If I get fired can I apply for unemployment - Washington ESD eligibility question

Yes, you can generally apply for unemployment if you're fired, but it depends on WHY you were fired. Washington ESD will look at whether it was for misconduct or not. If it's just poor performance or layoffs, you should be eligible. If it's for something like stealing or violating company policy, that's different.

I got fired last year for attendance problems and still got my unemployment approved. It took about 3 weeks though because they had to do an adjudication to review the circumstances.

The whole process can be frustrating when you're trying to reach Washington ESD to check on your claim status. I spent weeks trying to get through on the phone after I was let go. Finally found out about Claimyr (claimyr.com) which actually got me connected to an agent. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole experience way less stressful.

Make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after you're terminated. Don't wait around thinking about it. The sooner you get the process started, the better. And be completely honest on your application about the circumstances.

been there done that, got fired for being late too many times but still got unemployment. the adjudication process is annoying but just be patient

One thing to keep in mind is that even if you're initially denied, you can appeal the decision. Washington ESD has to prove that your termination was due to misconduct, not just that you were a less-than-perfect employee. There's a big legal difference there.

THE SYSTEM IS SO BROKEN!!! I was fired for a bogus reason and it took MONTHS to get my benefits sorted out. Washington ESD is impossible to reach and they don't care about working people at all!!!

same boat here, worried about getting canned. this thread is helpful to know what to expect

Just remember that when you do file, you'll need to do your weekly claims every week and meet the job search requirements. Don't let those slide or you could lose your benefits even if you were eligible initially.

I had a friend who got fired and was worried about the same thing. Turned out to be no big deal - she got approved and received benefits for the full 26 weeks while she looked for a new job. The key is being honest about everything.

Also worth noting that your weekly benefit amount will be based on your earnings over the past year, so if you've been working steadily you should get a decent amount. The maximum weekly benefit in Washington is currently around $950 per week.

Don't stress too much about it. Most people who get fired for performance reasons end up getting approved. The employers usually don't fight it unless it was really serious misconduct.

Pro tip: if you do get fired, ask for documentation of the reason. Sometimes employers are vague about it but having it in writing can help your case with Washington ESD if there are any issues.

Just went through this whole process myself. The waiting period for adjudication was nerve-wracking but it all worked out. Having that Claimyr service would have been helpful - I spent so many hours on hold trying to get updates on my claim status.

whatever you do dont quit before they fire you, that makes it way harder to get benefits

The whole thing reminds me of when I got laid off from my previous job three years ago. Different situation but the uncertainty is similar. At least unemployment benefits exist to help people through transitions like this.

One last thing - if you do get terminated, make sure to file your claim within the first week if possible. There's no waiting period to file, and the sooner you get in the system, the sooner your benefits can start if you're approved.

thanks for asking this question, I was wondering the same thing but was afraid to post about it

Hope everything works out with your job situation. But if not, at least you're prepared now and know what steps to take. The unemployment system isn't perfect but it does help people get through tough times.

Been following this thread and learned a lot. Saved it for reference since you never know what might happen in today's job market.