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

That's a relief to hear. I was worried I wouldn't qualify at all. How do I know if what I did counts as misconduct?

Misconduct is usually things like stealing, being drunk at work, or willfully violating company policy. Poor performance or not being a good fit typically doesn't count as misconduct under Washington law.

How long did the adjudication process take for you? I need to know if I should expect delays.

Took about 6 weeks total but this was during a busy period. Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication or you'll lose those weeks.

Is that service legit? I'm nervous about using third-party sites for unemployment stuff.

Yeah it's legitimate, they just help you get through to Washington ESD faster. You still talk directly to the ESD agent, they just help with the calling part.

Did your employer fight your claim? I'm worried mine will try to contest it.

They did contest it but I provided my side of the story during the phone interview. Washington ESD ruled in my favor because they determined it wasn't misconduct.

I do have some emails from my supervisor about the performance issues. Should I submit those with my initial claim?

Keep them ready but don't submit with initial claim. Wait until Washington ESD contacts you for the fact-finding interview, then provide all your documentation.

Already started the application online. It's asking a lot of detailed questions about my termination.

Good! Be thorough and honest. The more detail you provide upfront, the smoother the process usually goes.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier - it cuts through all that phone calling frustration. Wish I had known about it sooner.

yeah might have to try that if i need to call again. the hold times are ridiculous

That makes me feel better. I genuinely tried my best at the job, it just wasn't a good fit.

Exactly - 'not a good fit' is very different from misconduct. You should be fine as long as you weren't doing anything deliberately wrong.

How long do you have to file an appeal if they deny it?

You have 30 days from the date of the determination notice to file your appeal. Don't wait if you disagree with their decision.

That's encouraging. I was never no-call no-show or anything like that. Just struggled with some of the job requirements.

Yeah you should be fine then. Washington ESD is pretty reasonable about distinguishing between misconduct and just not working out.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week in Washington?

It's 3 job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records in case they audit your work search.

Thanks for the reassurance. I'm trying to stay positive but it's nerve-wracking not knowing if I'll get approved.

Totally understand. The uncertainty is the worst part. But you did the right thing by filing right away.

Good to know it actually works. I bookmarked their site in case I need to call Washington ESD.

Yeah definitely worth having as an option. The phone system can be really frustrating when you're already stressed about money.

That's what I'm hoping. Nothing I did was intentionally harmful or dishonest, just couldn't keep up with their expectations.

Sounds like you should qualify then. Performance issues alone rarely constitute misconduct under Washington law.

Two months seems like forever when you have bills to pay. Did you get back pay for those weeks?

yeah got back pay for all the weeks i filed claims during adjudication. thats why you gotta keep filing even when it feels pointless

I plan to be completely honest. I have nothing to hide, I just genuinely struggled with the role.

That honesty will work in your favor. ESD can tell when people are being truthful versus trying to hide something.

What kind of questions do they ask in those interviews?

They'll ask about what led to your termination, what your employer told you, whether you knew you were at risk of being fired, stuff like that. Just be honest and detailed.

Will do! Thanks everyone for all the advice and encouragement. Feeling much more confident about my chances now.

Good luck! You've got this. Just stay on top of your weekly claims and job search requirements.

That's really important to know. I was worried about losing weeks if the decision took too long.

Nope, as long as you keep filing your weekly claims, you'll get back pay for any weeks you're found eligible for benefits.

That's exactly what I needed to hear. Filing was the right move even though I was unsure.

Absolutely. Better to file and potentially get denied than not file at all and definitely get nothing.