Got fired can I collect unemployment Washington ESD benefits?

Thank you! That's a relief. They said performance but I honestly think my manager just didn't like me. How do I start the filing process?

Go to esd.wa.gov and click on 'Apply for Benefits.' You'll need your SSN, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. File as soon as possible since there's a waiting week.

3 weeks? I can't wait that long for money. Is there any way to speed it up?

Unfortunately Washington ESD processing times are what they are. You might want to look into food banks or emergency assistance programs while you wait. Also file for benefits TODAY - every day you delay is money lost.

Is that legit? Sounds too good to be true. The ESD phone system is designed to keep people out.

I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got through to a real person in like 20 minutes instead of calling all day. Worth it when you need answers about eligibility after being fired.

They never wrote me up or anything, just called me in and said my numbers weren't good enough. Does that help my case?

That actually sounds positive for your claim. Lack of documented warnings or progressive discipline suggests it wasn't misconduct. Make sure to mention that when you file.

Exactly right. I work in HR and we have to document everything for misconduct cases. If they just fired you without warnings, that's usually performance-related and won't affect your UI eligibility.

Washington ESD has to investigate each case individually. They'll contact your former employer and potentially hold a fact-finding interview with you. The process takes time because they need to gather evidence from both sides.

well it's been 6 months and I never heard anything back so I guess I'm just screwed

That doesn't sound right. You should have received some kind of determination. I'd suggest calling ESD to check your claim status - there might be paperwork you missed.

Good point. I'm probably overthinking this. Going to file tonight after work.

I don't think I got a termination letter. They just told me to clean out my desk. Should I ask for one?

You can try asking HR, but they're not required to give you one. Just document what they told you verbally about the reason for termination when you file your claim.

That gives me hope. They were pretty vague with me too, just said I wasn't meeting expectations.

Vague reasons usually work in your favor. Employers need to prove misconduct with specific examples and evidence.

Good advice. Starting the application right now.

What was the appeal process like? That sounds intimidating.

It's basically a conference call with an administrative law judge. You tell your side, your employer tells theirs, and the judge decides. Just be honest and stick to the facts.

If it gets to that point, definitely use something like Claimyr to reach ESD beforehand. You want to understand exactly what your employer is claiming and prepare your response.

While the system can be frustrating, Washington state actually has pretty worker-friendly unemployment laws compared to other states. Don't get discouraged before you even try.

Yes, you need to register with WorkSourceWA and conduct job search activities each week you claim benefits. This applies even while your initial claim is being adjudicated.

Thanks! I'll get registered with WorkSource right away.

That's encouraging. Boeing is a pretty big company so they probably handle terminations properly.

Good luck with your claim! At least we're not alone in this situation.

Exactly! It helps to know others are dealing with the same stress.

Good point. They said my sales numbers were below target for the past quarter. I'll include those specifics.

That's really reassuring. Thank you for sharing your experience.

Great job getting it filed! Now the waiting game begins, but you've taken the most important step.

If you need to check on the status or have questions during processing, remember you can use Claimyr to actually reach someone at ESD instead of waiting on hold for hours.

Good catch! I'll make sure to file every week starting this Sunday.