Fired from job - can I still get Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

That's a relief! How do I prove it wasn't misconduct? Should I mention the safety complaint when I file?

Definitely mention the safety complaint. Gather any documentation you have - emails, photos of unsafe conditions, witness statements. Washington ESD will contact your employer for their side of the story too.

Did it take long for them to make a decision? I'm worried about paying rent while they investigate.

Mine took about 3 weeks because it went to adjudication. They had to review everything before approving my claim.

That's a relief to hear. Should I mention the safety complaint when I file my claim?

Absolutely mention it! Retaliation for safety complaints is illegal and Washington ESD needs to know the full context.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already worried about money.

It's worth checking out their site for pricing info. For me it was worth it just to get actual answers instead of guessing what would happen with my claim.

Never heard of that before but honestly anything beats trying to call Washington ESD directly. Their phone system is a nightmare.

Thank you, I really needed to hear that. I've been so stressed about this.

Same thing happened to my cousin. Employer said performance but it was really retaliation. She got approved after adjudication.

What did they investigate exactly? Did your employer fight it?

yeah my old boss tried to say i was stealing time but washington esd didnt buy it. they called me and asked questions

Actually, there's this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps people get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it when I couldn't reach anyone about my adjudication and got connected within an hour. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach them normally.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. They basically handle the calling for you and transfer you when an agent picks up. Way better than hitting redial for hours.

Good point. Should I file online or try to call them?

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov if you can. It's faster than waiting on hold for hours. You'll need your social security number and employment history.

The online system actually works pretty well. Just make sure you have all your employer info ready before you start.

That's not really accurate. Washington ESD investigates both sides and looks for documentation. They don't just take the employer's word for it.

maybe your experience was different but ive seen plenty of people get screwed over by lying bosses

They said I was too slow restocking shelves, but honestly the equipment they gave us was broken half the time. That's part of what I complained about.

Document that! If you have any photos of the broken equipment or witnesses who saw you struggling with it, that supports your case that the performance issues weren't your fault.

Should I also file a complaint with L&I about the safety issues?

That might actually help your unemployment case. Shows you were acting in good faith about legitimate safety concerns.

Definitely do both. L&I complaint proves the safety issues were real.

What happened with your claim? Did you get approved?

Still pending but the adjudicator said it looked promising since I had documentation of my safety complaints. She said performance issues right after a complaint is a red flag for retaliation.

Take a deep breath! Washington ESD doesn't automatically side with employers. They investigate both sides. Document everything you can remember about the safety issues and your complaint.

I'm just so scared of being denied and then having to pay back money or something horrible like that

How many job applications do I need to do per week?

It varies but usually 3-5 job search activities per week. Can include applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records in case they audit your claim.

That's not very encouraging... Did you eventually get approved?

Yeah but only after filing an appeal and waiting 2 months. The whole system is designed to wear you down.

This makes sense. I genuinely tried to do my job well, I just raised safety concerns that made them uncomfortable.

exactly! whistleblower protection should cover this situation

How long does the appeal process take?

usually a few months but you can request expedited hearing if youre facing hardship. just make sure you appeal within 30 days of any denial notice

How long did the investigation take?

i think it was like 4-5 weeks? but he got backpay for the whole time once approved

It was literally the next week after I submitted a written complaint to HR. Should I get a lawyer?

For unemployment you probably don't need a lawyer yet. But if you're thinking about a wrongful termination lawsuit, that's different. Focus on getting your UI benefits first.

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

At least 3 job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records.

Yes, my coworker Sarah saw everything and she was worried about the same issues. Think she'd be willing to speak up if needed.

Get her contact information and ask if she'd be willing to provide a statement. Having a witness makes a huge difference in these cases.

What kind of documentation should I gather?

Any emails about the safety issues, your complaint, performance reviews if you have them, witness contact info if coworkers saw what happened

Should I mention I think it was retaliation right in the initial application?

Yes, be upfront about it. Better to give them the full picture from the start than have it come out later during adjudication.

I heard about that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier. Might be worth trying if you need to actually speak to someone. Better than spending your whole day redialing.

yeah might check that out if i need to call them again

How long do appeals take?

Usually 4-6 weeks for a hearing date, but you get backpay if you win. Much better to start the process now than wait.

Thanks. I just didn't want someone to get hurt. The equipment really was dangerous.

That's exactly the kind of thing Washington ESD wants to hear. You were looking out for everyone's safety, not being difficult.

Good idea. I should write down everything I remember while it's still fresh in my mind.

Exactly. And if you have any emails or texts about the safety issues, save screenshots of everything.

I'll check that out. Do you remember what section of their website?

Look under the eligibility requirements section. They have examples of what does and doesn't qualify as misconduct.

What happens during adjudication? Do they call me?

They might call you, your employer, or both. They'll ask for your side of the story and any documentation you have. Be honest and stick to the facts.

That's actually when Claimyr really helped me - they got me connected to the adjudicator directly so I could explain my situation properly instead of just waiting for them to call.

Thank you so much everyone. I feel a lot more confident about filing now. I'll definitely update once I hear back from Washington ESD.

Good luck! You did the right thing reporting those safety issues.

I wish I had been better about keeping records. Live and learn I guess.

Even if you don't have perfect documentation, your testimony still matters. Write down everything you can remember while it's fresh.

Should I file a complaint with L&I too?

If there were actual safety violations, yes. That creates a paper trail that supports your unemployment claim too.

I never mentioned it and the agent was perfectly normal. They don't care how you reached them, just that you need help with your claim.

fair enough, just seemed like something they might not appreciate

This gives me more confidence. I was really trying to do my job well and the safety issues were legitimate concerns.

Exactly. Misconduct requires willful disregard of employer's interests. Safety complaints are actually in everyone's interest.

Will do! Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement. Going to file my claim today.

Good luck! Remember that even if it goes to adjudication, that's totally normal for fired employees. Don't panic if it takes a few weeks.

Already started looking! Hopefully I can find something soon and won't need benefits for long.

That's the right attitude. Unemployment is meant to be temporary bridge while you find new work.

Thanks for the reminder! I'll do that right after filing my claim.

Perfect. The sooner you get all the requirements handled, the smoother your claim process will go.