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

That's a relief to hear. How do I know if what they fired me for counts as misconduct? They said I wasn't meeting productivity standards but I was trying my best.

Misconduct has to be willful violation of company policy or deliberate wrongdoing. Not being able to meet performance standards despite trying isn't misconduct - file your claim!

How long did it take for your claim to get approved? I'm worried about the waiting period.

Mine took about 3 weeks because they had to do an adjudication to review the firing. But I got approved and even got back pay for those weeks.

Thanks for the tip! I'm definitely going to need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my situation since it's complicated.

Never heard of that service but honestly anything that helps get through to ESD sounds worth it. Their phone system is terrible.

Should I gather emails or write down what happened? I do have some texts from my supervisor about the performance issues.

Yes! Keep everything - emails, texts, performance reviews, any documentation. Also write down dates and details while they're fresh in your memory.

And if you mentioned safety issues, definitely document that too. Retaliation for safety complaints could actually work in your favor.

That's a common misconception! You can get fired and still receive benefits as long as it wasn't for misconduct. Don't panic - just file your claim as soon as possible.

Okay thank you. I'll file online tonight. Do I need to wait to hear back before I can start getting money?

You have to file weekly claims even while your initial claim is being processed. You'll get paid for those weeks once you're approved.

Did you end up getting your benefits approved? How did you fight it?

Yeah I won my appeal but it took MONTHS. Had to provide medical records and everything. The whole system is designed to wear you down so you give up.

Yes, you still need to do your job search activities and report them on your weekly claims. The work search requirement doesn't stop just because you're in adjudication.

Got it, thanks. I always forget about that requirement.

I did bring up some OSHA violations to my manager about a month before they fired me. Do you think that's connected?

Very possibly! Make sure to mention that to Washington ESD during your interview. They take retaliation claims seriously.

You might also want to file a complaint with L&I about the safety issues separately from your unemployment claim.

Thank you everyone for the encouragement. I was really worried I had no options.

You've got this! The worst they can do is say no, but from what you've described it sounds like you have a good case.

4 weeks is a long time to wait when you need money now. How did you survive financially during that time?

Had to borrow money from family and use credit cards. But once I got approved I got back pay for all those weeks so it worked out.

Good point. I'll be completely upfront about what happened and let them decide.

Exactly. Honesty is always the best policy with unemployment claims.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money.

It's really reasonable compared to the stress of trying to get through on your own. Check their website for current info - claimyr.com

What happens if they contest it? Do I need a lawyer?

No lawyer needed! Washington ESD will schedule a hearing where both sides can present their case. You can represent yourself and many people do.

The hearings are usually done over the phone now which makes it easier. Just be prepared to explain your side clearly.

That's reassuring coming from someone who knows the employer side. I was doing my best but maybe wasn't the right fit for the role.

Exactly - not being the right fit isn't misconduct. Companies can fire for any reason but that doesn't disqualify you from unemployment.

Good thinking. I should probably look into 211 and see what's available in my area.

Yes! 211 is a great resource. Also check with local churches and community organizations.

3 activities per week? What counts as a job search activity?

Applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, contacting employers, even some online training courses. Keep detailed records of everything.

How long is 'longer than you want'? I'm already stressed about paying bills next week.

Could be anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on complexity. I know that's not what you want to hear but better to be prepared.

Good to know! I was wondering if those weeks would be lost. Thanks for clarifying.

Nope, you'll get paid for all of them once approved. That back pay can be a nice chunk of money when it finally comes through.

I hadn't thought about SNAP. Do I qualify if I'm still waiting to hear about unemployment?

Yes! SNAP looks at current income, not potential future unemployment benefits. If you have little to no income right now, you likely qualify.

Same here! It's nice to know other people have been through this and come out okay.

Good luck to both of you! Remember that unemployment benefits exist for exactly these situations.

Great advice. I'm going to sit down tonight and write everything out while I still remember all the details clearly.

Smart move. Having good documentation can make the difference between approval and denial in borderline cases.