Got fired from my job can I collect unemployment - Washington ESD eligibility help

You can still file for unemployment even if you were terminated! Washington ESD doesn't automatically disqualify you just because you were fired. The key question is whether it was for "misconduct" or not. Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless it was willful or repeated violations after warnings. You should definitely apply right away - the worst they can do is deny your claim, but you might be surprised.

same thing happened to me last year, got fired for being late too many times but still got approved for benefits. took like 3 weeks though

The distinction between misconduct and poor performance is crucial here. In Washington, misconduct typically means intentional wrongdoing or deliberate violation of company policies. Simply not meeting performance standards usually doesn't qualify as misconduct. Your employer will have the burden of proving misconduct if they want to contest your claim. File immediately - you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

I had such a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim eligibility. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to ESD agents. They have this demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) that shows exactly how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration when I needed to talk to someone about my termination situation.

File your claim TODAY. Don't wait. Even if you're not sure about eligibility, get that application in. Washington ESD can't pay you for weeks you don't claim, so every day you wait is potentially money lost. The adjudication process will determine if you're eligible, but you need to start the clock ticking now.

The system is so messed up though. I got fired for 'attitude problems' which is basically code for 'we don't like you' and Washington ESD still made me jump through hoops for weeks. They'll find any excuse to deny benefits even when you should qualify. Don't get your hopes up too much.

i think u have to be fired for like stealing or something really bad to not get unemployment. performance stuff is usually fine

One more thing - when you file your initial claim, be very specific about the reason for termination. Don't just say 'fired' or 'terminated.' Explain that it was for performance issues, not misconduct. The way you word it in your application can make a difference in how quickly it gets processed.

Washington ESD will send a separation notice to your employer asking for their side of the story. If they claim it was misconduct, you'll get a chance to respond and provide your version. Don't worry if they contest it - you still have appeal rights if the initial determination goes against you.

Make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is under review or adjudication. A lot of people make the mistake of stopping their weekly filings when there's a delay, but you won't get paid for weeks you don't claim even if you're eventually approved.

Just want to echo what I said earlier about Claimyr - if you run into any issues or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your claim, seriously consider using their service. I wasted so many hours trying to get through on my own before I found them. Sometimes you really need to talk to a human being to get answers about your specific situation.

Whatever you do, don't lie or exaggerate on your application. Washington ESD will verify everything with your employer and if they catch you in a lie, you could be disqualified and have to pay back benefits. Just be honest about what happened even if you think it might hurt your case.

I was fired from my retail job for being 'unreliable' (missed work due to my kid being sick) and still got unemployment. Performance issues are way different from misconduct. Don't let your employer scare you into thinking you don't qualify.

been there done that with the whole getting fired thing. file asap and dont overthink it. worst case they say no and u appeal. best case u get benefits while u look for new work

Washington ESD has gotten better about processing claims compared to during the pandemic, but there can still be delays if your employer contests your claim or if there are any issues with your work history. The important thing is to get your application in and start the process.

One last tip - make sure you register with WorkSource Washington too. You'll need to do job search activities anyway if you get benefits, so might as well get started early. Plus it shows Washington ESD that you're serious about finding work.

Remember that even if your initial claim gets denied, you have the right to appeal. A lot of people give up after the first denial but many appeals are successful, especially in cases like yours where it's performance vs misconduct.

The whole unemployment system is such a pain but you really have nothing to lose by filing. Even if you only get benefits for a few weeks while you find another job, that's better than nothing. And if you don't file, you definitely won't get anything.

Just wanted to add that if you do end up needing to contact Washington ESD for any reason during your claim process, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does work. I used it when I had questions about my job search requirements and it saved me hours of frustration. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to get things sorted out.