Do you get unemployment if you're fired - Washington ESD eligibility rules?

You can definitely still get unemployment even if you were fired, but it depends on WHY you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or just regular performance/business reasons. If they fired you for attendance, poor performance, or downsizing - you should be eligible. If it was for stealing, fighting, or willful misconduct - that's different.

I went through this exact situation 6 months ago. Got fired for 'performance' but it was really just them cutting costs. Filed my claim anyway and Washington ESD approved it after about 3 weeks. The key is being honest about what happened but also explaining your side of the story. If you never got written warnings or went through progressive discipline, that actually works in your favor.

Be prepared that your claim might go into adjudication if your employer contests it. This happened to me and I couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD for weeks to check on the status. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to a real person who explained what was happening. They have this demo video too: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process way less stressful.

DEFINITELY apply! I see so many people who don't even try because they think being fired automatically disqualifies them. That's not true at all. Washington has pretty reasonable unemployment laws compared to some states. The worst thing that can happen is they deny your claim, but you can appeal that decision too.

The real question is whether your termination was for 'misconduct' under Washington law. Simple poor performance usually isn't considered misconduct unless you were deliberately doing bad work or ignoring direct orders. Since you said no formal warnings, sounds like you have a good case.

File your claim as soon as possible! Even if there's an issue, you want to get the process started. I waited a week after getting fired and regretted it because benefits are dated from when you file, not when you lost your job.

Just to add - when you file, be completely honest about why you were terminated. Don't try to sugarcoat it or leave things out. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer, and being dishonest will definitely hurt your case.

Also remember that even if you get approved, you'll still need to do your weekly claims and job search requirements. Don't forget about that part once you start receiving benefits. Washington ESD is pretty strict about the job search stuff.

I got fired from my last job for supposedly being 'difficult to work with' which was complete BS. Still got my unemployment approved after they investigated. The key is that Washington ESD looks at whether the employer had good cause and followed proper procedures. Sounds like your situation is similar to mine.

One thing to watch out for - if your employer contests your claim, you might have to participate in a phone hearing. Don't panic if this happens! Lots of people win these hearings, especially if the employer can't prove actual misconduct.

Quick question - did they give you any severance pay? That might affect when your benefits start but shouldn't disqualify you completely.

The Washington ESD website has a good explanation of misconduct vs non-misconduct terminations. Might be worth reading through that before you file so you know what to expect.

Been there! Got 'laid off' but really fired for not meeting unrealistic quotas. Still got approved because Washington ESD could see the quotas were impossible. Don't give up even if your situation seems complicated.

If you do run into problems getting through to Washington ESD during the process, I had success with that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Really helped when my claim got stuck and I couldn't get answers anywhere else.

Whatever you do, don't let your employer intimidate you out of filing. I've seen managers tell people they won't be eligible just to discourage them from applying. File anyway and let Washington ESD make the decision.

Also keep in mind that if you do get approved, your weekly benefit amount will be based on your earnings over the past year. Make sure you have accurate records of your wages when you file.

Good luck with your claim! Sounds like you have a solid case based on what you've described. The process can be stressful but don't let that stop you from getting benefits you're entitled to.

Just saw this thread and wanted to add that I got unemployment after being fired for 'attitude problems' which was basically just me standing up for myself. Don't let vague termination reasons scare you off from applying.

One last thing - start looking for work right away even while your claim is processing. You'll need to show job search activities anyway and it looks good if there are any questions about your case.

This whole thread is why I love this forum. So much good info and support for people dealing with Washington ESD stuff. Hope everything works out for the OP!