Got fired can I file for unemployment Washington ESD - what are my options?

Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether you were fired for 'misconduct' specifically. If it was just poor performance or a disagreement, that usually doesn't disqualify you from benefits. You should file your claim as soon as possible since there's a waiting period.

Thank you! I was so worried I wouldn't qualify. Should I mention the personality conflict part when I file or just stick to what they officially said?

Be honest but factual. Stick to what actually happened without getting too emotional about it. Washington ESD will investigate if your employer contests the claim.

I got fired last year for being late too many times and still got approved for UI benefits. Washington ESD told me that being fired for performance issues is different from being fired for willful misconduct. You should be fine unless you did something really bad like steal or fight someone.

That's reassuring to hear. It really was just about how I handled one complaint, nothing criminal or anything like that.

Same here - got fired for 'attitude problems' and Washington ESD approved my claim after a brief investigation. File ASAP!

Here's what you need to know: Washington ESD will approve your claim unless your employer can prove you committed 'misconduct.' Poor performance, personality conflicts, or even being a bad fit for the job usually don't count as misconduct. The key is that misconduct has to be willful and work-related. File your claim online at esd.wa.gov and be prepared to provide details about what happened.

This is super helpful. Do I need to gather any documentation before I file?

Keep any emails or written communication about the termination, but you can file without it. You'll need your SSN, employment history for the last 18 months, and your employer's info.

I'm going through something similar right now - got fired three weeks ago and filed immediately. My claim is still in adjudication because my employer is contesting it. The waiting is killing me but I've heard from others that Washington ESD usually sides with the employee unless there's clear evidence of misconduct. I've been trying to call to check on my status but can never get through to anyone at Washington ESD.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I discovered it when I was stuck trying to reach Washington ESD agents. It's a service that helps you get through to actual people at unemployment offices. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

Never heard of that before. Is it legitimate? I'm desperate at this point, been calling for weeks.

Yeah it's real. They basically handle the calling and waiting for you, then connect you when they reach an agent. Way better than spending all day hitting redial.

DONT PANIC! I got fired from my job at a restaurant for supposedly giving attitude to customers (which I didnt really do, just stood up for myself when they were being rude). Filed for unemployment and got approved no problem. Washington ESD investigates these things and they usually figure out when employers are just making excuses.

That sounds exactly like my situation! How long did it take for them to approve you?

took about 3 weeks total. they had to do an investigation thing but once they talked to me and my employer they approved it

One thing to keep in mind - even if you're approved for benefits, your employer might still try to appeal the decision. Don't let that scare you though. Washington ESD has a whole appeals process and you'll get a chance to present your side of the story. Document everything you can remember about the incident and your employment history there.

Good point about appeals. Should I be looking for a new job while I wait for this to get sorted out?

Absolutely! You're required to do job searches anyway once your benefits start. Plus it shows good faith if there are any hearings.

Yeah the job search requirement is 3 contacts per week in Washington. Keep track of everything in WorkSourceWA.

ugh the whole system is so stressful. I got fired 6 months ago and it took forever to get my benefits figured out. The worst part is not knowing whats happening with your claim. like you file and then you just wait and wait and wait...

That's exactly what I'm worried about. Did you eventually get approved?

yeah eventually but it was like 5 weeks of stress and not knowing if i could pay rent

For anyone dealing with contested claims or adjudication delays, it's worth knowing that you can request an expedited review if you're facing financial hardship. Washington ESD has provisions for emergency situations. Also, if you do end up needing to speak to someone about your claim status, services like Claimyr can help you actually get through to a real person instead of spending hours on hold.

Is there a fee for using Claimyr? Seems too good to be true.

There is a fee but it's worth it if you really need to talk to someone at Washington ESD. Much cheaper than losing a whole day trying to call yourself.

I work in HR and see this stuff all the time. Honestly most employers don't fight unemployment claims unless the employee did something really egregious. It costs them time and money to contest it. The fact that you had no previous warnings works in your favor. Washington ESD will look at the whole employment history, not just the final incident.

That's reassuring coming from someone in HR. Do you think I should reach out to my former employer to try to smooth things over?

I wouldn't recommend contacting them directly. Let Washington ESD handle the investigation. Anything you say could potentially be used against you later.

Been there! Got fired from my retail job for 'insubordination' because I questioned a manager's decision in front of customers. Filed for unemployment and after a brief investigation, Washington ESD approved my claim. The key thing they look for is whether your actions were willful and work-related misconduct. Disagreeing with your supervisor isn't automatically misconduct.

How long did the investigation take in your case?

About 2-3 weeks. They called me once to get my side of the story, then approved it. Your employer has to provide pretty solid evidence of misconduct to get you disqualified.

Just wanted to add that you should file your weekly claims even while your initial claim is being investigated. I made the mistake of waiting until everything was approved and it delayed my payments. Also make sure you register with WorkSourceWA for the job search requirements.

Good tip! I'll make sure to do that. Better safe than sorry.

The unemployment system in Washington is actually pretty fair to employees. I've seen people get approved even after being fired for things like poor attitude or not fitting in with company culture. As long as you weren't stealing, fighting, or doing drugs at work, you've got a good chance. File your claim today!

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'm feeling much more confident about filing now. Going to do it today.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes. Most of us have been there and it's scary at first but usually works out fine.

One more thing - if you do get denied initially, don't give up! You can appeal and request a hearing. I got denied at first because my employer lied about what happened, but I won my appeal hearing and got all my back benefits. The appeals judges are usually pretty fair and will listen to both sides.

How does the appeals process work? Do you need a lawyer?

You don't need a lawyer for most unemployment appeals. It's pretty informal - you just tell your side of the story over the phone or video call. Washington ESD sends you all the instructions if you need to appeal.

honestly the hardest part about getting fired is the emotional stuff. like you start questioning everything about yourself. but remember that getting fired doesnt mean youre a bad person or employee. sometimes its just not a good fit and thats okay. focus on getting your benefits and finding something better.

Thank you for saying that. I really needed to hear it. I've been beating myself up about this.

Same here. Getting fired was the best thing that happened to me - led me to a much better job. Hang in there!

Quick question for the group - if I was fired but my employer is saying I quit, what should I do? I'm worried about filing for unemployment because I don't want to get in trouble for fraud if they're saying I voluntarily left.

File anyway and tell the truth about what happened. Washington ESD will investigate and figure out the facts. Don't let your employer's version stop you from filing if you were actually terminated.

This happened to my brother. He filed for unemployment saying he was fired, employer claimed he quit. Washington ESD did an investigation and sided with my brother. They have ways of figuring out who's telling the truth.

For anyone struggling to get through to Washington ESD about their claim status, I had success using Claimyr after weeks of trying to call myself. They got me connected to an actual claims specialist who was able to explain exactly what was happening with my adjudication. Worth checking out if you're stuck in limbo like I was.

How quickly were they able to get you through?

They called me back within a few hours and had me connected to someone at Washington ESD that same day. Way faster than my attempts to call directly.

Just want to echo what others have said - file your claim ASAP. The longer you wait, the longer it takes to get your first payment. Even if your employer contests it, you might still get approved. I was fired for 'performance issues' which was really just my boss not liking me, and I got full benefits. Washington ESD sees through most of the BS excuses employers give.

Thanks! I'm definitely filing today. All these success stories are giving me hope.

Remember that even if you get approved for benefits, you still need to actively look for work and document your job search activities. Washington ESD requires 3 job contacts per week and you have to log them in WorkSourceWA. Don't slack on this part because they do check!

Good reminder. I'll make sure to stay on top of the job search requirements. Better to be prepared.

Yeah they're pretty strict about the job search thing. I know someone who got their benefits cut off for not doing enough job searches.

One last piece of advice - keep detailed records of everything related to your termination and your unemployment claim. Save emails, write down dates and times of phone calls, keep copies of all your paperwork. If there's ever a dispute or appeal, having good documentation makes all the difference.

Great advice. I'll start documenting everything now. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread has been incredibly helpful!