If my employer fired can I get Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

Yes, you can absolutely get unemployment benefits even if you were fired! The key is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. If your employer fired you for poor performance or not meeting expectations, that's usually NOT considered misconduct under Washington ESD rules. Misconduct is more like theft, harassment, or willful violation of company policy.

File immediately! I got fired from my last job for 'performance issues' too and Washington ESD approved my claim. The employer might contest it but that doesn't mean you won't win. Just be honest about what happened when you file.

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim status and it's impossible! Their phone lines are always busy and I keep getting disconnected. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

The system is so broken. I got fired for 'attitude problems' which is such BS and Washington ESD denied me. Now I'm appealing but who knows how long that will take.

When you file your claim, be completely honest about the reason for termination. Don't try to sugarcoat it or lie because Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway. If it was truly performance-related and not misconduct, you should be approved.

been fired twice and got unemployment both times lol just dont steal anything or show up drunk and youll be fine

Here's what Washington ESD considers misconduct: deliberate violation of company rules, criminal activity, harassment, theft, or willful disregard of employer interests. Poor performance, inability to do the job, or personality conflicts usually don't qualify as misconduct.

If Washington ESD puts your claim into adjudication (which they might since you were terminated), that's when you really need to speak with someone to explain your situation. That's exactly when services like Claimyr become super valuable for getting through their busy phone lines.

I'm going through the same thing right now. Got let go three weeks ago for 'not being a good fit' and filed immediately. Still waiting to hear back from Washington ESD but keeping my fingers crossed.

Pro tip: Start looking for work immediately even while your claim is processing. Washington ESD requires you to do job searches anyway and it shows good faith if your employer contests the claim.

Whatever you do, don't quit your next job without having another one lined up. Getting unemployment after quitting is way harder than getting it after being fired for performance.

File your claim online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. Don't wait because your benefit year starts from when you file, not when you were terminated. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start receiving benefits if approved.

The worst part is waiting to find out if you're approved. My claim was in adjudication for over a month before I finally got through to someone at Washington ESD who could explain what was happening.

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file - dates of employment, wage information, reason for separation. The more accurate your initial application, the less likely it is to get held up in adjudication.

Been through this exact situation. Got fired for 'performance' after 18 months on the job. Washington ESD approved my claim within two weeks. Your employer might contest it but don't let that scare you - just be prepared to explain your side if needed.

Remember that even if your employer contests your claim, you can still receive benefits while the appeal is being decided. Don't assume you're out of luck just because they fight it.

Good luck with your claim! Most people in your situation do end up getting approved. The unemployment system isn't perfect but it does generally work for people who legitimately lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

I went through something very similar last year - got terminated for "not meeting performance standards" after 18 months at my job. I was really worried about applying because I thought getting fired meant automatic denial, but that's not true at all. Washington ESD approved my claim because performance issues aren't the same as misconduct. The key distinction is whether you were fired for something you did wrong intentionally (like breaking rules, theft, etc.) versus just not being able to meet their expectations despite trying your best. From what you've described, it sounds like you have a good chance of getting approved. File your claim online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible - don't wait because the sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. Be completely honest about the reason for termination when you fill out the application. Good luck!