If you get fired can you file for unemployment Washington ESD benefits?

Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD will determine if you're eligible based on the specific circumstances. If you were fired for misconduct, that could disqualify you, but poor performance usually doesn't count as misconduct unless it was willful.

I got fired last year and still got my unemployment. The key is how you were fired. If it was just performance issues and not something like stealing or being insubordinate, you should be fine.

File immediately don't wait. Even if Washington ESD denies your claim initially, you can appeal. I had to deal with this exact situation and it took forever to get through to anyone at ESD to check my claim status. The phone lines are always busy.

DEFINITELY file your claim right away! I made the mistake of waiting a week after I got fired because I thought I wouldn't qualify. Every week you wait is money you're losing. Washington ESD will investigate and make the determination.

The whole system is rigged anyway. Employers can say whatever they want and Washington ESD just believes them. I got denied twice for 'misconduct' even though I was never written up.

Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct unless your employer can prove you were deliberately not doing your job. Washington ESD has specific criteria for what constitutes misconduct that would disqualify you from benefits.

i got fired 3 months ago for attendance and still got unemployment so u should be fine

When you file your claim, be honest about the circumstances but don't admit to any wrongdoing. Stick to the facts - you were terminated for performance reasons, not misconduct. Washington ESD will investigate and make their own determination.

Just want to echo what others said about filing immediately. Don't second-guess yourself. Let Washington ESD make the decision about your eligibility. You've been paying into the system so you deserve to have your claim evaluated fairly.

One more thing - if Washington ESD does deny your claim initially, don't give up. The appeal process exists for a reason and many people win on appeal. Just make sure you file the appeal within the time limit they give you.

This happened to my brother last year. He got fired for 'poor performance' but it was really because his boss didn't like him. He filed for unemployment and got approved. Washington ESD sided with him because the employer couldn't prove actual misconduct.

Remember that your employer will have a chance to contest your claim. They'll receive a notice from Washington ESD asking about the reason for termination. Be prepared for that possibility and have your documentation ready.

I want to add that even if you think you might not qualify, file anyway. Washington ESD's determination might surprise you. I've seen people get approved in situations they thought were hopeless.

The worst part is trying to get through to Washington ESD if you have questions about your claim. I spent weeks calling and never got through. Finally found out about Claimyr from someone on here and it actually worked to connect me with an agent.

Just be prepared for the runaround. Washington ESD moves at glacial speed and their phone system is a joke. Good luck getting a human on the line.

update us when u file! curious to see how it goes for u

Good luck with your claim! Remember that getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you. Performance issues are very different from misconduct in Washington ESD's book.

One last tip - make sure you start doing your job search activities right away even while your claim is being processed. Washington ESD requires you to be actively looking for work to maintain eligibility.

This thread is really helpful. I'm in a similar situation and was worried about filing. Sounds like it's worth a shot regardless of the circumstances.

Final reminder that if you do get approved, you'll need to file weekly claims to continue receiving benefits. Don't forget that step once your claim is active.