If you are fired from a job can you collect unemployment in Washington?

You can still apply! Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from UI benefits in Washington. It depends on whether Washington ESD determines it was misconduct or not. Attendance issues might not count as willful misconduct if you had valid reasons.

I got fired for similar reasons last year and still got approved for benefits. Washington ESD looks at whether you willfully violated company policy or if there were circumstances beyond your control.

The key thing is Washington ESD will contact both you and your former employer to get both sides of the story. If you can show the attendance problems were due to circumstances beyond your control (like childcare issues), you have a good chance of being approved.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my adjudication status after being fired. Ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

File your claim ASAP! Even if there's going to be an adjudication, you want to get the process started. The sooner you file, the sooner you might start receiving benefits if approved.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. I got fired from my restaurant job for dropping too many plates and they made it sound like I'd never get benefits. But then I got approved anyway after they reviewed everything.

One thing to remember - even if you're initially denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeal process gives you another chance to present your case, especially if you have documentation about the childcare issues.

My sister got fired for attendance and got benefits. Key is showing it wasn't willful misconduct - sounds like your childcare situation would qualify as a valid reason for the attendance problems.

Also remember that if you do get approved, you'll need to do your weekly claims and job search requirements. Don't forget about those once you start receiving benefits.

The worst they can do is say no, right? Might as well apply and see what happens. Being fired doesn't automatically mean you can't get unemployment - I've seen plenty of people get approved.

Just to clarify the process - Washington ESD will review your separation reason during adjudication. They'll look at whether your actions were willful misconduct connected with work. Chronic tardiness can sometimes qualify as misconduct, but if you can show it was due to circumstances beyond your control (like childcare), that changes things.

FIRED FOR CAUSE IS BS HALF THE TIME!!! Employers just say that to try to avoid paying higher unemployment taxes. Don't let them scare you into not applying.

I was in almost the exact same situation - single mom, childcare issues, fired for attendance. Got approved after about a month of adjudication. The caseworker was actually pretty understanding.

If you have trouble reaching Washington ESD during your adjudication, I second the Claimyr recommendation from earlier. Sometimes you really need to talk to someone to clarify things, and their normal phone lines are impossible.

Quick question - did you get any written warnings about the attendance before they fired you? That might affect how Washington ESD views the situation.

Don't overthink it too much. File your claim, be honest during the adjudication process, and see what happens. Worst case you get denied and can appeal or look for other assistance programs.

my cousin got fired for attendance issues last year and she got benefits no problem. washington is pretty fair about these things as long as you weren't doing anything really bad

One last tip - when you file your claim, be very detailed about the circumstances that led to your attendance issues. The more context you provide upfront, the better Washington ESD can understand your situation during adjudication.

Good luck! The adjudication process can be stressful but try not to worry too much. Sounds like you have a reasonable case based on what you've described.

Update us when you hear back from Washington ESD! Always helpful to know how these situations turn out for others who might be in similar spots.