I was fired from my job can I get unemployment - Washington ESD eligibility?

That's good to hear. What exactly counts as misconduct vs performance? I never did anything dishonest or broke company rules, I just struggled with some of the newer software they implemented.

Misconduct usually means things like stealing, violating company policy, being insubordinate, or deliberately not following instructions. Struggling with new systems typically falls under performance, especially if you were trying to learn.

How long did the investigation take? I'm worried about how I'll pay rent if this drags on for months.

Mine took about 3 weeks total. They called my old boss and then called me to ask about the circumstances. As long as you're honest about what happened, you should be fine.

3 weeks?? Mine has been in adjudication for 6 weeks now and still no decision. I can't even get through to anyone at Washington ESD to check on the status.

I had the same problem until someone told me about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. They have this whole system that calls for you and gets you connected. There's even a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ

Good point. I guess I have nothing to lose by trying. Do I need to have my termination paperwork before I can file?

Nope, you can file without it. They'll ask for details about your last day of work and reason for separation but you don't need physical documents to start the application.

I wish I had recorded it but who thinks to do that when you're getting fired. Should I write down what I remember now while it's still fresh?

Absolutely! Write down dates, who was present, exactly what was said about why you were being terminated. That info will be helpful if Washington ESD needs more details during adjudication.

This is why I keep a work journal of every interaction with my supervisor. You never know when you might need it.

Where on the site is that info? I looked around but couldn't find anything specific about terminations.

It's under the eligibility requirements section. They have examples of what counts as misconduct vs what doesn't.

My old boss did seem pretty confident that I wouldn't be able to get benefits. Maybe he was just trying to intimidate me?

probably! they say that to everyone. file anyway and let the chips fall where they may

2 months?? How are you surviving financially? This is exactly what I'm worried about.

Burning through savings and borrowing money from family. It's awful. I should have applied for emergency assistance too but didn't know about it until recently.

You can apply for food assistance and other emergency aid while your claim is pending. Don't wait if you need help now.

That gives me hope. I never got anything in writing about my performance being an issue until the day they fired me.

Exactly! Proper progressive discipline usually involves verbal warnings, written warnings, improvement plans, etc. If they skipped all that it suggests it wasn't really about performance.

How will I know when they're investigating? Do they send notice or just call out of the blue?

They'll update your claim status online to show it's in adjudication, then someone will call you within a few weeks. Make sure to answer unknown numbers during business hours.

Good to know! I was planning to try tomorrow during lunch but maybe I'll do it tonight instead.

Yeah the system gets overloaded during peak times. 11 PM or 6 AM worked best for me.

Wait, I have to start looking for work immediately? Even before I know if I'm approved?

Yep, the work search requirement starts right away. You need to apply for jobs and keep a log of your activities.

The WorkSourceWA website has job search tools and they count some of those activities toward your requirements too.

This is so encouraging to hear! Did you have to appeal or did they approve you on the first review?

Approved on first review. I think what helped was being very specific about the lack of training and support when they interviewed me.

I didn't know that! I was going to take a few days to get my paperwork together but sounds like I should file now.

File now, gather paperwork later. You can always provide additional documentation during the adjudication process if they need it.

How long does the whole appeal process take if it comes to that?

It can take several months unfortunately. But you get backpay for the whole period if you win, so it's worth fighting for if you believe you're eligible.

The appeal hearing is usually by phone and you can have a lawyer or advocate help you if needed. Don't try to navigate it alone if it gets to that point.

I might have to try that if I can't get through the normal way. The thought of sitting on hold for hours is giving me anxiety.

Same here, I used Claimyr when I needed to check on my adjudication status. Much easier than the regular phone system.