Can you qualify for unemployment if you get fired in Washington state?

Yes, you can potentially qualify even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues alone usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job.

You should definitely file your claim. The worst they can say is no, but getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination based on the specific circumstances of your termination.

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

MISCONDUCT is the key word here. Things like theft, violence, harassment, or deliberately violating company policy count as misconduct. Poor performance, personality conflicts, or being bad at your job generally don't.

File immediately! Don't wait. Even if there's a question about your eligibility, you want to get the process started. You can always appeal if they deny you initially.

this is why companies try to make people quit instead of firing them outright... they know fired employees can still get unemployment

The burden of proof is on your employer to show misconduct occurred. If they can't prove it, you should get approved. Make sure you tell your side of the story clearly when Washington ESD contacts you.

I got fired from my last job for being late too many times (my car kept breaking down) and still got unemployment. Washington ESD was pretty fair about it.

Whatever you do, be completely honest on your application. Don't try to make it sound like you quit or were laid off if you were actually fired. They'll find out anyway when they contact your employer.

Also remember you have to keep filing your weekly claims even while the initial determination is being made. Don't miss any weeks or you'll lose out on those benefits permanently.

Update on that Claimyr service I mentioned - I used them again today to check on my claim status and got through to an actual Washington ESD rep in under 10 minutes. Seriously worth it if you need to talk to someone quickly.

The unemployment system in this state is so confusing. I wish they made the eligibility rules clearer on their website.

I was fired for 'attitude problems' which basically meant I didn't smile enough at customers. Still got my unemployment approved. Don't let them intimidate you with vague performance reasons.

Make sure you start looking for work right away too. Washington ESD requires you to make job search contacts each week to keep getting benefits.

The key thing is that Washington ESD looks at whether your termination was your fault or the employer's fault. Performance issues are usually considered the employer's fault unless you were deliberately sabotaging your work.

Even if your initial claim gets denied, you can appeal the decision. I've seen plenty of people win their appeals after being initially denied for misconduct.

Bottom line - file your claim ASAP. The sooner you file, the sooner you'll know for sure if you qualify. Don't assume you won't qualify just because you were fired.

One more thing - if Washington ESD does approve your claim, your employer might appeal the decision. Don't panic if that happens, it's pretty common and doesn't mean you did anything wrong.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I had questions about my claim. Really saved me hours of trying to get through on the phone. The demo video they have explains exactly how it works.

Remember that being fired and being terminated for cause are two different things in Washington state. Performance issues usually fall under regular termination, not termination for cause.