If I get fired from a job can I collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Yes, you can potentially collect unemployment even if you're fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will deny benefits if you were terminated for 'misconduct' - things like theft, violence, or willful violation of company policy. However, if you're fired for performance issues, attendance problems, or not being a good fit, you should still qualify for benefits. The key is whether your termination was due to misconduct or just poor performance.

I went through something similar last year. Got fired from my retail job for being late too many times. Washington ESD still approved my claim because they said it wasn't willful misconduct, just poor attendance. The employer tried to fight it but I won the hearing. You should definitely file a claim if you get terminated.

Here's what happens when you file: Washington ESD will contact your employer to get their side of the story. If the employer claims you were fired for misconduct, there will be an adjudication process where they investigate. You'll have a chance to explain your side. Even if initially denied, you can appeal the decision. I'd recommend starting your claim immediately after termination if it happens.

Just want to mention - if you do get fired and need to reach Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to an actual agent. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. I was stuck trying to call for weeks before I found them.

The most important thing to remember is that Washington ESD looks at the specific circumstances of your termination. Being fired for inability to do the job (even if you're trying your best) is different from being fired for violating workplace rules on purpose. Document everything - save any emails, write down conversations with supervisors, keep copies of performance reviews.

Look, I'm gonna be real with you - employers fight unemployment claims all the time because it affects their unemployment tax rate. They'll often claim misconduct even when it's just performance issues. Don't let that scare you away from filing. Washington ESD usually sides with the employee unless there's clear evidence of willful misconduct.

Another thing - if you do get fired, file your claim immediately. Don't wait. Even if there's going to be an adjudication, you want to get the process started right away. You can't get retroactive benefits for weeks you didn't file.

I'm going through this exact situation right now. Got fired three weeks ago for 'performance issues' and filed immediately. Still waiting on adjudication but I'm glad I started the process. The not knowing is killing me though.

The key factors Washington ESD considers for misconduct are: 1) Was the action deliberate? 2) Did it violate a known company policy? 3) Was it connected to work? Performance issues usually don't meet these criteria unless you were deliberately underperforming.

Don't forget you'll also need to meet the job search requirements once you start collecting. You'll need to make three job search activities per week and log them in your WorkSourceWA account. But that's only if your claim gets approved.

Just wanted to add - if you do get denied initially, don't give up. The appeal process exists for a reason. I know someone who was denied at first but won on appeal because they had better documentation for the hearing.

I used Claimyr too when I needed to speak with someone about my adjudication. The phone lines are so jammed normally but they got me through to an agent who explained exactly what was happening with my case. Really worth it when you're stressed about money.

The bottom line is this: getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. The reason matters more than the fact that you were terminated. Performance issues, attendance problems, personality conflicts - these usually aren't considered misconduct by Washington ESD.

One more tip - when you file your claim, be completely honest about the circumstances of your termination. Don't try to sugar-coat it or leave things out. Washington ESD will get the employer's version anyway, so inconsistencies will hurt your case.

I've been following this thread and wanted to mention that if you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone during your adjudication process, I also used Claimyr successfully. Sometimes you just need to talk to a human to understand what's happening with your case, and normal calling is nearly impossible.

Final thought - start looking for new jobs now while you still have income. Even if you qualify for unemployment, it's only a portion of your wages and it's temporary. The sooner you can find new employment, the better off you'll be.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. This has been really informative. I hope I don't need to use any of this information, but at least I know what to expect now if the worst happens.