Does getting fired disqualify you for unemployment benefits in Washington?

Getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. It depends on WHY you were fired. If it was for misconduct, then yes you'd be disqualified. But if it was for performance issues or not being a good fit, you should still qualify. Washington ESD will investigate during the adjudication process to determine if there was misconduct.

You should definitely apply! I got fired for 'performance issues' last year and still got approved for unemployment. The key is that Washington ESD looks at whether your termination was due to misconduct or just regular employment issues. File your claim as soon as possible because there's a waiting period anyway.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my termination and eligibility. Spent hours on hold and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent in like 10 minutes. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much less stressful.

The Washington ESD system is so confusing! I thought any firing meant you couldn't get benefits but apparently that's not true. Why don't they make this clearer on their website?

I've been through this process twice unfortunately. Once for performance issues (got benefits) and once for attendance problems (got disqualified). The difference was that the attendance issue was considered willful misconduct because I had been warned multiple times. Performance issues without warnings usually don't count as misconduct.

File immediately! Even if you think you might not qualify, let Washington ESD make that determination. The worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised. I know someone who got fired for what seemed like misconduct but still got approved because the employer couldn't prove it was willful.

The unemployment system is such a joke. They make it so complicated to figure out if you even qualify. Meanwhile people are struggling to pay bills while they take weeks to make a decision.

Make sure you have all your documentation ready - pay stubs, termination letter, any performance reviews, etc. Washington ESD will want to see everything during the adjudication process. Also be prepared to explain your side of the story clearly and honestly.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Got let go for 'not meeting expectations' but I think it was really because they wanted to cut costs. Filed my claim two weeks ago and it's still in adjudication. The waiting is killing me.

Quick question - do you have to wait for the adjudication decision before you can start filing weekly claims? Or can you file them while they're investigating?

The key thing is being honest about everything. Don't try to hide details about your termination because Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway. If you're upfront about what happened, even if it wasn't great, you have a better chance of getting approved.

Does anyone know what happens if you get denied? Can you appeal the decision?

I used Claimyr when I needed to check on my adjudication status and it was a lifesaver. Couldn't get through for days on my own but they connected me to an agent who explained exactly what was happening with my case. Worth every penny when you're stressed about money.

Just want to add that even if you think your termination was justified, you should still apply. I thought for sure I'd get denied but ended up getting approved because the employer couldn't prove misconduct. Washington ESD has a pretty high bar for what counts as disqualifying misconduct.

Performance issues are NOT the same as misconduct. I see people confuse this all the time. Misconduct is like stealing, showing up drunk, harassing coworkers - serious stuff. Not meeting deadlines or struggling with job duties is just regular employment stuff.

The whole process is nerve-wracking but most people do end up getting approved if they weren't fired for serious misconduct. Just be patient with the adjudication process and keep filing your weekly claims.

One more tip - when you do your adjudication interview, stick to the facts and don't get emotional or defensive. Just explain what happened in a straightforward way. The adjudicator has heard it all before.

For what it's worth, I got fired from my last job for performance issues and had no problems getting unemployment benefits. Filed online, did the phone interview a few weeks later, and got approved. The whole process took about a month from start to finish.

Just to echo what others have said - apply now! The sooner you file, the sooner you can start getting benefits if you qualify. And definitely use that Claimyr service if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Saved me so much time and frustration.