Got terminated from my job - do I qualify for Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

It depends on WHY you were fired. If it was for misconduct (like stealing, fighting, or repeatedly violating company policy), then you'd be disqualified. But if it was performance-related or they said you weren't a good fit, you might still qualify. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination.

You should definitely apply! I got fired from my retail job for being late too many times and still qualified because Washington ESD determined it wasn't 'misconduct' severe enough to disqualify me. The worst they can do is say no.

I had a similar situation last year and used Claimyr to actually reach a Washington ESD agent who could explain my options. The service connects you directly to an agent instead of dealing with busy signals all day. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows exactly how it works.

The key factors Washington ESD looks at are: 1) Was it willful misconduct? 2) Did you violate a known company policy? 3) Were you acting in the company's best interest? Performance issues usually don't rise to the level of disqualifying misconduct unless you were deliberately underperforming.

ugh the whole system is so confusing! i got fired last month for attendance and still don't know if ill qualify. washington esd website doesn't make it clear at all

I've been dealing with Washington ESD for months now and the phone situation is absolutely ridiculous. You literally cannot get through during normal business hours. I finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got connected to an actual person within 10 minutes. Game changer for getting real answers about your specific situation.

One thing to keep in mind - even if you do qualify, your former employer might appeal the decision. Mine did and it added another month to the process. But I eventually got all my back pay once it was resolved.

The Washington ESD will conduct what's called a 'separation interview' where they'll ask both you and your employer about the circumstances. Be honest but focus on the facts - you were trying your best, received no formal warnings, and the expectations may have been unreasonable.

I'm in adjudication hell right now and seriously considering paying for one of those calling services. Has anyone tried alternatives to Claimyr or is that the main one people use?

Whatever you do, apply ASAP! Even if you're not sure you qualify, you want to get your application in quickly. There's a waiting period anyway so the sooner you start the process the better. You can always appeal if they deny you initially.

been through this exact situation twice now and both times i qualified even though i was 'fired' for performance. washington esd really looks at whether you were acting in good faith and trying to do your job

The whole misconduct standard in Washington is pretty high. You basically have to have done something deliberately harmful to the employer's interests. Poor performance, especially without warnings, usually doesn't meet that threshold.

Just want to add that even if Washington ESD approves your claim, make sure you're keeping up with your job search requirements and filing your weekly claims on time. Don't let administrative stuff trip you up after you get approved.

i got fired for performance last year and it took forever to get approved because washington esd kept asking for more documentation. finally got someone on the phone through claimyr who explained exactly what they needed

The process can be frustrating but don't give up. I was denied initially because my employer claimed I was fired for misconduct, but I appealed and won. The hearing officer could see through their BS and I got all my benefits retroactively.

just file and see what happens honestly. washington esd is so backed up right now that by the time they make a decision you'll probably have found another job anyway lol

One last thing - make sure you file in the same week you were terminated. The waiting week starts from when you file, not when you lost your job. Don't delay if you think you might qualify.

Wishing you the best OP. Being fired sucks but at least Washington unemployment benefits exist to help people get back on their feet. The system isn't perfect but it's there when you need it.