Can you get unemployment if you are fired in Washington state?

Yes, you can definitely get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, as long as it wasn't for misconduct. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct under Washington ESD rules. The key is whether you were fired for something you did wrong on purpose or if it was due to inability to do the job, company needs, etc.

File immediately! Don't wait. Washington ESD will investigate and make the determination. Even if your employer contests it, you have a good chance if it was truly performance-related. I was fired for 'not meeting expectations' and still got approved after they reviewed everything.

Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment benefits even if you were fired. Washington ESD doesn't automatically disqualify you just because you were terminated. The key question is whether you were fired 'for cause' - meaning serious misconduct like theft, violence, or deliberate policy violations. Performance issues usually don't qualify as misconduct unless they were willful.

I was in a similar situation last year - got fired for 'attendance issues' even though I had medical documentation for my absences. Washington ESD approved my claim after reviewing all the evidence. The employer did contest it initially but I won the appeal hearing.

I had a similar situation last year where I couldn't get through to Washington ESD to check on my claim status after being fired. Someone on here recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a game changer. They got me connected to an actual agent within an hour instead of spending days trying to call. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

File your claim right away but be prepared for it to go into adjudication if your employer contests it. When I got terminated, Washington ESD had to investigate and it took forever to get through to someone to check on the status. I actually ended up using Claimyr.com to get connected to an actual ESD agent - they have this system that calls you back when an agent is available instead of sitting on hold for hours. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The Washington ESD unemployment handbook is pretty clear that you can collect benefits unless you were fired for misconduct. Performance issues, attendance problems that aren't excessive, or personality conflicts don't typically disqualify you. Make sure to emphasize that you were willing and able to work when you file.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. i got fired from my last job for being late too much but i had transportation issues. does that count as misconduct??

The Washington ESD will look at the specific reason for your termination. 'Performance issues' is pretty vague and employers sometimes use that as a catch-all when they don't have documented misconduct. Make sure you keep all your employment records and any communication about the termination.

UPDATE: I filed my claim online and it went through. Now I'm waiting for adjudication since my employer will probably contest it. Has anyone dealt with an employer fighting the claim?

THIS IS EXACTLY WHY THE UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS BROKEN! They make you jump through hoops even when you're clearly eligible. I got fired for 'attitude problems' which was complete BS and still had to fight for months to get my benefits.

wait so if i got fired for being late too many times can i still get unemployment? asking for a friend lol

Been there. Got fired from Amazon warehouse for 'productivity' but really they just wanted to cycle through workers. Washington ESD approved my claim after about a month of back and forth. Don't let them intimidate you.

The burden of proof is on your employer to show misconduct. If they can't prove you did something willfully wrong, you should get benefits. Document everything and keep records of your work performance if you have them.

I work in HR and see unemployment claims all the time. Most employers don't contest claims unless there was clear misconduct like theft or harassment. Performance-related terminations are much harder to defend, especially without proper documentation.

Just want to add that even if you get denied initially, you can appeal. I got denied at first but won my appeal hearing. The appeals judges seem more reasonable than the initial reviewers sometimes.

Update: I filed my claim online this morning and it says I should hear back within 7-10 business days. Crossing my fingers that it goes smoothly and my former employer doesn't try to fight it.

Pro tip: when you do your weekly claims, make sure you're actively job searching and keeping a log. Even during adjudication you need to meet the work search requirements if you want to get paid for those weeks.

Getting fired is the worst feeling but at least Washington has decent unemployment benefits compared to some states. The maximum weekly benefit is pretty good if you were making decent money.

I tried calling Washington ESD about my adjudication for weeks with no luck. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and got through to an agent who explained exactly what was happening with my case. Totally worth it when you're stressed about money.

Don't listen to people who say you can't get unemployment if fired. That's old information or they're confusing it with other states. Washington is pretty worker-friendly compared to some places.

Final update for anyone following: My claim was approved! Took about 4 weeks total but I'm getting backpay for the whole period. Employer contested but couldn't prove misconduct. File your claim ASAP if you're in this situation!

If your claim does get contested and goes to adjudication, don't panic. I mentioned Claimyr earlier but seriously, it was a game changer for getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to provide additional information for my adjudication. The regular phone lines are impossible.

Been following this thread and wanted to add that questioning unsafe practices is actually protected activity in many cases. If that was the real reason for your termination, you might have additional legal protections beyond just unemployment benefits.

My cousin got fired from her job at a restaurant for 'customer complaints' but it turned out the manager was just trying to get rid of her because she was the highest paid server. Washington ESD approved her claim no problem.

The fact that you had no prior write-ups is huge in your favor. Most legitimate performance-related terminations involve documented coaching, warnings, and improvement plans. Sounds like your employer skipped all that.

Just remember to be completely honest on your unemployment application. Don't try to hide that you were fired - they'll find out anyway when they contact your employer.

this whole thread is making me realize I should have applied for unemployment when I got fired 6 months ago. I just assumed I wasn't eligible since it was my fault

Hope everything works out for you OP. Getting fired sucks but it sounds like you have a strong case for unemployment benefits. Don't let your former employer intimidate you if they do contest it.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if your initial claim gets denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeal hearing is your chance to present your side of the story to an impartial judge.

The job search requirements kicked in pretty quick when I was on unemployment. Make sure you're ready to start documenting your job search activities right away.

Pro tip: start looking for jobs immediately even before your claim is approved. The job market is competitive right now and unemployment benefits don't last forever.

Final thought - document everything related to your termination while it's still fresh in your memory. Dates, conversations, witnesses, emails, etc. You never know what might be important if this goes to an appeal.