Can you get unemployment if you're fired - Washington ESD eligibility questions

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment even if you were fired! Washington ESD looks at whether it was 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful or you ignored clear warnings. The fact that you had no prior write-ups actually helps your case.

I got fired from my retail job for being late too many times and still got approved for benefits. It took about 3 weeks for adjudication but they ruled in my favor because I had transportation issues they considered beyond my control.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting busy signals.

Washington ESD will investigate your termination during the adjudication process. They'll contact your employer to get their side of the story. Performance issues alone rarely disqualify you unless there was gross negligence or willful misconduct. Being fired for attendance, not following clear instructions after warnings, or policy violations is different than being fired for not meeting production quotas.

ugh the whole system is so confusing... I got fired too but for completely different reasons and I'm terrified to even apply because what if they deny me and then I wasted all this time???

File immediately if you haven't already! There's a waiting period anyway so the sooner you get the process started the better. I waited two weeks after I got laid off and regretted not filing right away.

The safety violation angle might actually help your case if you can prove retaliation. Washington has pretty strong whistleblower protections and ESD considers that during their review process.

same thing happened to my brother last year, 'performance issues' right after he complained about wage theft... he got approved for UI benefits after they investigated

Don't let them intimidate you! I've seen so many people think they can't get benefits after being fired but performance issues are NOT the same as misconduct. Washington ESD looks at the specific circumstances, not just whether you were terminated.

When you file your weekly claims make sure you're honest about the circumstances of your termination. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer, so being upfront from the start looks better.

Whatever you do don't quit a job thinking you can get unemployment easier that way - that's actually harder to get approved! Being fired for performance is usually much better for UI eligibility than quitting.

I had a similar situation and ended up using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when my adjudication was taking forever. Way easier than trying to call myself dozens of times. Check out their site at claimyr.com if you need to actually talk to someone about your case.

The key thing is that performance issues usually don't rise to the level of 'misconduct' that would disqualify you. Misconduct is things like theft, violence, or willfully violating clear policies after warnings. Not meeting quotas or making mistakes doesn't count.

washington esd takes forever to process these things... my adjudication took 6 weeks and I was going crazy waiting

Make sure you start doing your job search activities right away even while your claim is in adjudication. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you need to log them in WorkSourceWA.

File online through the Secure Access Washington website, it's way faster than trying to call. The adjudication will happen automatically once you submit your initial claim.

Just wanted to add that if you do get denied initially, you can always appeal the decision. The appeals process gives you another chance to present your case, especially with the retaliation angle you mentioned.

One more tip - when they ask about your separation reason, be specific but concise. 'Terminated for alleged performance issues following safety complaint' is better than a long emotional explanation.

If you need to reach someone at Washington ESD about your claim and can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service mentioned earlier actually works. I was skeptical at first but it saved me from weeks of calling. Worth looking into if you run into issues.