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

Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment benefits even if you were terminated. Washington ESD will look at the specific reason for your termination. If it was for performance issues rather than misconduct, you'll likely qualify. The key is whether you were fired for willful misconduct or just not meeting performance standards - there's a big difference.

File ASAP! Even if they deny your claim initially, you can appeal. I got fired for attendance issues and they approved my benefits after I explained the circumstances. Don't let them intimidate you.

I had such a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD when I got fired last year. Spent hours on hold just to get disconnected. If you run into that problem, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent in like 15 minutes. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much frustration.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application about why you were terminated. Washington ESD will contact your employer and if the stories don't match, you'll be in trouble. Be honest about the performance issues.

ugh the whole system is so stressful when you're already dealing with losing your job. But seriously file right away because there's a waiting period anyway and you want to get the process started.

I got fired for similar reasons - 'performance issues' that were really just them not liking me. Washington ESD approved my claim no problem. The investigator who called said as long as it wasn't willful misconduct or violation of company policy, you're good.

Just make sure you understand the difference between being fired and being laid off. Fired for performance = usually eligible. Fired for misconduct = probably not eligible. Sounds like you're in the first category.

File online at esd.wa.gov - it's faster than calling. You'll create an account and answer questions about your employment and why you're no longer working. Be prepared to provide contact information for all employers in the last 18 months.

Pro tip: if your claim goes into adjudication (which it might since you were fired), don't panic. It just means they need to investigate the circumstances. Most performance-related terminations get approved eventually.

Don't forget you still need to be actively looking for work and filing your weekly claims even while your initial claim is being processed. Washington ESD requires job search activities.

I was in almost the exact same situation - retail job, 'performance issues' that felt like retaliation. Washington ESD approved my claim and I collected benefits for 4 months while job hunting. Don't let your former employer scare you.

The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Performance issues usually fall into that category unless there was serious misconduct involved.

When I couldn't reach Washington ESD by phone during my claim process, I used Claimyr and it was a game changer. Got connected to an agent immediately instead of waiting on hold for hours. Really worth it when you need answers fast.

Also remember that even if you're initially denied, you have appeal rights. I know someone who got denied at first but won their appeal because the employer couldn't prove willful misconduct.

Quick question - were you given any reason to believe you might be fired? Like were there meetings about your performance or anything documented?

File today if you can. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. Even if there are delays in processing, your effective date will be when you first applied.

One more thing - make sure you have all your employment information ready. Washington ESD will need details about wages, dates of employment, and reason for separation for your last job.

Just want to add that Claimyr was super helpful when I had questions about my adjudication status. Instead of playing phone tag with Washington ESD for weeks, I got answers the same day. Really recommend checking out their demo video if you run into any issues.