Do you always get unemployment when fired - Washington ESD eligibility questions

Washington ESD doesn't automatically approve claims when you're fired - they review each case individually. If you were fired for misconduct, you could be disqualified. But if it was performance-related or you were advocating for safety, you might have a good case. Make sure to file your claim ASAP and be honest about what happened.

i got fired from my retail job and still got benefits so it depends on why they fired you. if its not your fault or for something stupid you should be fine

The key is whether you were fired for 'misconduct connected with work.' Safety concerns are generally NOT considered misconduct - in fact, Washington state has strong whistleblower protections. Document everything about the safety issues you raised and when you raised them. This could actually work in your favor.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach an agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST WORKERS! They always believe whatever BS the employer feeds them. I got denied even though I was clearly wrongfully terminated and had to appeal. Cost me months of benefits I deserved.

Performance issues vs misconduct are two different things in Washington ESD's eyes. Being slow or making mistakes isn't misconduct. Being insubordinate potentially is, BUT advocating for safety is protected activity. You need to frame this correctly in your fact-finding interview.

Just went through this exact thing 3 months ago. Fired for 'attitude problems' but really because I complained about unsafe equipment. Washington ESD approved my claim after adjudication. The fact that you have emails documenting your safety concerns is huge - that's exactly what helped my case.

wait so if you get fired for being late all the time thats different than getting fired for stealing?

For anyone reading this thread later: Washington ESD uses a 'substantial fault' standard for misconduct. The employer has to prove you deliberately violated known company policies or acted in a way that showed willful disregard for the employer's interests. Safety advocacy doesn't meet this standard.

Been there, done that. Got fired for 'not being a team player' which was code for not going along with corner-cutting that violated OSHA standards. Washington ESD saw right through it and approved my benefits. Stand your ground and tell the truth.

I've been trying to reach someone at Washington ESD for weeks about my own adjudication. That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually worked - got through to an agent in like 20 minutes instead of calling for days. Worth every penny when you're stressed about your claim.

The bottom line is that getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. It depends entirely on the circumstances. Safety whistleblowing is actually protected, so you're probably in good shape if that's truly what happened.

pro tip: when you do your fact finding interview, dont ramble or get emotional. just state the facts about the safety issues you raised and when you raised them. let the documentation speak for itself

My brother went through this same thing - fired for 'insubordination' after reporting unsafe working conditions at a construction site. Washington ESD not only approved his claim but his employer got investigated by L&I. Sometimes standing up for safety pays off in multiple ways.

Just remember that even if you get denied initially, you can appeal. I know someone who got their decision overturned because the hearing officer understood that workplace safety trumps following orders to ignore hazards. Don't give up if the first decision goes against you.

this whole thread makes me feel better about my own situation. got fired last month for questioning management decisions and been worried about my claim. sounds like washington esd looks at the context not just the surface story

OP, another thought - make sure you're documenting your job search efforts while waiting for adjudication. You still need to meet the work search requirements even during the determination process. Don't let that part slip through the cracks.

Update us when you hear back from Washington ESD! This kind of case is really interesting from a legal standpoint. Workplace safety retaliation cases often favor the employee, especially with documentation like you have.

One more plug for that Claimyr service if anyone needs to actually talk to Washington ESD about their case. I used it again last week for a different issue and got through immediately. Sometimes you just need to speak to a human, and this makes that possible without the usual hassle.