How long after being fired do I have to file for unemployment with Washington ESD?

Thanks! Do I need to gather specific documents before filing or can I do it with just basic info?

You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and reason for separation. Having your most recent pay stub helps too but isn't required to start the application.

While you technically can file later, you lose out on potential benefit weeks. Washington ESD can only pay benefits for weeks you actually file claims, so waiting costs you money.

yeah that makes sense, wish someone had told me that earlier

Have you tried using Claimyr? I discovered it last month when I was having the same problem reaching Washington ESD. It's a service that helps you get through to an actual agent by phone. Check out claimyr.com - they even have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Never heard of that before. Is it legit? I'm desperate at this point because I need to know if my firing affects my benefits.

Yeah it's totally legitimate. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Got connected to a Washington ESD rep within an hour instead of calling for days. Really helped me understand my claim status when I was stuck in adjudication.

It was performance related - they said I wasn't meeting productivity standards. Does that count as misconduct?

Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless there was willful negligence or refusal to follow instructions. Simple inability to meet standards typically doesn't disqualify you from UI benefits.

I got fired for attendance issues and still qualified for benefits. Washington ESD looks at whether your actions were deliberate or just circumstances beyond your control.

Good to know! I was wondering if I should job search first but sounds like I can do both simultaneously.

Exactly! You'll need to do job search activities anyway as part of the weekly claim requirements, so might as well get the process started while you're looking.

So if I file today, my benefit week would start from this past Sunday?

Correct. Your benefit year begins the Sunday of the week you file your initial application. That's why filing quickly after job loss is so important financially.

This is super helpful info. I wish Washington ESD made this clearer on their website because I was confused about the same thing.

Wait, you have to file weekly claims before your initial claim is even approved?

yes! you file weekly claims starting the week after you submit your initial application, even if it's still pending

This is correct. Weekly claims must be filed continuously to maintain your place in the system. Missing weekly claims can create gaps in your benefit payments even after approval.

Yeah I'm definitely overthinking this. Going to file today before I lose any more time.

Good plan! The application itself isn't that complicated once you start. Most of the stress is just not knowing what to expect.

What kind of documentation? I have the termination letter but not much else.

That's a good start. Also helpful to have any performance reviews, emails about the issues, witness statements if applicable. Basically anything that shows the termination wasn't for willful misconduct.

Email records are especially important if there were warnings or discussions about performance. Shows you were trying to improve and weren't just ignoring problems.

You only report it when you file your initial claim. There's no separate notification requirement for job loss - the unemployment application is how you notify Washington ESD.

Makes sense, thanks for clarifying that!

How does that work exactly? Do they call you back or something?

They handle the calling process for you and then connect you when they reach an agent. Way better than the usual phone tree nightmare. Check out their demo video if you want to see how it works.

That's reassuring since my situation was similar - performance standards rather than any misconduct.

Exactly. Just be honest about what happened when you file and during any adjudication interview. They're pretty reasonable about performance-related terminations.

I second this. Got fired from a restaurant job for being too slow during rushes and had no problems with my UI claim. Performance issues happen.

Good tip about having employment info ready. I'll gather all that before starting the application.

Yeah it'll save you time. Nothing worse than getting halfway through and realizing you need to find old pay stubs or remember exact start dates.

How often do employers actually contest unemployment claims?

Depends on the company and situation. Some contest everything, others don't bother unless it was clear misconduct. Either way, you still need to get the process started.

Most performance-related terminations don't get contested. Employers usually only fight claims for theft, violence, or clear policy violations.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! Definitely filing today. Feel much more confident about the whole process now.

Glad we could help! Remember to file your weekly claims starting next week too, even if your initial claim is still processing.

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into phone problems. Sounds like it's a common issue.

Very common unfortunately. Washington ESD gets overwhelmed with calls so having a backup way to reach them is really helpful.

Same experience here. Used Claimyr when I couldn't get through about my firing situation and it was worth it to actually talk to someone instead of calling for days.