Can you get unemployment when you are fired from your job in Washington state?

You can definitely still get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will look at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless they involve willful behavior or policy violations.

File your claim right away! Don't wait. Even if your employer contests it, you should still file immediately. The worst thing you can do is delay because you're worried about eligibility.

I went through something similar last year. Got fired for 'not meeting expectations' but it was really just downsizing. I was worried about applying but Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks. The key is being honest about why you were terminated when you file.

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my own claim issues and their phone system is absolutely broken. If you need to talk to someone, I recently found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to an agent. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

being fired doesnt automatically disqualify you, i was fired from my last job for being late too many times and still got benefits. it really depends on the circumstances

The Washington ESD system is so backwards. They make you jump through hoops even when you're legitimately entitled to benefits. File your claim but be prepared for a potential fight if your employer decides to be difficult about it.

I'm going through adjudication right now after being fired and it's taking forever. Been waiting 5 weeks for a decision. The uncertainty is killing me.

Just to clarify the process - when you file your initial claim, you'll need to provide details about why you were terminated. Be honest and factual. Washington ESD will then contact your former employer to get their side of the story. If there's a dispute, it may go to adjudication where they'll make a determination.

File immediately! I made the mistake of waiting a week after I got fired because I wasn't sure if I qualified. That delayed my whole claim process. Even if you're not sure, filing early protects your claim date.

I was fired from my job at a restaurant for 'attitude problems' which was total BS. Took 4 weeks but Washington ESD approved my claim. Sometimes employers just say stuff to avoid paying higher unemployment taxes.

The key thing is misconduct vs poor performance. If they fired you for not being fast enough or not meeting sales goals, that's usually not misconduct. If they fired you for stealing or fighting with customers, that would be misconduct.

ugh this whole system is so stressful. i got fired last month and still waiting to hear back about my claim. the anxiety is worse than being unemployed

For anyone struggling to get through to Washington ESD by phone, I had success using Claimyr recently. It's a service that handles the calling for you. Saved me hours of frustration and I actually got to speak with an agent who helped resolve my claim issue.

Don't overthink it. File your claim online, answer the questions truthfully, and let Washington ESD make the determination. You're probably eligible if it was just performance issues.

I remember when I got fired from my previous job it felt like the end of the world but honestly getting on unemployment gave me time to find something better. Don't be ashamed to file for benefits you're entitled to.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you continue filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is under review. If you're eventually approved, you'll get back pay for those weeks, but only if you filed the weekly claims.

The whole process is designed to discourage people from filing. Don't let that stop you. If you worked and paid into the system, you deserve benefits when you need them.

My advice: file today, be honest about the termination reason, keep all your documentation, and don't give up if they initially deny it. Appeals exist for a reason.

Just want to add one more thing - if you do run into issues getting through to Washington ESD for any reason, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. Sometimes having an actual conversation with an agent can clear up confusion that might take weeks to resolve otherwise.

Update us when you hear back! These threads are helpful for others going through the same thing.

Just wanted to add that Washington state's unemployment system is actually more generous than many other states when it comes to fired employees. The burden of proof is on the employer to show misconduct, not on you to prove you weren't at fault. Since you mentioned no formal write-ups or warnings, that works in your favor. Performance issues without progressive discipline rarely qualify as misconduct. File your claim ASAP - you can always appeal if they deny it, but you can't get back those weeks you didn't file for.