in your favor. Most states, including Washington, have protections for employees who raise safety concerns. That's not misconduct - that's being a responsible employee.

One more thing - make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is under adjudication. You don't want to miss out on benefits you're entitled to.

This happened to my coworker last month - she got fired for attendance issues (not misconduct though) and her claim was approved. The adjudication process was nerve-wracking but she got her benefits.

Been following this thread and wanted to mention that Claimyr thing again - I used it last month when I couldn't get through to discuss my job search requirements. Super easy to use and actually got connected to someone who could help immediately. Sometimes it's worth paying a little to avoid the endless phone tag with Washington ESD.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. Be honest about getting fired and why. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer, and lying will definitely disqualify you.

Start looking for new jobs right away too. Even if you get approved for UI, you'll need to show you're actively job searching to keep getting benefits. Washington ESD requires work search activities.

I've been in HR for 15 years and I can tell you that most attendance-related terminations don't rise to the level of misconduct for UI purposes. Unless you were deliberately no-showing without any reason, you'll probably be fine.

Check if your employer has any kind of attendance policy that accounts for childcare emergencies. Some places have more flexible policies that might help your case if you do get fired.

Another option is to see if you can work something out with your employer before getting fired. Maybe reduced hours or flexible scheduling? It's worth asking before they terminate you.

Used Claimyr when I was dealing with an overpayment issue that Washington ESD said I owed them. Got connected to someone who actually looked at my case and realized it was their error. Saved me from having to pay back $2,800.

The most important thing is to file your weekly claims on time every week once you're approved. Missing even one week can mess up your whole claim and you'll have to start over.

Don't stress too much about it. The unemployment system isn't perfect but it's there to help people in situations like yours. Just be honest, file promptly, and follow the rules.

Remember you'll need to do your weekly claims and job search requirements even while your initial claim is in adjudication. Don't skip those steps or it could delay your benefits.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I had questions about my termination case. Saved me so much time compared to trying to call Washington ESD directly. The phone system there is impossible.

The Washington ESD adjudication process for termination cases is actually pretty fair in my experience. They really do investigate whether it was misconduct or just performance issues. Don't stress too much about it.

Make sure when you file that you're totally honest about the circumstances. If they find out later that you weren't truthful, that's when you can get in real trouble with overpayments and stuff.

Anyone know if there's a difference between being 'terminated' vs 'fired' when filing with Washington ESD? My termination letter says 'separated' but I was definitely fired.

I tried calling Washington ESD for hours when I was in a similar situation. Finally gave up and used Claimyr to get through. Worth every penny to actually talk to someone who could help instead of getting hung up on constantly.

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov - that's the main portal. Have your Social Security number, employer info, and last day worked ready. The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes if you have everything prepared.

Just remember that even if you're approved, you won't get paid for the first week (waiting week). So your first payment will be for week 2 of your claim.

The bottom line is that performance-related terminations usually qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington. You should be fine as long as you file promptly and are honest about what happened.

Update us on how it goes! Always curious to hear how these cases turn out.