Can you get fired and still get Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

That's a relief to hear. How do I prove it wasn't misconduct? I never got any written warnings or anything.

Keep any documentation you have about your employment. Washington ESD will contact your employer for their side of the story during the fact-finding process.

Did you have to provide documentation for your absences?

Yeah I had to send in some medical records and stuff. The adjudication process is pretty thorough.

Good point, I'll file tomorrow morning. How long does the process usually take?

If there's no issues, you might get paid within a week or two. But if it goes to adjudication like yours probably will, could be 3-6 weeks before you see money.

What about if you're fired for being late too many times? Is that misconduct?

It depends on the circumstances. If you were repeatedly warned and continued to be late without good cause, it could be considered misconduct. But if there were legitimate reasons like childcare issues or transportation problems, you might still qualify.

Have you tried calling right when they open at 8am? That's usually the best time to get through.

I've tried everything - calling at different times, using the online chat, sending messages through my account. Nothing works!

I was having the same problem until someone told me about Claimyr. It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents when you can't reach them yourself. I used it last month and actually got to talk to someone within a few hours. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Absolutely be honest. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer. Lying on your application is fraud and could get you in serious trouble.

Yeah don't risk it. Just tell the truth and let the adjudication process work. If you're entitled to benefits you'll get them.

That's... not exactly how it works. Each case is reviewed individually and past approvals don't guarantee future ones.

whatever man, just saying it's not as hard as people think

That's what the fact-finding interview is for. You'll get a chance to tell your side of the story and provide any evidence you have. Washington ESD adjudicators are pretty good at sorting out the truth.

That makes me feel better. I was worried my old boss would make stuff up about me.

How long did your adjudication take? I'm already worried about paying rent next month.

About 4 weeks for me. I know it's scary but try to apply for any emergency assistance programs in the meantime if you need help with bills.

Do I need to start looking for work immediately even if my claim is still being reviewed?

Yes, the job search requirement starts right away. You need to apply for at least 3 jobs per week and keep detailed records.

I mean, it's frustrating but they have to investigate to prevent fraud. At least you got approved eventually.

TWO MONTHS WITHOUT INCOME! I almost lost my apartment waiting for them to decide I deserved my own money back.

Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return.

Thanks, I'll definitely have them withhold taxes this time. That tax bill was a nightmare.

There might have been circumstances you weren't aware of. Maybe they had a medical condition or other factors that influenced the decision.

Maybe, but it seemed pretty cut and dried to me. Oh well, not my business I guess.

Yes, you can work part-time but you have to report all your earnings on your weekly claim. They'll reduce your benefit amount based on how much you earn, but you might still get some unemployment money.

Good to know! I was worried any work would disqualify me completely.

Is that the same service someone mentioned earlier? How much does it cost?

Yeah same one. It's worth checking out their website claimyr.com - they explain how it works. For me it was worth it just to talk to someone and get answers about my claim.

How long do you have to file an appeal if you get denied?

I think it's 30 days from when you get the determination letter. Don't wait though - file as soon as you can if you disagree with their decision.

That's what I'm thinking. Better to try and get denied than not try at all.

Exactly! And if you do get denied, you learn something about what they're looking for if you need to file again in the future.

Wait, I can file weekly claims before my initial claim is approved?

Yes! You should file weekly claims starting the week you become unemployed. If you're approved, you'll get paid for all those weeks retroactively.

Thank you! All the advice here has been really helpful. I feel much more confident about filing now.

You're welcome! This forum has been a lifesaver for me when dealing with Washington ESD issues. Hope everything works out for you.

What kind of documentation should I keep?

Job search logs, any correspondence with Washington ESD, records of your weekly claims, and anything related to why you were fired. Better to have too much than not enough.