If my job fired can I get unemployment in Washington - what are the rules?

You can definitely apply for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD will look at the reason for termination to determine if you're eligible. If it was for performance issues rather than misconduct, you'll likely qualify. The key is whether the firing was for 'misconduct connected with work' - performance problems usually don't count as misconduct.

i got fired from my last job for being late too many times and still got approved for UI benefits. took like 3 weeks for them to decide though, had to go through adjudication

Since you mentioned unsafe working conditions, you might want to document that complaint if you haven't already. If Washington ESD determines you were fired for bringing up legitimate safety concerns, that could actually strengthen your case. Retaliation for safety complaints is generally not considered misconduct.

The biggest thing is getting through to someone at Washington ESD if your claim gets flagged for adjudication. I spent weeks trying to call and could never get through. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have this video demo that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration trying to get through on my own.

File your claim ASAP regardless. Even if there's an issue with your termination, you want to get the process started. Washington ESD can't pay benefits for weeks before you file, so don't wait.

what was your job at the warehouse? sometimes certain types of work have different rules

When you file, be honest about the circumstances but focus on the facts. Don't editorialize or get emotional about it - just state what happened. Washington ESD will investigate and make their determination based on the information from both you and your employer.

The Washington ESD system is SO SLOW right now ugh. My claim has been pending for over a month

One thing to keep in mind - even if you're approved, there might be a one-week waiting period before benefits start. Also make sure you're doing your weekly claims every week even while the initial claim is being processed.

This is exactly why I hate at-will employment. They can fire you for basically anything and then you have to fight just to get the benefits you paid into.

For what it's worth, most people who get fired for performance issues do get approved for unemployment. The bar for 'misconduct' is actually pretty high - it has to be something like theft, violence, or deliberate violation of clear company policies.

make sure you apply for jobs while you wait too, they track that stuff now

honestly the hardest part is just getting through to talk to someone if there are problems. i must have called washington esd like 100 times during my adjudication

I got fired from my job last year for 'attitude problems' and was approved for benefits. Took about 2 weeks. As long as you weren't stealing or doing drugs at work you're probably fine.

Since you mentioned this might be retaliation for safety complaints, you might also want to consider filing a complaint with L&I (Labor & Industries) about the unsafe conditions. That's separate from unemployment but could be relevant if the employer tries to claim you were fired for legitimate reasons.

Just want to follow up on the Claimyr thing since a few people asked about it. I used it when my claim was stuck in adjudication for weeks and I couldn't reach anyone at Washington ESD. It really does work - connects you directly to an agent instead of dealing with the busy signals and hold times. Check out their demo video to see how it works.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! I'm going to file my claim today and keep my fingers crossed. Sounds like I have a good chance of getting approved based on what you all said.

this thread was super helpful, i'm in a similar situation and was worried about applying

The system works, it's just slow and bureaucratic. Most people who deserve benefits eventually get them, it just takes patience.

Final tip: if your claim does get approved, you'll get a monetary determination letter that shows your weekly benefit amount and how many weeks you're eligible for. Keep that letter safe - you'll need it for reference throughout your claim period.