If you are fired can you collect unemployment benefits in Washington?

Yes, you can usually collect unemployment even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will investigate whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or just poor performance. If it's performance-related and not willful misconduct, you should be eligible.

I was in the same situation last year. Filed my claim and initially got denied because my employer said I was fired for cause. Had to go through the whole appeals process but eventually won. The key is being honest about what happened when you file.

You should definitely file your claim right away. Don't wait thinking you might not be eligible. Let Washington ESD make that determination. When you file, be completely honest about being terminated and explain your side of the story.

Had a friend who couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks after being fired. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped him get connected to an actual person. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Might be worth checking out if you have trouble reaching them.

The Washington ESD phone system is absolutely terrible right now. I've been trying to get through for two weeks about my claim being stuck in adjudication. It's ridiculous that we can't even talk to someone when we need help.

When you file, make sure you have all your employment info ready - start date, end date, reason for separation, your supervisor's name. The online application will ask for all of this and it's easier if you have it prepared.

been fired twice and got unemployment both times. first time they didn't even contest it. second time had to wait for adjudication but still got approved. just be honest about what happened

One thing to remember - even if your employer contests your claim, you can still receive benefits while Washington ESD investigates. They'll schedule a fact-finding interview with both you and your employer to determine eligibility.

The worst they can do is deny your claim, and even then you can appeal. I'd rather file and get denied than not file at all and wonder what would have happened. You've got nothing to lose by trying.

Make sure you file within the first week after losing your job. There's a waiting period anyway, but you don't want to delay getting the process started. The sooner you file, the sooner you might start receiving benefits.

Washington ESD takes termination cases pretty seriously. They don't just take your employer's word for it. I've seen people get approved even when their employer fought it hard. The key is that you weren't terminated for willful misconduct.

I got fired for attendance issues but still got unemployment. Washington ESD said it wasn't misconduct because I had medical reasons for some of the absences. Even if you think your firing was justified, you might still be eligible.

Just remember that if you do get approved, you'll need to do the job search requirements and file your weekly claims on time. Missing those can cause your benefits to stop even if you were initially approved.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually works. Used it myself when my claim got stuck and I needed to talk to someone. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

File your claim online at washington esd website. The process is pretty straightforward and they walk you through each step. Don't overthink it - just answer the questions honestly and see what happens.

Even if your employer contests it, don't give up. I had to go through two levels of appeals but eventually got my benefits. The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

The most important thing is to file right away and be completely honest about what happened. Washington ESD will figure out if you're eligible - that's their job, not yours to decide.

One more tip - when you file, make sure you select the correct reason for separation. 'Discharged/fired' is different from 'quit' and it matters for your claim. Be specific about the circumstances.

Another option if you can't reach Washington ESD by phone is to try that service people mentioned - Claimyr. Friend of mine used it last month when he got fired and needed to check his claim status. Said it was super easy to use.

Bottom line - being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct. File your claim and let Washington ESD make the determination. Good luck!