Do I qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington - need help understanding eligibility

You likely meet the work history requirement since you worked 8 months, but the attendance issue could be tricky. Washington ESD considers being fired for misconduct as potentially disqualifying, but being late might not rise to that level depending on the circumstances. You should definitely apply - let them make the determination rather than assuming you don't qualify.

I had a similar situation last year - got fired for attendance but still got approved for benefits. The key is how you explain the circumstances in your application. If it was just tardiness and not something like no-call no-shows, you have a good chance. Make sure you're honest about why you were terminated.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to ask questions about your specific situation, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to actual agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. I was stuck trying to call for weeks before finding them.

dont overthink it just apply. worst they can say is no and then you appeal if you disagree. the eligibility requirements aren't as strict as people think

For Washington ESD eligibility, you generally need to have worked in at least two quarters during your base period and earned a minimum amount. With 8 months of work at $2,100/month, you should easily meet the monetary requirements. The separation issue will be reviewed during adjudication if they flag it.

I got fired for attendance too and they approved my claim after about 3 weeks. Just be honest about what happened and explain that you weren't trying to quit or be insubordinate. Tardiness usually isn't considered willful misconduct unless it was excessive.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE!!! They will find any excuse to reject your claim. Being fired for attendance is definitely going to be a problem.

You should also start looking for work immediately even before your claim is approved. Washington ESD requires job search activities and you'll need to log them weekly.

I'm in a similar boat - got let go for being late a few times. When I tried calling Washington ESD to ask about it, I could never get through. That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually worked for me too. Got connected to an agent who explained exactly what they look for in attendance-related separations.

Just apply online at secure.esd.wa.gov and answer all the questions honestly. The worst case scenario is they deny you and you can appeal. But with 8 months of work history you probably qualify unless the attendance thing is really bad.

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you apply - dates of employment, employer contact info, reason for separation, etc. It'll speed up the process.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if you get approved, your former employer might contest the claim. If that happens, you'll get a notice and have the right to a hearing.

I work in HR and we usually don't contest attendance-related terminations unless the employee was constantly missing work without calling in. Simple tardiness typically isn't enough for misconduct disqualification.

If you do get into adjudication, don't panic. It just means they need to review your case more carefully. I had to wait about 5 weeks for my adjudication to complete but I was approved in the end.

honestly the washington esd system is so backed up right now that everyone's claim takes forever. mine took 6 weeks just for a regular approval with no issues

My advice is to apply ASAP because even if you qualify, there's always a waiting week before benefits start. Plus if there are any issues to resolve, you want to get the process started as soon as possible.

For what it's worth, I think you have a decent chance of approval based on what you've described. 8 months of steady work shows good work history, and attendance issues without other misconduct factors usually don't disqualify people. Just be prepared for possible adjudication delays.