If you are fired are you eligible for unemployment in Washington - need help understanding my situation

Yes, you can definitely be eligible for unemployment benefits even if you were fired! The key thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct.' Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless they involve willful violations of company policy. Since you mentioned no prior warnings, that's actually good for your case.

You should file your claim ASAP through the Washington ESD website. Don't wait! Even if there's an issue, you want to get your claim date established. The employer has to prove misconduct if they want to contest it, and from what you described, performance issues without warnings usually won't qualify as misconduct.

I had a similar situation last year where I got fired for 'attitude problems' but it was really because I wouldn't work unpaid overtime. I was so scared I wouldn't get benefits but Washington ESD approved my claim after like 3 weeks. The employer tried to fight it but they couldn't prove actual misconduct. Definitely apply right away!

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status or ask questions, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me actually reach a real person. They basically call for you and get you connected to an agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.

The system is such a joke though. Why should people have to jump through all these hoops just to get benefits they paid into? If you got fired for BS reasons you should automatically get UI without all this misconduct investigation nonsense.

Just to add - when you file your claim, be completely honest about being terminated. Don't try to make it sound like you quit or anything. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer, and lying can disqualify you entirely.

omg same thing happened to my friend except she got fired for being late too many times but they never gave her any formal warnings either. she got her unemployment approved after like a month of waiting. definitely apply!

One more thing - make sure you understand the difference between being fired 'for cause' vs. just being terminated. For cause means misconduct. Regular termination (layoffs, performance, downsizing) usually qualifies for benefits. Your situation sounds like the latter.

I got fired from my last job too and was worried about the same thing. Turns out most people who get fired still qualify for unemployment unless it's something really bad like stealing or fighting. Washington ESD approved mine in about 2 weeks.

Quick question - do you have to wait a certain amount of time after being fired to apply for unemployment? Or can you do it immediately?

I remember when I got terminated they made it sound like I wouldn't be eligible for anything. Scared me into not applying for like 2 months. Huge mistake! Turns out I was totally eligible and just lost out on those benefits. Don't make the same error I did.

Another tip - keep any documentation from when you were fired. Email notifications, termination letters, anything that explains their reasoning. It can help if Washington ESD needs to investigate.

The whole misconduct thing is really specific. Like my coworker got fired for attendance but since our company policy said 3 tardies = warning, 6 = final warning, 9 = termination, and they fired him after 7 without the final warning, he still got approved for UI.

just apply dont overthink it. worst case they say no and you appeal. i got fired for stupid reasons too and got my benefits no problem

When I was having issues with my unemployment claim getting stuck, someone recommended Claimyr to me and it was a lifesaver. Got me connected to a Washington ESD agent who walked me through exactly what was happening with my claim. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

Performance issues without prior warnings is actually a pretty strong case for getting approved. I work in HR and see this stuff all the time. Washington ESD usually sides with the employee unless there's clear misconduct.

Make sure when you do your weekly claims you're honest about job search activities too. Washington ESD requires proof you're looking for work to keep getting benefits.

Ugh I hate how stressful this whole process is. Getting fired is bad enough without having to worry about whether you'll be able to pay rent. Hang in there OP, sounds like you have a good case!

Last thing - if your employer does contest your claim and it goes to adjudication, don't panic. That's totally normal and doesn't mean you won't get approved. Just means Washington ESD needs to investigate both sides before making a decision.

You got this! File that claim today and don't let them scare you. Most people who get fired for performance stuff get approved for unemployment. The system isn't perfect but it generally works for legitimate cases like yours.