Do you get unemployment if you get fired in Washington ESD?

You can definitely apply! Getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment in Washington. It depends on WHY you were fired. If it was for performance issues or downsizing, you'll likely qualify. If it was for misconduct (like stealing, fighting, etc.), then you won't.

File immediately! You have to wait a week anyway before benefits start, so don't delay. Washington ESD will contact your employer to get their side of the story. If there's a dispute, it goes to adjudication where they'll review everything and make a decision.

I went through this exact situation last year. Got fired from my retail job for 'performance issues' and was worried I wouldn't qualify. Filed anyway and got approved after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The key is being honest about what happened and letting Washington ESD sort it out.

Had the worst time trying to get through to Washington ESD when I was dealing with a similar situation. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. If you need to actually talk to someone about your case, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration.

The Washington ESD system is so frustrating!! I got fired from my job 6 months ago and it took FOREVER to get my benefits approved. They make you jump through so many hoops and the adjudication process is a joke. Half the time they don't even look at the evidence properly.

Make sure you have all your documentation ready when you file. Pay stubs, any warnings or disciplinary actions, emails, etc. Washington ESD wants to see everything.

Been there done that. Got canned from my construction job and thought I was screwed. Turns out Washington ESD approved me because my boss couldn't prove I did anything wrong. File your claim online and be patient.

ugh the phone system for washington esd is absolutely terrible. tried calling 47 times yesterday and kept getting busy signals or hung up on. how is anyone supposed to get help??

What exactly counts as 'misconduct' anyway? I always thought getting fired meant no unemployment but apparently that's not true?

File ASAP and don't let them intimidate you. Employers sometimes lie or exaggerate to avoid paying higher unemployment taxes. Washington ESD will investigate both sides.

I'm going through adjudication right now for the same thing. My employer is claiming I was 'willfully negligent' but I know that's BS. It's been 4 weeks and still waiting for a decision. This whole process is nerve-wracking.

Remember you have to keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication! A lot of people forget to do this and then lose benefits for those weeks.

Just went through this whole mess myself. Company tried to claim I was fired for cause but Washington ESD didn't buy it. Got my first payment about 5 weeks after filing. Hang in there!

make sure to start your job search log right away even if you're in adjudication. they require 3 job search activities per week and they'll ask for proof later

The whole system is designed to discourage people from filing. Don't let that stop you! You paid into unemployment insurance when you were working - you earned these benefits.

If your claim gets denied initially, don't give up! You can appeal and often win at the hearing level. I've seen a lot of wrongful termination cases get overturned on appeal.

I had to use Claimyr twice when dealing with my claim issues. First time was to check on my adjudication status, second time was after I got a weird letter I didn't understand. Both times they got me through to someone who could actually help. Worth every penny when you're dealing with Washington ESD bureaucracy.

One thing nobody mentions is that your employer gets notified when you file for unemployment. They have a chance to contest it, so be prepared for that possibility.

Bottom line - file your claim today. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but you won't know unless you try. Don't let fear or embarrassment keep you from getting benefits you might be entitled to.

Also remember that even if you get approved, there's a one-week waiting period before benefits start. So file as soon as possible to get that clock ticking.