Does being terminated affect unemployment benefits in Washington ESD?

Thank you! That's a relief. Should I mention the family emergency situation when I file?

Yes, definitely include all relevant details about your situation when you file. Washington ESD needs the full picture to make an accurate determination.

How long did it take for them to make a decision on your claim?

It took about 3 weeks for my adjudication to complete. During that time I couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to check on the status.

Same here - couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD for weeks! I actually found a service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an agent. They have this system where they call Washington ESD for you and then conference you in when they reach someone. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Misconduct for Washington ESD usually means willful violation of company rules, insubordination, theft, or other deliberate acts. Poor performance or honest mistakes typically don't qualify as misconduct.

I was terminated for being late too many times due to childcare issues and Washington ESD still approved my benefits. They understood it wasn't willful misconduct.

Good point about filing right away. I was worried about filing if I might get denied anyway.

The worst thing you can do is not file at all. At least if you file you have a chance, and Washington ESD backpays from your application date if you're approved.

I do have emails about requesting the time off. Should I submit those with my application?

Keep them ready in case Washington ESD asks for additional documentation during the adjudication process. They don't typically ask for documents upfront unless it's a complex case.

That's exactly why I started using Claimyr! They handle all the calling and waiting on hold for you. Worth every penny when you're stressed about your claim status and can't get through to Washington ESD yourself.

I wish I had known about that service during my adjudication period. Would have saved me so much anxiety.

Yes, Washington ESD sends a notice to your employer giving them a chance to respond and provide their side of the story about your termination.

My employer tried to fight my claim saying I was terminated for cause but Washington ESD still approved me after reviewing all the evidence.

How has the process been so far? Any issues with filing?

Filing was straightforward but I haven't been able to get any updates on my claim status. The Washington ESD website just says 'under review'.

If you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about your claim status, try Claimyr. They specialize in getting through to agents when you can't reach them yourself. Saved me weeks of stress during my adjudication.

What happens if they contest it? Does that automatically mean I get denied?

No, Washington ESD will investigate both sides and make an independent determination. Employer contests are common but don't always result in denials.

How many job applications do you need to do per week for Washington ESD?

You need to make at least 3 job search activities per week and keep a log of them. This can include applications, networking, interviews, etc.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm going to file today.

Good luck! Remember to be completely honest in your application - that's the most important thing.

How long do you have to file an appeal if you get denied?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination letter to file an appeal with Washington ESD.

Should I file weekly claims even before my initial claim is approved?

Yes! You need to file weekly claims to establish your continued eligibility. If you're approved, you'll get backpay for those weeks.

Mine was definitely termination, not a layoff. They said it was performance-related.

That's fine - performance issues usually don't disqualify you unless there was willful misconduct involved.

That's reassuring to hear. I'm going to be completely honest about everything.

Honesty is definitely the best policy with Washington ESD. They'll find out the truth anyway when they contact your employer.