Can you get unemployment if your fired from job in Washington state?
I got terminated from my retail job last Thursday for what they said was poor performance but I think it was really because I complained about unsafe working conditions. My manager had been writing me up for small things ever since I reported the broken equipment to corporate. Can I still file for Washington ESD unemployment benefits even though I was fired? I'm really worried because I need the income to pay my rent and I don't know if being fired automatically disqualifies you.
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Malik Jackson
Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment benefits even if you were fired. The key is whether you were terminated for misconduct or not. If it was performance-related or the employer couldn't prove willful misconduct, you should be eligible. Washington ESD will investigate your claim during the adjudication process to determine if the firing was justified.
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Emma Thompson
•That's a relief to hear! How long does the adjudication process usually take? I'm stressed about waiting too long for benefits.
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Malik Jackson
•Adjudication can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on how complex your case is. Make sure to file your weekly claims even while it's pending.
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Isabella Costa
I was fired for being late too many times and still got approved for UI benefits. The Washington ESD investigator said as long as it wasn't gross misconduct or intentional, you're usually okay. Performance issues don't automatically disqualify you.
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StarSurfer
•Really? That gives me hope. I was worried any firing would mean no unemployment.
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Isabella Costa
•Nope! They have to prove you did something really bad on purpose. Poor performance usually doesn't count as misconduct.
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Ravi Malhotra
If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach a live agent. I was stuck trying to call for weeks and they got me through in like 20 minutes. Check out their website at claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.
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Freya Christensen
•Is that legit? I've been calling Washington ESD for days and just get busy signals or get hung up on.
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Ravi Malhotra
•Yeah it's totally legit. They basically call for you and connect you when they get through. Saved me so much frustration.
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Emma Thompson
•Thanks for sharing this! I might need it if my claim gets stuck in adjudication.
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Omar Hassan
The fact that you reported safety issues before being fired could actually help your case. Washington ESD considers retaliation firings as not being for misconduct. Document everything about the unsafe conditions and your complaints to corporate.
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Emma Thompson
•I do have emails and photos of the broken equipment! Should I submit those with my unemployment application?
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Omar Hassan
•Absolutely! Any documentation that shows you were acting responsibly and the firing was retaliatory will strengthen your case.
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Chloe Robinson
ugh the whole system is so confusing... I got fired from my last job too and it took FOREVER to figure out if I could get benefits. why don't they just make it clear on the website??
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Malik Jackson
•I know it's frustrating but every case is different. That's why they have to investigate each firing individually during adjudication.
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Chloe Robinson
•still think they could do a better job explaining it all
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StarSurfer
Wait, so if I quit my job can I get unemployment too? Or is it only for people who get fired or laid off?
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Malik Jackson
•You can sometimes get benefits if you quit for good cause, like unsafe working conditions, harassment, or major changes to your job. But it's harder to prove than being fired.
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StarSurfer
•Good to know, thanks!
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Diego Chavez
I've been through this before and here's my advice: file your claim immediately even if you're not sure about eligibility. The worst they can say is no, but if you wait too long you might miss out on benefits you're entitled to. Washington ESD backdates claims but only to when you first applied.
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Emma Thompson
•That's good advice. I'll file tomorrow morning. Better safe than sorry.
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Diego Chavez
•Exactly! And make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication or you'll lose those weeks.
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Freya Christensen
The washington esd phone system is absolutely terrible. I spent 3 hours on hold yesterday just to get disconnected. Has anyone found a way to actually get through to talk to someone?
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Ravi Malhotra
•Like I mentioned earlier, Claimyr really helped me get through. Worth checking out if you're stuck in phone hell.
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Freya Christensen
•I'll look into that, thanks. Anything has to be better than this endless calling.
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NeonNebula
Just want to add that even if your claim gets initially denied, you can appeal the decision. I got fired for attendance issues, was denied at first, but won my appeal because I proved the attendance problems were due to a medical condition.
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Emma Thompson
•How long did the appeal process take?
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NeonNebula
•About 6 weeks from filing the appeal to getting the decision. But I got all my back benefits once I won.
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Isabella Costa
Another tip - when you file your claim, be honest about why you were fired but don't volunteer extra information that might hurt your case. Stick to the facts and let Washington ESD investigate.
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Emma Thompson
•Good point. I'll be factual but not over-explain things.
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Anastasia Kozlov
Does anyone know if getting fired affects how much unemployment you can get? Like do you get less money than if you were laid off?
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Malik Jackson
•No, the benefit amount is based on your earnings history, not why you became unemployed. As long as you're approved, you get the same weekly benefit amount.
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Anastasia Kozlov
•Oh that's good to know, thanks!
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Sean Kelly
I'm going through something similar right now. Got fired last month for 'not being a good fit' after 6 months on the job. My claim has been in adjudication for 3 weeks now and I'm getting nervous about the outcome.
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Emma Thompson
•That's so stressful! Have you been able to talk to anyone at Washington ESD about your case?
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Sean Kelly
•I keep trying to call but can never get through. Might try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned.
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Ravi Malhotra
•Definitely worth a shot if you need to check on your adjudication status. That's exactly what I used it for.
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Zara Mirza
Important note: make sure you're actively looking for work and keeping track of your job search activities. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and they can audit your search log at any time.
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Emma Thompson
•What counts as a job search activity?
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Zara Mirza
•Applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, interviews, even some training programs. Keep detailed records of everything.
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Luca Russo
THE WHOLE UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! I got fired for bogus reasons and they're making me jump through hoops just to get benefits I paid into for years. So frustrated with Washington ESD right now.
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Nia Harris
•I feel your pain. The system definitely isn't perfect but hang in there. Most people do get approved eventually.
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Luca Russo
•I hope so because I can't afford to wait much longer
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GalaxyGazer
Quick question - if I file for unemployment while my claim is being adjudicated, am I guaranteed to get all the back pay if I'm approved?
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Malik Jackson
•Yes, as long as you keep filing your weekly claims during adjudication, you'll get back pay for all eligible weeks once approved.
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GalaxyGazer
•Perfect, thanks for clarifying that!
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Mateo Sanchez
Had a similar situation where I reported safety violations and then got fired for 'performance issues' a month later. Washington ESD approved my claim because they could see the timeline was suspicious. Document everything!
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Emma Thompson
•That's exactly what happened to me! This gives me a lot of hope that my claim will be approved.
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Aisha Mahmood
been there done that... got fired from my warehouse job for missing too many days but it was because of my kids being sick. still got unemployment though so don't give up hope
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Emma Thompson
•Thanks for sharing your experience. It helps to hear success stories.
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Ethan Moore
One more thing to consider - if your former employer contests your unemployment claim, be prepared to provide your side of the story. Washington ESD will interview both you and your employer during the fact-finding process.
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Emma Thompson
•What kind of questions do they ask during those interviews?
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Ethan Moore
•They'll ask about the specific incidents that led to your termination, your work history, any warnings you received, and your version of events. Be honest and stick to the facts.
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Yuki Kobayashi
Just to close this out - I went through the exact same thing 2 years ago and got approved for benefits even though I was fired. The key was showing that the firing wasn't for willful misconduct. Sounds like you have a good case with the safety reporting angle.
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Emma Thompson
•Thank you so much for all the encouragement! I'm going to file my claim first thing Monday morning.
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Yuki Kobayashi
•Good luck! Remember to keep filing those weekly claims no matter what.
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