Does getting fired qualify for unemployment benefits in Washington?

That's such a relief to hear. I never got any formal warnings about my performance, so hopefully that helps my case.

Yeah, they have to prove misconduct which is actually pretty hard to do. Most people who get fired can still collect benefits.

Should I mention the safety violation complaint I made? I'm worried it might hurt my case somehow.

Absolutely mention it! If you were fired for whistleblowing, that's actually protected activity and would strengthen your case significantly.

Three weeks seems so long when you need money now. Did you have to do anything special during the investigation?

Just answered their questions honestly during the phone interview. Keep any documentation you have about your termination - emails, write-ups, anything that shows your side of the story.

I'll definitely file today then. Do I need any specific documents to start the application?

Just your social security number and your employment history for the last 18 months. You can get started on the Washington ESD website right now.

Oh no, I'm already dreading trying to call them. Everyone says their phone system is impossible.

There's actually a service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it when I had issues with my weekly claims and it was a lifesaver. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo that shows exactly how it works.

Wish I had known about that! I literally called 200+ times over two days trying to get through.

That makes me feel better. I definitely wasn't doing anything malicious, just struggling to meet some unrealistic quotas they set.

Unrealistic quotas definitely sounds like a them problem, not a you problem. Document everything you can remember about those quotas being unreasonable.

Amazon fires people for productivity all the time! Good to know that doesn't automatically disqualify you.

Right? Their metrics are insane. Half the people I know who worked there got fired for 'performance' but most got unemployment benefits.

Yeah I definitely won't lie about it. Should I try to spin it positively or just state the facts?

Just state the facts. Let Washington ESD make their own determination rather than trying to argue your case in the application.

Definitely no stealing! Just couldn't keep up with the workload they kept piling on. Hopefully that's not considered misconduct.

Sounds like you have a solid case. Being overwhelmed by workload is not misconduct - that's just bad management.

That's exactly what happened to me! I complained about safety issues and suddenly I'm a 'performance problem.' Makes me feel like I have a real chance.

Document everything you can remember about those safety issues. If they fired you for raising legitimate safety concerns, that's retaliation and you'll definitely get benefits.

Good point. How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

You need to make 3 job search activities per week in Washington. That can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records of everything.

Did they ask hard questions during the interview? I'm nervous about explaining everything properly.

They just wanted to understand what happened from your perspective. Be honest, stick to facts, and you'll be fine. The investigators are pretty fair.

It's reassuring to hear all these success stories. I was really worried I'd be stuck with no income.

Most people who get fired can collect unemployment. The system is designed to help people who lose their job through no fault of their own.

That's where Claimyr comes in handy. I discovered it when I was having similar issues and it saved me so much frustration. You can see exactly how it works in their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

I'll definitely check that out if I run into problems. The idea of spending hours on hold makes me want to cry.

I didn't realize whistleblowing was protected like that. Makes me feel like I did the right thing even though I lost my job.

You absolutely did the right thing. Nobody should have to work in unsafe conditions, and firing you for raising concerns is likely illegal retaliation.

A few weeks?! I really need that money sooner. Is there any way to speed it up?

Unfortunately not really. That's why it's so important to apply immediately and start looking for other work right away. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start getting benefits.

I screenshot some emails before they cut off my access, so I do have some documentation. Hopefully that's enough.

Screenshots are perfect. Any evidence that shows the real reason for your termination will help if there's a dispute.

My manager did kind of hint that I shouldn't bother applying. Now I understand why - they don't want their rates to increase!

Exactly! It's Washington ESD that makes the determination, not your employer. Apply regardless of what they tell you.

Good for you for not taking abuse from customers! It's encouraging to hear you got approved despite the official reason being customer service.

Thanks! The investigator understood that refusing to be verbally abused isn't misconduct. Context matters a lot in these decisions.

Thank you everyone for all the advice and encouragement! I'm feeling much more confident about applying now. Going to file my claim today.

You've got this! Most people in your situation get approved. Just be honest and thorough in your application.

And remember, if you need to reach Washington ESD about your claim, Claimyr can help you get through their phone system. Much easier than spending all day trying to call yourself.