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

You can absolutely get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on WHY you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether it was 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job. If it was just that you couldn't meet their standards or they were downsizing, you should qualify.

I got fired for attendance issues last year and still got approved for benefits. The key thing is that it wasn't willful misconduct. Being late because your car broke down is different than just not showing up because you don't feel like it.

File your claim ASAP regardless. Even if you're not sure you qualify, it's better to get the process started. Washington ESD will investigate and make the determination. If your employer contests it, there will be an adjudication process where both sides can present their case.

Yes, you can potentially get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will determine if you were fired for misconduct or just general performance issues. Performance problems usually don't disqualify you unless there was willful misconduct involved.

Yes, you can absolutely get unemployment if you're fired in Washington! The key is whether you were fired for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job. If they fired you for complaining about safety issues, that actually might be wrongful termination and you'd definitely qualify for UI benefits.

You can definitely apply for unemployment even if you were fired! The key thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct.' Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful or deliberate. Questioning safety concerns definitely shouldn't disqualify you - that's actually protected in most cases.

Washington ESD distinguishes between being fired 'for cause' versus other reasons. If your employer claims misconduct, they need to prove it was willful and substantial. Performance issues, personality conflicts, or good faith safety concerns rarely qualify as misconduct. File your claim and let them investigate.

Yes, you can potentially get unemployment benefits even if you were fired! Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were willfully ignoring job duties or company policies. You should definitely apply - the worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status or have questions about the process, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. I used it when my claim was stuck in adjudication and finally got to talk to someone who could explain what was happening.

Yes, you can potentially get unemployment even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will investigate whether it was misconduct or just performance/business reasons. If it was misconduct (like stealing, fighting, no-showing repeatedly), you'll likely be disqualified. But poor performance or personality conflicts usually don't disqualify you.

File your unemployment claim as soon as possible! The sooner you apply, the sooner your benefits can start if approved. Washington ESD will contact both you and your former employer to get both sides of the story during the adjudication process. Don't let fear stop you from applying - the worst they can do is say no.

Yes, you can definitely get unemployment benefits in Washington if you're fired, but it depends WHY you were fired. If it was for misconduct (like stealing, violence, repeatedly violating company policy after warnings), then you'd be disqualified. But if it was for performance issues, lack of work, or other non-misconduct reasons, you should be eligible. File your claim right away - Washington ESD will investigate and make the determination.

You should absolutely file for unemployment benefits. The key distinction Washington ESD makes is between being fired for misconduct versus being fired for inability to do the job. If it was performance-related and not deliberate misconduct, you'll likely qualify. Make sure to file your claim as soon as possible since there's a waiting period.

File immediately! Even if your employer contests it, you should still apply right away. The worst they can do is say no, but if you wait too long you'll lose out on benefits you might be entitled to. I got fired from my last job for 'attitude problems' (aka standing up for myself) and still got approved for unemployment.

Getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. It depends on WHY you were fired. If it was for misconduct, then yes, you'd be disqualified. But if it was for performance issues, lack of work, or other reasons that aren't misconduct, you should be eligible. You should definitely apply - let Washington ESD make the determination.

I got fired last year and still got benefits. The key is being honest on your application. Don't lie about being fired - Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer. Just explain your side of the story clearly.

I got fired from my warehouse job 6 months ago for missing too many days (I was having car troubles) and Washington ESD still approved my claim. They said it wasn't misconduct because I wasn't intentionally trying to hurt the company. You should apply right away - don't wait!

I was in almost the exact same situation 6 months ago - got fired for "poor performance" from a customer service job. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The key is being honest about what happened but also explaining your side. If you complained about scheduling issues, that might have been retaliation which could actually work in your favor.

I've been through this process and honestly the hardest part was actually getting through to someone at Washington ESD to check on my claim status during adjudication. If you file and they need to investigate, you might want to try Claimyr - it's a service that helps you actually reach ESD agents by phone. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status or ask questions can be really frustrating though. I spent weeks trying to call and either got busy signals or hung up on after waiting for hours. Someone on here told me about Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually got me connected to a real person at Washington ESD in like 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Super helpful when you need to talk to someone about your specific situation.

I was in a similar situation last year - got fired for 'attitude problems' when I complained about unsafe working conditions. Washington ESD approved my claim after investigating. The employer tried to fight it but couldn't prove I did anything wrong. Definitely apply!

The unemployment system in Washington actually leans toward helping workers, not employers. They know that most firings aren't for serious misconduct. When you file your claim, just answer all questions honestly and provide any documentation you have about your work performance or the issues that led to your termination.

The misconduct standard in Washington is pretty high. They have to prove you willfully violated company policy or were grossly negligent. 'Performance issues' usually means they couldn't prove misconduct, so you should be fine. Make sure when you file that you explain your side of the story clearly in the application.

ugh the whole system is so stressful!! I got fired 3 months ago and STILL waiting on my adjudication to be resolved. Washington ESD is so backed up it's ridiculous. But definitely file anyway because even if it takes forever at least you might get something eventually.

ugh the whole system is so confusing! I got fired too and I have no idea if they're going to contest my claim or not. My boss was pretty mad when I left but it wasn't really my fault that I couldn't learn their computer system fast enough

The key thing is to apply immediately and be completely honest about what happened. When Washington ESD reviews your claim, they'll contact your former employer to get their side of the story. If there's a discrepancy between what you say and what your employer says, it can complicate things. Document everything you can remember about your termination.

Here's the deal with Washington unemployment law: You're eligible if you're unemployed through no fault of your own. Being fired for misconduct disqualifies you, but misconduct is defined pretty narrowly - it has to be willful or wanton disregard of employer interests. Poor performance, inability to do the job, personality conflicts, or even single instances of poor judgment usually don't rise to the level of misconduct that would disqualify you.

You should apply right away! Even if they challenge it, you can appeal. I got fired from my retail job last year for 'attendance issues' (even though I had legitimate medical reasons) and I still got approved for benefits after the initial review.

I was in a similar situation last year. Got fired from my warehouse job for allegedly missing too many days, but half of those were approved time off. Filed for unemployment anyway and after they investigated, I got approved. The employer has to prove it was misconduct, not just poor performance.

I was in a similar situation last year and trying to get through to Washington ESD by phone was impossible. I must have called 200+ times over two weeks. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual person. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier when I could actually talk to someone about my specific situation.

wait so if i get fired for being late all the time i still get unemployment?? that doesn't seem right

File online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. You have to file in the week you become unemployed or you can lose benefits. Even if you think you might not qualify, file anyway and let them decide.

I got fired for supposedly 'not following procedures' but really it was because my manager didn't like me. Washington ESD approved my claim after investigating. Your employer has to prove misconduct, not just that they fired you. Don't let them intimidate you into not filing.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my own claim issue and can never get through. The phone system is completely overwhelmed. If you need to talk to someone about your specific situation, you might want to check out claimyr.com - they have a service that helps you get connected to actual ESD agents. I saw their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and it looks pretty straightforward.

Make sure you keep applying for jobs while your claim is being processed. Washington ESD requires you to do job search activities and report them on your weekly claims. Don't let that slide even if you're confident about getting approved.

ugh the whole system is so stressful. I'm going through adjudication right now too for a different reason and it's been 4 weeks with no updates. At least you know why you were fired - sometimes employers make up vague reasons just to try to block your claim.

I got fired from my last job for attendance issues (was dealing with childcare problems) and still got approved for unemployment. Washington ESD looks at whether you had good cause for the issues that led to your firing. Performance problems or business conflicts usually aren't enough to disqualify you from benefits.

I'm going through this right now actually. Got fired three weeks ago for 'not meeting expectations' and my claim is still in adjudication. Washington ESD is taking forever to make a decision and I can't get anyone on the phone to explain what's happening.

Be prepared for your employer to fight it though. Most companies automatically contest unemployment claims to try to keep their UI tax rates low. Don't take it personally - it's just business to them.

Just want to say that 'performance issues' is usually employer code for 'we want to fire you but don't have a good reason.' If you weren't stealing, fighting, or deliberately sabotaging things, you'll probably be fine for UI benefits.

Whatever you do, don't wait to file thinking you won't qualify. I made that mistake and lost out on like 2 weeks of benefits because the waiting period starts when you file, not when you get approved.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to a real person. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

I went through this same situation and had a nightmare trying to reach Washington ESD by phone to check on my claim status. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Someone on here recommended Claimyr.com - it's a service that helps you get through to an actual ESD agent. I was skeptical at first but watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) and decided to try it. Got connected to an agent in like 15 minutes and finally got my adjudication issues sorted out.

The Washington ESD website has a whole section about this. You can get benefits if you're fired for reasons other than misconduct. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately underperforming or ignoring training.

whatever you do dont lie on the application!! my friend got in huge trouble for not being completely honest about why he got fired. they found out from his employer and he had to pay back everything plus penalties

WAIT don't get your hopes up too much. I got fired for being late a few times and Washington ESD denied my claim saying it was misconduct. Had to appeal and it took MONTHS to get resolved. The system is brutal and they side with employers most of the time. But yeah you should still apply because you never know.

DONT LET THEM INTIMIDATE YOU! I got fired from three jobs and got unemployment every time. Employers try to scare you into not filing but Washington ESD usually sides with the worker unless its really bad misconduct like stealing or violence.

I work in HR and I can tell you that most terminations for 'performance' aren't actually misconduct under unemployment law. Companies sometimes try to contest claims anyway, but if you were just struggling to meet standards rather than refusing to do your job, you should be fine.

The specific criteria Washington ESD uses is whether you were discharged for misconduct connected with your work. Things like tardiness, poor quality work, or inability to meet standards generally don't count as misconduct unless they're willful or show a disregard for the employer's interests.

Whatever you do, don't let your former employer intimidate you about filing for unemployment. Some employers will tell you that you're not eligible just to discourage you from applying. They have to pay higher unemployment taxes when former employees get approved, so they have an incentive to fight it.

Whatever you do, be completely honest on your unemployment application about being fired. If you lie and they find out during the investigation, you'll be disqualified for sure. Better to tell the truth and let Washington ESD make the determination.

The adjudication process can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on how complex your case is. Since yours sounds pretty straightforward (performance vs misconduct), it might be on the quicker side. Just be patient and keep filing your weekly claims even while it's pending.

Make sure you keep records of everything - your termination letter, any emails, witness contacts if you have them. If it goes to a hearing you'll need documentation.

I tried calling Washington ESD so many times to ask questions about my adjudication and could never get through. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got to talk to a real person who explained exactly what was happening with my claim. Worth it when you're stressed and need answers.

The Washington ESD website has a good section explaining misconduct vs non-misconduct separations. Basically if you were trying to do your job but just couldn't meet their expectations, that's not misconduct.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. Be honest about being fired but explain the circumstances. Washington ESD can handle the nuance - they deal with this stuff all day.

I work in HR and see this all the time. Most employers don't contest unemployment claims unless it was really serious misconduct because it costs them time and money. Even if they do contest it, Washington ESD investigates fairly thoroughly.

The unemployment system is so messed up. They deny claims for people who actually need help but then approve claims for people who got fired for legitimate reasons. Makes no sense.

I got fired from three jobs in my twenties and got unemployment from all of them lol. As long as you weren't doing drugs at work or punching customers you're probably fine

Don't let one bad experience scare you. Every case is different and Washington ESD has to evaluate each situation individually. The fact that you mentioned lack of training is actually a strong point in your favor. Employers have a responsibility to provide adequate training and support.

ugh the whole system is so frustrating!! I got fired from my retail job 2 months ago for being late too many times (my car kept breaking down) and STILL haven't gotten a decision on my claim. Every time I try calling Washington ESD I either get a busy signal or sit on hold for hours just to get hung up on. How is this acceptable??

File your claim online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. Even if you're not sure you qualify, let them make that decision. The worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised. I got approved even though I was nervous about my circumstances.

Been through this process twice - once for poor performance and once for a layoff. The performance firing actually took longer to adjudicate but I still got approved. Washington ESD seems to understand that not every job is a good fit and that doesn't mean the employee did anything wrong.

Same thing happened to my brother last year - fired for 'performance' after complaining about his manager. He got approved for unemployment and actually ended up getting a better job while collecting benefits. Don't give up!

Here's what Washington ESD considers misconduct: willful or wanton disregard of employer's interests, deliberate violation of workplace rules, illegal activity, etc. 'Performance issues' usually means you were trying but not succeeding, which isn't misconduct.

The worst part is waiting for Washington ESD to make a decision. But file your claim ASAP because even if they approve it, you can't get benefits for weeks you didn't file. The clock starts ticking when you submit your application, not when they approve it.

For anyone reading this thread - make sure you file your weekly claims even while your initial claim is in adjudication! I made that mistake and had to backdate everything which was a huge hassle. You won't get paid until the adjudication is resolved, but you need to keep certifying to maintain your claim.

File online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. You can file the same week you lost your job. Even if your claim gets denied initially, you can appeal the decision. Don't let being fired stop you from applying.

For anyone reading this thread - here's what Washington ESD considers when you're fired: 1) Was it willful misconduct? 2) Did you violate known company rules? 3) Were you warned about the behavior? 4) Was the violation substantial enough to harm the employer? Performance issues rarely meet this standard.

Don't forget to set up your WorkSourceWA account if you haven't already. You'll need it for reporting your job search activities. The website can be a bit clunky but it's required for maintaining your unemployment eligibility.

If you're worried about the adjudication process taking forever, I had good luck with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Used it when my claim was stuck for weeks and finally got to talk to someone who could explain what was happening. Worth checking out claimyr.com if you run into issues.

If your employer does contest your claim, don't panic. You'll get a chance to tell your side of the story during the adjudication interview. Just be honest and stick to the facts.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now. Got terminated last week supposedly for 'attitude problems' but really I think it's because I refused to work mandatory overtime every single weekend. Filed my claim online yesterday and already dreading the waiting game.

Same thing happened to my brother. He got fired from his construction job for 'not meeting productivity standards' but really they just expected him to know things he was never taught. Washington ESD approved his claim after investigating. Took about a month total.

The system is so backed up right now. I've been waiting 3 weeks just to get someone to look at my claim. If you end up needing to actually talk to someone at ESD, good luck with that. I finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and actually got through to an agent the same day.

If your claim does go to adjudication because of the firing, be patient but persistent. I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I needed to check on my adjudication status and it really helped. Otherwise you're just stuck waiting with no updates.

One thing to keep in mind - if Washington ESD approves your claim, your former employer might appeal the decision. Don't panic if that happens, it's pretty common. You'll get a chance to present your side during the appeal process. Document everything now while it's fresh in your memory.

I work in HR and see this all the time. Most terminations for performance don't rise to the level of misconduct unless the employee was deliberately sabotaging work or ignoring direct orders. Questioning safety protocols? That's definitely not misconduct - that's actually protected activity in most cases.

The worst they can do is say no, but if you were fired for performance and not misconduct, you have a good chance. I got unemployment after being fired for not meeting quotas at a call center. Just be prepared to possibly go through an appeal process.

One more thing - make sure you start your job search right away and keep track of it. Washington ESD requires you to be actively looking for work and you'll need to report your job search activities on your weekly claims.

You mentioned unsafe working conditions - if you filed any formal complaints with OSHA or reported it to your supervisor in writing, that could actually help your case a lot. Retaliation for safety complaints is a big deal.

File ASAP and don't stress too much about whether you'll qualify. The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct in Washington.

Bottom line: being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. The circumstances matter more than the fact that you were terminated. File your claim and let Washington ESD make the determination based on the facts.

The worst they can do is deny your claim, and even then you can appeal. But honestly, most 'performance' firings get approved for benefits unless there's clear evidence of misconduct.

I got fired from my last job for being late too many times and still got unemployment. It wasn't considered misconduct because I wasn't deliberately trying to be late - I was having car trouble. The key is being able to show it wasn't willful.

ugh the whole system is so stressful. I'm dealing with an overpayment issue right now and can't get anyone on the phone. Might have to try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier. At least when you're first applying you can do most of it online without having to call.

File your claim immediately! Don't wait. Even if there's a dispute, you want to get the process started. I waited two weeks after getting fired and regretted not filing sooner.

The whole thing is nerve-wracking when it's your first time but Washington state actually has pretty worker-friendly unemployment laws compared to other places. Focus on being honest about what happened and don't assume you'll be denied just because you were fired.

Just remember you'll need to do the weekly claims and job search requirements even while your claim is being investigated. Don't skip those or you could lose benefits even if you get approved.

Pro tip: Start your job search right away even while waiting for your claim to be approved. Washington requires you to be actively looking for work and they can ask for proof. Keep a log of where you apply, when, and any responses you get.

Does anyone know if you can collect unemployment if you get fired during your probationary period? I was let go after 2 months and they said it was because I 'wasn't a good fit' but didn't give any specific reasons.

Whatever you do, don't let your employer pressure you into saying you quit when you were actually fired. Some shady employers try this to avoid their unemployment insurance rates going up. If you were fired, say you were fired on your application.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it really works. I was skeptical too but after calling Washington ESD 150+ times over 3 days with no luck, I figured it was worth trying. Got through to an agent in under 20 minutes and finally got my claim status updated. Definitely recommend it if you're having trouble reaching them.

Quick question - do you have to wait a week before getting your first unemployment payment, or is that just an old rule? I keep seeing conflicting info online.

I work in HR and see this situation a lot. Most terminations for performance issues don't rise to the level of misconduct that would disqualify someone from unemployment. The bar is actually pretty high - the employee has to have willfully violated clear company policies or engaged in behavior that shows deliberate disregard for the employer's interests.

One thing to watch out for - if you had any kind of severance agreement, make sure you understand how that affects your unemployment timing. Sometimes you can't start collecting until after the severance period ends.

The waiting is honestly the worst part. I was fired 6 months ago (wrongfully, in my opinion) and went through this whole process. Once I got approved though, they backdated everything so I got a nice chunk of money all at once. Just hang in there and keep filing your weekly claims.

I'm curious - does anyone know if the employer has to provide documentation when they contest an unemployment claim? My former boss was pretty disorganized and I doubt they kept good records of my supposed 'performance issues.

Try not to stress too much about it. The majority of unemployment claims get approved, even when people are fired. Washington's system is generally pretty fair as long as you're honest about what happened.

Make sure you check your Washington ESD account online regularly for any correspondence or requests for additional information. Sometimes they need more details and if you don't respond quickly it can delay your claim even more.

I had a similar situation last year where I complained about safety issues and then got fired a few weeks later for 'poor performance.' Washington ESD approved my claim and even noted that the timing seemed suspicious. Don't be afraid to mention the potential retaliation aspect.

Bottom line - file your claim ASAP and don't let anyone tell you that being fired automatically disqualifies you. That's just not true in Washington. The system is there to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own, which includes most terminations that aren't for serious misconduct.

Check your employee handbook if you still have it. Sometimes it shows what the company considers 'misconduct' vs. other reasons for termination. That might help you understand how to describe your situation.

The unemployment office will contact your former employer to get their side of the story. Be prepared for them to possibly contest your claim, especially if they're trying to keep their unemployment insurance rates low.

I'm going through something similar right now. Got let go for 'not being a good fit' which seems like code for 'we don't want to pay severance.' It's frustrating but I'm glad to hear others have been successful with their claims.

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired for cause vs. being laid off. Even if they called it a firing, if it was really about business needs or restructuring, that's different from misconduct.

Don't let them intimidate you into not applying. Even if you're not 100% sure you qualify, you have the right to apply and let ESD make the determination. That's literally what the system is for.