Do you qualify for Washington ESD unemployment if fired - need guidance

Yes, you can definitely qualify for unemployment even if you were fired, as long as it wasn't for misconduct. Performance issues usually don't disqualify you from benefits in Washington. The key question is whether your termination was for 'misconduct' under Washington ESD rules. Safety complaints are actually protected activity, so that could work in your favor.

File your claim ASAP regardless. Even if they initially deny you, you can always appeal. I was fired from my retail job for supposedly being late too much (which wasn't even accurate) and I still got approved after they investigated.

The tricky part is going to be getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status once you file. Their phone lines are absolutely swamped. I spent weeks trying to reach someone about my adjudication. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an agent in like 10 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

DONT LET THEM INTIMIDATE YOU!! Employers lie all the time about why they fired people to try to block unemployment claims. I got fired from a restaurant for 'attitude problems' which was complete BS and I still got my benefits. Document everything you can remember about your termination meeting.

File online through SecureAccess Washington as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. Even if it goes to adjudication, you want that clock ticking.

I was in a similar situation last year - fired for 'not being a good fit' after 18 months. Got my unemployment no problem. The key is being honest on your application but also not throwing yourself under the bus. Stick to the facts about what happened.

Just to be clear on the misconduct standard - Washington ESD looks for willful or deliberate violations of company policy. Things like theft, fighting, excessive unexcused absences, or insubordination. Poor performance, personality conflicts, or even honest mistakes usually don't qualify as misconduct.

honestly the whole system is set up to screw over workers anyway. even if you qualify they'll make you jump through hoops and it takes forever to actually see any money

One more thing about Claimyr - I was skeptical at first too but it really works. When my claim got stuck in adjudication for weeks, I used their service and got connected to an actual Washington ESD agent who explained exactly what was holding things up. Turns out it was just a simple verification issue that got resolved the same day.

Update: I filed my claim online this morning. The process was pretty straightforward. Now I'm just waiting to see if it goes to adjudication or gets approved automatically. Thanks everyone for the encouragement to just go ahead and file.

My brother got fired from construction for showing up late too many times and still got unemployment. Like others said, unless it's serious misconduct you should be fine.

The safety complaint angle could actually strengthen your case if they try to fight it. Retaliation for safety complaints is illegal and Washington ESD knows this.

Just remember to keep looking for work and log your job search activities. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week, so start that documentation right away even while your claim is pending.

lol good luck actually getting anyone on the phone at Washington ESD. i gave up after trying for 2 months

Question - if they do contest the claim, how long does that usually take to resolve? I might be in a similar situation soon.

I got terminated for 'restructuring' last month and my claim was approved within a week. Every situation is different but yours sounds like it should go through fine.

at least you have a clear reason for the termination. some employers just make stuff up or give super vague reasons to try to screw you over

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired and being laid off when you're filling out the application. Being fired for performance is still eligible, but make sure you select the right option.

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure you have your employer's complete information when filing. Sometimes Washington ESD has trouble reaching employers if the contact info is wrong, which can delay your claim.

Keep copies of everything - your termination paperwork, your claim application, any correspondence from Washington ESD. If you need to appeal later you'll want all that documentation organized.