Can you receive unemployment if you are fired in Washington state?
I got terminated from my job last week and I'm not sure if I can even apply for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. My supervisor said it was due to 'performance issues' but I feel like they were looking for reasons to let me go. Does getting fired automatically disqualify you from UI benefits in Washington? I've been working there for 2 years and paid into the system so I'm hoping I'm still eligible.
48 comments


Ava Rodriguez
You can still get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on WHY you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether it was 'misconduct connected with work.' Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless you were willfully negligent or deliberately not doing your job.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•That's reassuring. They said I wasn't meeting quotas but I was trying my best. The training was inadequate and I kept asking for help.
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Miguel Diaz
•Definitely apply! The worst they can say is no, and if you were genuinely trying to do your job, you'll probably be approved.
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Zainab Ahmed
I went through this exact situation 6 months ago. Got fired for 'poor performance' and was stressed about applying. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The key is being honest on your application and explaining your side of the story.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Did they contact your former employer during the adjudication process? I'm worried about what my supervisor might tell them.
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Zainab Ahmed
•Yes, they do contact the employer. But they're looking for facts, not opinions. If you weren't stealing, fighting, or blatantly refusing to work, you should be fine.
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Connor Gallagher
I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my claim status after being fired. Kept getting busy signals for weeks. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent in minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really helped me get answers about my eligibility.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•That sounds helpful! I haven't even filed yet but I know I'll probably need to talk to someone about my situation.
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AstroAlpha
•Never heard of that service before but sounds legit if it actually gets you through to Washington ESD agents.
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Yara Khoury
MISCONDUCT is the key word here. Washington ESD has specific definitions for this. Things like theft, violence, drug use, chronic tardiness after warnings - that's misconduct. Being bad at your job or not meeting unrealistic expectations usually isn't.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•I was never late and definitely didn't do anything dishonest. Just struggled with the workload and quotas.
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Keisha Taylor
•Exactly. I see people worry about this all the time when they shouldn't. Performance != misconduct in most cases.
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Paolo Longo
ugh the whole system is so confusing. i got fired 2 months ago and still waiting on my adjudication to finish. washington esd takes forever to make decisions
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Ava Rodriguez
•Adjudication can definitely take time, especially if there are questions about the separation. Have you tried calling to check on the status?
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Paolo Longo
•tried calling like 50 times lol. always busy or they hang up after being on hold forever
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Miguel Diaz
File your claim ASAP! Even if there's going to be an adjudication period, you want to get your claim date established. You can't get benefits for weeks before you file, so don't wait.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Good point. I'll file today. Better to get the process started even if it takes time to resolve.
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Amina Bah
•This is so important! I waited 2 weeks thinking I needed to 'figure everything out first' and lost those benefit weeks.
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Oliver Becker
When you file, be completely honest about why you were terminated. Don't try to sugar-coat it or make it sound like you quit. Washington ESD will find out the truth anyway when they contact your employer.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Should I mention that I feel the firing was unfair or just stick to the facts they gave me?
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Oliver Becker
•Stick to facts but you can explain your perspective. Like 'I was terminated for not meeting sales quotas despite requesting additional training and support.
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CosmicCowboy
Been through this twice unfortunately. First time I got denied because I was fired for attendance (my fault, was going through personal stuff). Second time approved because new employer fired me for 'not being a good fit' which isn't misconduct.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•That's interesting that it can vary so much based on the specific reason. Mine sounds more like your second situation.
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Natasha Orlova
•Yeah it really depends on the circumstances. Washington ESD looks at each case individually.
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Javier Cruz
if you do get approved make sure you understand the job search requirements now. they're pretty strict about documenting your work search activities
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Dmitry Smirnov
•I haven't looked into that yet. What exactly do you have to do for job search requirements?
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Javier Cruz
•you need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and keep detailed records. washington esd can audit your job search log anytime
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Emma Thompson
The adjudication process exists specifically for situations like yours where there's a question about eligibility. Don't stress about it too much - just file your claim and let Washington ESD investigate. Most people who were fired for performance reasons do get approved.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•That makes me feel better. I've been so worried about this since it happened.
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Malik Jackson
•Same thing happened to my brother. He was convinced he wouldn't get benefits but got approved after 4 weeks of adjudication.
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Isabella Costa
I used Claimyr when I needed to speak with someone about my terminated claim status. Worth every penny to actually get through to a real person at Washington ESD instead of dealing with busy signals all day.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•How much does that service cost? I'm already worried about money since losing my job.
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Isabella Costa
•It's reasonable considering the time it saves you. Check out their site at claimyr.com - they explain everything clearly.
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StarSurfer
Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. I know someone who said they quit when they were actually fired, thinking it would be better. Washington ESD found out and they had to pay back all their benefits plus penalties.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Wow that's scary. I definitely won't lie about anything. Honesty seems like the best policy here.
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Ravi Malhotra
•Yep, they call it fraud and they take it very seriously. Just tell the truth and let the chips fall where they may.
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Freya Christensen
Also remember that if you do get denied initially, you can appeal the decision. Sometimes Washington ESD gets it wrong on the first review and the appeal process gives you a chance to present your case more thoroughly.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Good to know there's a backup plan if things don't go well initially. How long do you have to file an appeal?
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Freya Christensen
•You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal. Don't wait if you disagree with their decision.
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Omar Hassan
honestly washington esd is so backed up right now. my friend filed in december and still hasn't heard anything about her adjudication. the system is broken
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Ava Rodriguez
•That's unusual for it to take that long. She should definitely try to get in touch with someone to check on the status.
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Connor Gallagher
•That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - couldn't get through any other way to find out what was happening with my claim.
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Chloe Robinson
The bottom line is that most people who get fired for performance issues DO qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington. Don't let fear keep you from filing. You earned those benefits by working and paying into the system.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•You're right. I worked hard for 2 years and deserve a chance to get back on my feet. Filing my claim today!
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Diego Chavez
•That's the spirit! And remember, even if there's an adjudication period, you'll get back-pay for eligible weeks once it's resolved.
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NeonNebula
Good luck with your claim! Just remember to file your weekly claims even during adjudication, or you'll lose those weeks permanently. Washington ESD doesn't make exceptions for missed weeks.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•Thanks for the reminder! I definitely don't want to mess that up and lose out on benefits I'm entitled to.
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Anastasia Kozlov
•Yes this is super important. Keep filing those weekly claims no matter what, even if you're not getting paid yet.
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