Do you always get Washington ESD unemployment if you're fired?

No, you don't automatically get unemployment just because you were fired. Washington ESD will investigate the reason for termination during adjudication. If they find you were fired for misconduct connected to work, you'll be disqualified. Performance issues alone usually aren't considered misconduct unless there was willful negligence.

File your claim right away regardless. The worst thing that happens is they deny it and you can appeal. I got fired for attendance issues and still got approved after adjudication took forever.

I had a similar situation last year and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to check my claim status. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration trying to call on my own.

The key is how Washington ESD defines misconduct. Things like theft, violence, or repeatedly violating clear policies usually disqualify you. But poor performance, personality conflicts, or being laid off due to business needs typically don't. Your employer has to prove misconduct, not just claim it.

ugh this is so confusing!! why cant they just make it simple - fired = unemployment, quit = no unemployment. instead theres all these rules and investigations

ALWAYS FILE EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT SURE!!! The worst case is they say no and you appeal. I've seen so many people wait months thinking they weren't eligible when they actually were. Washington ESD can't backdate benefits if you don't file on time.

In my experience, Washington ESD is pretty fair about fired vs misconduct. I got terminated for 'not being a good fit' after 6 months and they approved my claim. The adjudication process asks your employer for documentation to prove misconduct happened.

Does anyone know if getting fired from a temp job affects your eligibility differently? I've been working through an agency.

My brother got fired for testing positive on a random drug test and Washington ESD denied his claim. So definitely not automatic if there's misconduct involved.

The whole system is designed to screw over working people. They make you jump through hoops and wait weeks just to get benefits you already paid into. Ridiculous.

When I got fired they asked me to provide my side of the story during adjudication. Make sure you document everything from your perspective - dates, conversations, any evidence that contradicts their version.

I used Claimyr when my adjudication was taking forever and needed to talk to someone about my case. Way easier than trying to get through on the phone myself. Really helped me understand what documentation they needed from me.

Just remember you have to do weekly claims while your adjudication is pending. Don't skip those even if you're not getting paid yet!

Performance issues vs misconduct is such a gray area. I got fired for missing sales targets and they approved my UI claim because it wasn't willful misconduct.

The employer has to prove misconduct, not just claim it happened. Washington ESD will look at documentation, warnings, policies, and your work history. If they can't prove willful misconduct, you'll likely get approved.

same thing happened to me - got fired, filed for unemployment, had to wait for adjudication, got approved eventually. just file asap