Can you get unemployment if you are terminated from your job in Washington?

Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment even if you were terminated. Washington ESD will review your case to determine if the termination was for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless they were willful or you repeatedly ignored warnings. The fact that you had no formal write-ups works in your favor.

File immediately! Don't wait. Even if Washington ESD denies your claim initially, you can appeal. I was fired for 'attitude problems' (which was BS) and eventually got approved after the appeal process.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I was dealing with a similar situation. Spent hours on hold every day. Finally used claimyr.com to get connected directly to an agent who could explain my options. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful.

The key thing is whether your employer can prove misconduct. Calling in sick twice isn't misconduct - that's using your sick leave. If they fired you for attendance issues, they need to show a pattern of unexcused absences or policy violations. Performance issues are tricky but usually don't disqualify you unless you were deliberately not doing your job.

ugh this happened to my sister last year. her boss made up some excuse about her work quality but really he just didn't like her. she got unemployment no problem. washington esd sees through the BS most of the time

What if they claim I was fired for cause? I'm so worried they're going to lie about what happened. My anxiety is through the roof about this whole situation. What if I can't prove they're wrong?

I've been through this exact situation. Got fired for 'performance' but it was really because I wouldn't work unpaid overtime. Filed with Washington ESD right away and got approved within 2 weeks. The adjudication process wasn't as scary as I thought it would be.

The system is so broken though. I know people who got denied for the stupidest reasons while others who clearly screwed up got approved. It's like a lottery sometimes.

Just want to follow up - if you do need to talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation, that claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does help cut through the phone wait times. I used it again last week for a different issue and got connected in under 10 minutes instead of the usual hour+ hold times.

Make sure you apply online through the Washington ESD website as soon as possible. There's a waiting period anyway, so the sooner you file the sooner benefits can start. Don't let fear of denial stop you from applying.

I was a manager for 8 years before I got laid off. From what I saw, most terminations that employers claim are 'for cause' are really just them trying to avoid paying into the unemployment system. Unless there's documented misconduct or policy violations, you should be fine.

whatever you do dont mention anything about the sick days being related to mental health if thats what it was. some employers will try to spin that as a reliability issue even though its protected

The whole thing is ridiculous. You pay into unemployment insurance through your paychecks and then they make you jump through hoops to get benefits when you need them. At least Washington ESD is better than some other states I've heard about.

File your weekly claims even if you're not sure about approval yet. If you get approved later, you don't want to miss out on benefits for weeks you were eligible. The weekly claims are what actually trigger payments once you're approved.

Speaking of job search - make sure you understand Washington ESD's job search requirements. You need to be actively looking and documenting your efforts. Don't let that part trip you up later.

One more thing about getting help with Washington ESD - I know I mentioned claimyr before, but it really is worth it when you're dealing with adjudication questions or need to check on claim status. The regular phone lines are swamped but their service gets you through to someone who can actually help.

Update us on how it goes! I'm always curious about these cases and how Washington ESD handles them. Your situation sounds pretty straightforward for approval to me.

One last thought - keep records of everything. Your termination notice, any emails about performance, your sick leave documentation, everything. If Washington ESD needs more information later, you'll be prepared.

Been following this thread and wanted to add that Washington ESD's determination process is actually pretty fair. They look at the facts, not just what employers claim. Stay positive!

Final tip - don't take too long to file. There are time limits on unemployment claims and you want to get the process started ASAP. Even if you're nervous about it, just submit the application.