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

Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment benefits even if you were fired. Washington ESD will review your case to determine if the termination was for 'misconduct' or just regular performance issues. Being fired for not meeting sales goals usually isn't considered misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job.

I went through something similar last year. Washington ESD approved my claim even though I was terminated. The key is whether it was misconduct vs just not being a good fit for the role. Performance issues usually don't disqualify you unless there's evidence you were deliberately not doing your job or violating company policies.

Just went through this nightmare myself. Filed my claim 6 weeks ago and it's been stuck in adjudication hell ever since. Can't get through to anyone at Washington ESD no matter how many times I call. The phone system just hangs up on you after being on hold forever.

The Washington ESD system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Being fired for poor performance generally falls under that category unless there was serious misconduct involved like stealing, violence, or repeatedly violating clear policies after warnings.

ugh this is so frustrating!! I was fired 2 months ago and STILL waiting for my first payment. Washington ESD keeps asking for more documentation and I can never reach anyone to explain what they need. This system is broken.

When you file your claim, be honest about being terminated but emphasize that it was performance-related, not misconduct. Washington ESD will contact your employer to get their side of the story. If they don't respond or can't prove misconduct, you'll likely be approved.

Pro tip: when you file your initial claim online, there's a section where you can explain the circumstances of your job separation. Use that space to clearly state it was performance-related and that you received no prior disciplinary actions.

Been there. Got fired from my warehouse job for 'attendance issues' but really they were just cutting staff. Washington ESD approved my claim within 2 weeks. The key is proving it wasn't willful misconduct on your part.

Just remember you still have to do your weekly claims and job search requirements even while your initial claim is being reviewed. Don't skip those or it could cause problems later.

Anyone else having trouble with the WorkSourceWA website? I can log in but when I try to record my job searches it just spins forever. So frustrating when you're required to use it.

If Washington ESD denies your claim initially, don't give up! You can appeal the decision. I was denied at first but won my appeal hearing. The judge understood that poor performance isn't the same as misconduct.

File your claim ASAP! There's a waiting week before benefits start, and the sooner you file the sooner that clock starts ticking. Even if you're not sure if you qualify, it's better to apply and let Washington ESD make the determination.

Had a similar situation last year - got 'laid off' but really it was because they didn't like my attitude according to my supervisor. Still got approved for benefits because they couldn't prove I did anything wrong. The system actually works sometimes!

Word of advice - if Washington ESD calls you for a fact-finding interview about your termination, answer the phone! I missed their call and it delayed my claim for weeks trying to reschedule.

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired 'for cause' vs being terminated for business reasons. Poor performance usually falls under business reasons unless there was clear policy violations.

Don't stress too much about it. Washington State generally sides with the worker unless there's clear evidence of misconduct. Being bad at sales isn't misconduct - it's just not being a good fit for the job.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD after you file your claim, don't wait weeks like I did. I found out about Claimyr through a friend and wish I'd used it sooner. Being able to actually talk to someone at ESD made all the difference in getting my issues resolved quickly.

One more thing - make sure you're prepared for the potential tax implications. Unemployment benefits are taxable income, so you might want to have taxes withheld or set money aside for tax season.

Bottom line - file your claim, be honest about what happened, keep looking for work, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't get benefits just because you were fired. Performance issues are not misconduct in Washington State.