If you get fired can you collect unemployment in Washington - need help with my claim

You can absolutely collect unemployment even if you were fired! Washington ESD doesn't automatically disqualify you just because you were terminated. What matters is WHY you were fired. If it was for misconduct (like stealing, violence, or willful violation of company policy), then you'll be disqualified. But if it was for performance issues, inability to do the job, or business reasons, you should be eligible.

File your claim ASAP! Don't wait. Even if Washington ESD initially denies it, you can appeal. I got fired for 'poor performance' and it took 3 weeks but they approved my UI benefits after reviewing everything.

I had a similar situation and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to check on my claim status. Ended up using claimyr.com to actually reach an agent - they have this system that handles the calling for you. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of busy signals and getting hung up on.

MAKE SURE YOU TELL THE TRUTH on your application!! They will find out what really happened anyway when they contact your employer. If there's any discrepancy between your story and theirs, it could hurt your case. Just stick to the facts about what happened.

The key distinction is 'misconduct' vs everything else. Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. Poor performance, not being a good fit, or even making mistakes usually won't disqualify you from UI benefits. Washington ESD looks at whether you intentionally violated known policies or expectations.

Don't let them intimidate you either. Some employers will tell you that you can't get unemployment if you're fired, but that's not always true. They might be trying to get you to quit instead so they don't have to pay into the UI system.

Also remember that even if your claim goes to adjudication (which it probably will since you were terminated), keep filing your weekly claims. Don't stop filing just because the decision is pending. If you're approved later, you'll get backpay for those weeks.

If you do end up in adjudication limbo and need to talk to someone at Washington ESD, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but it beats sitting on hold for hours or getting that busy signal over and over.

i got fired from my last job for being 'insubordinate' which was basically just me questioning why we had to work mandatory overtime every weekend. still got approved for unemployment after they investigated. employer tried to fight it but washington esd sided with me

Wait, so if I got fired for poor performance but I was actually doing my best and they just had unrealistic expectations, I can still get UI? I thought getting fired meant automatic disqualification.

File your claim online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner your benefit year starts. Even if there's an investigation, you want to get the process started immediately.

One more thing - if your employer contests your claim, don't panic. They often do this automatically even when they don't have a strong case. Washington ESD will still investigate fairly and make their own decision based on the evidence.

Remember that misconduct has a specific legal definition in Washington. It's not just any reason for termination. It has to be a willful disregard of the employer's interests, deliberate violation of rules, or criminal activity. Poor performance, personality conflicts, or business reasons don't qualify as misconduct.

also make sure you keep looking for work and document your job search once you start getting benefits. washington esd requires you to make a certain number of job contacts each week

Just want to add that if anyone else is struggling to reach Washington ESD like I was, that Claimyr service really is legitimate. I was hesitant about using a third-party service but it worked exactly as advertised and saved me so much frustration.

Final advice: don't give up if your initial claim gets denied. You have appeal rights and many decisions get overturned on appeal, especially in termination cases where the employer can't prove actual misconduct occurred.

Good luck with your claim! Most people who get fired for performance reasons do end up getting approved for UI benefits once Washington ESD investigates. The system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.

Just wanted to share that I was in almost the exact same situation 8 months ago - fired for 'performance issues' after 3 years with no warnings. Got approved for full UI benefits after a 4-week investigation. Don't let them scare you into thinking you're not eligible!

The bottom line is that Washington ESD looks at each case individually. Getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you - what matters is the specific circumstances and whether true misconduct occurred. File your claim and let them make the decision.

Great decision! Make sure to be thorough and honest in your application. Include all relevant details about your termination and any lack of warnings or progressive discipline. Good luck with your claim!