How long can you apply for unemployment after being fired in Washington ESD?

You can typically apply for unemployment benefits up to one year after becoming unemployed in Washington state. However, you should file as soon as possible because your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on when you actually file, not when you lost your job. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start receiving benefits if approved.

I made the same mistake - waited almost 2 months after getting laid off before applying. You can still file but like the other person said, you lose those weeks of benefits. The application process through Washington ESD is pretty straightforward online.

The one-year deadline is correct, but honestly getting through to Washington ESD on the phone to check your application status or resolve issues is incredibly difficult. I spent weeks trying to get through their phone system when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Eventually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Be prepared for potential adjudication since you were fired for performance issues. Washington ESD will need to determine if the termination was due to misconduct or not. Performance issues don't always disqualify you, but they'll investigate the circumstances. Make sure you have documentation about your termination.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing!! i got fired 3 months ago and still haven't figured out if i qualify. they keep asking for more paperwork and i can never get anyone on the phone to explain what they need

Don't wait any longer to file! I know someone who waited 4 months and by the time they got approved, they had missed out on thousands in benefits. The application itself isn't hard but dealing with Washington ESD afterwards can be a nightmare.

File online through the Washington ESD website - it's faster than calling or going in person. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the past 18 months. Since you were fired, be very honest about the circumstances but don't admit to any wrongdoing.

I'm dealing with a similar situation but I was fired for attendance issues. Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks to understand if I qualify. Has anyone had success with attendance-related terminations?

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application about why you were terminated. Washington ESD contacts employers and they'll find out the truth anyway. Better to be honest and let them make the determination.

The fact that you can still apply after 6 weeks is good news, but you really should have filed immediately. Each week you wait is money you're losing. I always tell people to file for unemployment the same day they lose their job, even if they're not sure they qualify.

Pro tip: when you file, make sure you have all your employer information ready including exact dates of employment and reason for separation. The application will ask for specific details and if you don't have everything, it can delay processing.

Be prepared for a potentially long wait if your claim needs adjudication. Mine took almost 8 weeks to get resolved because they had to investigate the circumstances of my termination. During that time I couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD to check on the status.

Make sure you start looking for work immediately and keep detailed records of your job search. Washington ESD requires proof that you're actively seeking employment, even while your claim is being processed.

I was also fired for performance reasons about a year ago. Washington ESD approved my claim because they determined it wasn't misconduct - just not being a good fit for the role. Don't assume you'll be denied just because you were terminated.

whatever you do file NOW. i waited 2 months after getting fired and by the time everything got sorted out i had missed out on like $4000 in benefits. biggest mistake ever

The Washington ESD website has a benefit calculator that can give you an estimate of what you might receive if approved. It might be worth checking that out before you apply so you know what to expect.

I had a similar experience with performance issues leading to termination. The key thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you were fired for misconduct or just not meeting expectations. Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job.

One thing to keep in mind is that even if you get approved, there might be a waiting period before benefits start. I think it's usually one week in Washington, but someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Good luck with your application! I know it seems overwhelming but it's really not that complicated once you get started. The hardest part is usually dealing with Washington ESD if you need to talk to someone, but there are ways around that now like the Claimyr service people have mentioned.