Does the company that fired you pay Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Oh that makes more sense! So they can't just refuse to pay my unemployment?

Exactly. They already paid the taxes. However, they can still contest your claim if they believe you were terminated for misconduct or quit voluntarily.

That's so messed up. Companies should just accept when they fire someone that person deserves benefits.

I agree it's frustrating. The tax rate increase is usually minimal compared to what they save by not having an employee they don't want.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's worth checking out their site for details. For me, getting through to resolve my contested claim quickly was worth it since I needed those benefits.

Never heard of that service but sounds helpful. Washington ESD phone lines are always swamped.

So if a company fires a bunch of people, their tax rate goes up the next year?

Yes, generally speaking. Companies with higher turnover and more UI claims pay higher rates. It's designed to incentivize good employment practices.

He was misleading you. If you quit voluntarily, you typically can't collect unemployment benefits. That's what he was referring to - not paying out of pocket, but preventing you from being eligible for benefits at all.

wow what a jerk. glad i didnt fall for that

Unfortunately some employers try this tactic. Always better to be terminated if you're going to lose your job anyway - at least you can collect benefits.

What counts as serious misconduct? I was fired for being late a few times.

Being late occasionally usually isn't considered misconduct unless it was excessive and you were repeatedly warned. Misconduct typically means things like theft, violence, or willful disregard of company policies.

Haha no, that would be severance pay if they offered it. Unemployment comes from Washington ESD after you apply.

That makes way more sense. I was wondering why companies would ever fire anyone if they had to pay directly.

Thanks for the insider perspective! Do you contest claims often?

Not really. Only when we have clear documentation of misconduct or voluntary quit. It's usually not worth the time and effort to fight legitimate claims.

Wish all employers were like yours. Some seem to fight every single claim.

Good advice. I do have the termination paperwork they gave me.

Perfect. That should help your case if they try to claim you quit or were fired for misconduct.

Is Claimyr legit? Seems almost too good to be true.

Yeah it's real. Just helps you get through to an actual person at Washington ESD instead of sitting on hold forever. Check out claimyr.com if you're curious.

That's horrible. Is that even legal?

Unfortunately yes, as long as they have legitimate business reasons. The timing might be suspicious but it's hard to prove it was just to avoid unemployment costs.

That's reassuring. I was worried I'd get less money if my company didn't pay much in taxes.

Nope, your benefit amount is calculated from your earnings history. The employer taxes just fund the overall system.

Thanks for sharing actual numbers. Puts it in perspective.

No problem. I think a lot of employees don't understand how the system actually works.

Will do. Thanks everyone for clearing this up! Feel much better about filing now.

Good luck with your claim! Hope it goes smoothly.

And if you can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service people mentioned actually works. Used it when I had an adjudication issue and got connected right away.

Good to know there are options. Washington ESD phone system can be brutal during busy times.