Can you get fired and collect unemployment in Washington?

That's a relief! What exactly counts as misconduct? I was never disciplined or warned about my performance before this.

Misconduct has to be willful and deliberate violation of employer rules or standards. Poor performance, inability to do the job, or good faith disagreements usually don't qualify as misconduct.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? Did your employer try to fight it?

My employer did contest it initially but Washington ESD ruled in my favor after about 3 weeks of adjudication. They interviewed both me and my supervisor.

I didn't even think about that angle. Should I mention the safety concerns when I file my claim?

Absolutely mention it in your initial filing. Be specific about dates and what safety issues you raised.

Never heard of that service. Is it legit?

Yeah it's real. Basically they handle the calling and waiting on hold for you so you can actually reach a human at Washington ESD instead of getting the busy signal for hours.

No union unfortunately. It's a smaller warehouse operation.

Okay, then definitely file for unemployment immediately. Don't wait around hoping they'll take you back.

That's encouraging. Did you have to provide documentation about your transportation problems?

Yeah I had to show bus schedules and some receipts for car repairs. They were pretty reasonable about it during the fact-finding interview.

Good point. Should I mention that I think it was retaliation or just stick to the facts about my performance?

Mention both but focus on facts. Say what safety concerns you raised, when you raised them, and when the performance issues allegedly started.

Actually it's illegal in Washington to retaliate against employees for raising safety concerns. That's why the OP should definitely document everything.

good to know but most ppl dont have money to fight these things in court

Is there any downside to filing if I'm not sure I'll qualify?

Nope, no downside at all. Worst case they deny it and you can appeal. Best case you get approved and start receiving benefits.

How did you prove you were following policy? Did you keep documentation?

I had emails and the employee handbook showing overtime had to be pre-approved. Always keep records of company policies!

That's why it's important to know your rights. Washington's unemployment system actually protects workers better than a lot of other states.

true but you still gotta fight for it which is exhausting when youre already stressed about money

How quickly were you able to reach someone through them?

They got me connected to an Washington ESD agent within like 20 minutes. Saved me literally hours of calling and redialing.

I wish I'd thought of that before. I can remember most of it but not all the exact dates.

Do your best to reconstruct the timeline. Check your work emails, text messages, anything that might have dates related to the safety issues you raised.

Definitely fired. They specifically said it was due to my performance not meeting expectations.

Okay just checking. Performance-based terminations are usually eligible for benefits unless there's proven misconduct.

They didn't give me any severance, just my final paycheck. Do I need to report that?

Your regular final paycheck for hours worked doesn't need to be reported as 'other income' on your weekly claims. Only things like severance or unused vacation time.

Four weeks?? That's a long time to wait when you need money for bills.

Yeah it sucked but they paid me retroactively for those weeks once it was approved. Just had to tighten the belt for a month.

Thanks for the encouragement. I was definitely feeling defeated about this whole situation.

You got this! Document everything and be honest in your filing. The system is there to help workers, not just employers.

That's good to know. How did you prepare for the hearing?

just organized all my documentation chronologically and practiced explaining what happened clearly and calmly

How long do you have to file an appeal if they deny it?

You have 30 days from the date on the determination letter to file an appeal. Don't wait until the last minute though.

Thanks, I'll file today. Better to get the process started even if it takes a while to get approved.

Exactly! And keep looking for work while you wait. You'll need to show job search activities anyway once benefits start.