How long after getting fired can I file for unemployment in Washington?

Thanks, that's what I was hoping to hear. Do I need any specific documents before I start the application?

You'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months including employer names and addresses, and your bank info if you want direct deposit. If you don't have everything, file anyway - you can always add missing info later.

How long did the delay end up costing you?

About 2 weeks of benefits I could have gotten if I'd filed right away. Not huge money but when you're unemployed every bit helps.

Wait, so if I file on a Friday does my benefit week start that Friday or the following Sunday?

Washington ESD benefit weeks run Sunday to Saturday, so if you file on Friday your benefit year would start that Sunday. You'd then need to file your first weekly claim the following week for that partial week.

They said it was restructuring but I think it was really performance related. Should I mention both possibilities on my application?

Stick with what your employer officially told you - restructuring/lack of work. If Washington ESD contacts your employer and gets a different story, you can address it then. Don't volunteer information that might hurt your claim.

This is exactly why I had trouble reaching Washington ESD when I needed to clarify my termination details. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent who could explain how they evaluate these situations. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Did waiting cause you any problems beyond just the delay?

yeah they asked why I waited so long and I had to explain it in my application. probably looked like I was working somewhere else or something. just file asap

Good idea, I'll contact HR today about that.

How long do employers have to respond to personnel file requests in Washington?

There's no specific timeframe in Washington law, just 'reasonable time.' Most employers do it within a week or two to avoid issues.

That's encouraging! How long between filing and getting the determination?

Filed Sunday night, got the letter Thursday. No issues with my claim though - straightforward layoff situation.

How do they determine what counts as misconduct vs just being a bad fit?

Misconduct has to be willful or negligent behavior that violates your employer's interests. Things like theft, violence, or repeatedly ignoring direct orders. Poor performance or not getting along with coworkers isn't misconduct.

This is exactly the kind of thing that's worth talking to Washington ESD about directly. I used Claimyr when I had questions about my eligibility after a complicated termination. Much easier than trying to get through on the phone myself.

You're right, I'm overthinking this. Going to file this afternoon.

smart move. I procrastinated for weeks on mine and it just made everything more stressful

That makes me feel better. My situation sounds similar to yours.

Same here - got fired for 'performance issues' which was really just a bad manager situation. Washington ESD approved my claim with no problems.

Do you remember what the hardest part of the application was?

Honestly just remembering exact dates and addresses for all my previous employers. I had to look up some old pay stubs and tax forms.

This is where having a service like Claimyr can really help if you run into issues during the application process. They can walk you through any confusing parts or help you reach someone at Washington ESD if you need clarification.

No, employer contests are totally normal and expected. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. Filing early doesn't hurt you if there's a contest later.

Good to know, I was worried about that too.

3 weeks sounds pretty good actually. I was expecting it to take longer.

That included the waiting week too. Once the claim was approved payments started coming regularly every week.

Thanks for the reminder. I need to set up my WorkSourceWA account too.

Exactly, that's part of the job search requirement. Better to get all that set up early so you're not scrambling later.

Alright, I'm convinced. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Good luck! The system works pretty well once you get it started.

That's really helpful to hear from someone who went through the exact same thing! I was definitely overthinking it. The waiting week starting immediately is a good point I hadn't considered. Did you run into any issues during the application process, or was it pretty smooth sailing once you got started?