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

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment benefits even if you were fired! The key is whether it was for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful or repeated violations after warnings. Safety complaints are actually protected activity, so that could work in your favor.

File immediately! Don't wait because your benefit year starts when you file, not when you lost your job. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. Even if your employer contests it, you can still get benefits while the adjudication process happens.

I went through something similar last year. Got fired for 'attitude problems' but it was really retaliation for filing a complaint with HR. I was super worried about calling Washington ESD to check on my claim status because the phone lines are always busy. Someone here recommended Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it was a game changer - they got me through to an actual agent in minutes instead of hours of busy signals. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

your manager is wrong, lots of people get unemployment after being fired. the only time you cant get it is if you did something really bad like stealing or fighting at work. performance stuff usually doesnt count unless you were like deliberately messing up

OMG this is exactly what I'm going through right now! Got fired two weeks ago and I've been afraid to file because my boss said I wouldn't qualify. This thread is so helpful - I'm filing today! Does anyone know if there are any other requirements besides just being fired without misconduct?

Been dealing with Washington ESD for months now and let me tell you, getting through on the phone is IMPOSSIBLE. I've literally spent entire days trying to reach someone about my adjudication. Finally used Claimyr after seeing it mentioned in another thread and got connected immediately. Wish I'd known about it sooner!

File your claim online at esd.wa.gov right away. When they ask about the reason for separation, be very specific about the safety complaints you made and how the termination happened after that. The timing is important for your case.

also make sure you file your weekly claims even if your main claim is still pending. i made that mistake and lost out on benefits for those weeks

I'm curious about this Claimyr thing people keep mentioning. Anyone else try it? I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and getting nowhere with the regular phone system.

The misconduct standard in Washington is pretty specific. It has to be willful disregard of the employer's interests or deliberate violation of rules. Performance issues, personality conflicts, or good faith errors usually don't qualify as misconduct. Your safety complaints actually strengthen your case.

Don't let your employer intimidate you! I see this all the time where bosses try to scare people into not filing. They probably don't want their unemployment tax rate to go up. File anyway and let Washington ESD make the determination.

Whatever you do, don't wait to file. I waited two weeks thinking I needed to find another job first and I lost those two weeks of benefits forever. You can't get back pay for weeks before you filed your claim.

Been there with the whole retaliation thing. Document everything - emails, witness statements, dates of when you made complaints vs when performance issues started being mentioned. The pattern matters for your case.

Quick question - if I file and my employer contests it, do I still get paid while they investigate? I'm worried about going weeks without any income.

For anyone struggling with Washington ESD phone system, I finally tried that Claimyr service after months of frustration. Got connected to an agent in under 10 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. Honestly worth it just for the peace of mind.

One thing to keep in mind - even if you're approved for benefits, you'll need to actively search for work and report those searches weekly. Washington ESD takes the job search requirements seriously.

Just want to say thanks for this thread! I've been fired twice in my career and both times I got unemployment benefits. Don't let employers scare you - know your rights!

One more tip - when you do your adjudication interview, be concise and stick to the facts. Don't get emotional or go on tangents. Answer their questions directly and refer to your documentation when relevant.

The whole system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Safety complaints definitely fall into that category. Your employer messed up, not you.

Final piece of advice - if Washington ESD denies your claim initially, you can appeal. The appeal process gives you another chance to present your case, often with more time to prepare. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way.