Do you qualify for Washington ESD unemployment if you get fired from your job?

Yes, you can still qualify for unemployment benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will look at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were willfully negligent or violated clear company policies.

I got fired last year for being late too many times and still got approved for UI benefits. Washington ESD said it wasn't misconduct because I had a legitimate transportation issue.

File your claim immediately! Don't wait. Even if you're not sure you qualify, it's better to start the process now. You can always appeal if they deny you initially.

Ugh the Washington ESD phone system is absolutely horrible. I've been trying to get through for weeks about my adjudication issue. If you need to talk to someone, check out claimyr.com - they have this automated calling service that actually gets you through to an agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The key thing is being honest on your application about why you were terminated. Don't try to hide it because they'll find out anyway when they contact your employer.

wait so even if you get fired you can still get unemployment?? i thought that disqualified you automatically

I'm going through something similar right now. Got terminated for 'attendance issues' but I was dealing with a family emergency. Filed my claim 2 weeks ago and it's still in adjudication.

Just remember you'll need to start doing your weekly claims even while your initial claim is being reviewed. Don't skip those or you'll lose benefits for those weeks.

The whole system is so confusing. I got fired 3 months ago for supposedly violating company policy but I never signed any policy documents. Still fighting my denial.

Performance terminations are usually not considered misconduct in Washington. I work in HR and we rarely contest those types of unemployment claims.

just file already and see what happens! worst case they say no and you appeal

I got fired for 'poor attitude' last year and Washington ESD approved my claim. Employer tried to fight it but couldn't prove I actually did anything wrong.

Make sure you have all your employment dates and wage info ready when you file. You'll need your last employer's name, address, and dates of employment.

Another vote for Claimyr if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. Their regular phone system is a nightmare but that service got me through in like 20 minutes.

The system is so broken. I've been trying to get my claim processed for a month. They keep asking for more documentation but won't tell me exactly what they need.

Don't listen to people saying you can't get benefits if you're fired. That's old information. File your claim and let Washington ESD make the determination.

I was terminated for 'restructuring' which was really just them getting rid of people to save money. Got approved immediately.

File online, be honest about everything, and don't stress too much. The majority of people who apply get approved, even those who were terminated.

Good luck with your claim! Sounds like you have a solid case based on what you've described.