If you get fired can you file unemployment in Washington - need advice

Thank you! That's a relief. I was worried I wouldn't qualify at all. How do I start the process?

Go to esd.wa.gov and click on 'File a Claim for Benefits'. You'll need your Social Security number, driver's license, and employment history for the last 18 months. File as soon as possible because there's a waiting week.

Did they ask for a lot of documentation? I'm worried my employer will make up stuff to try to disqualify me.

They asked for my side of the story and any documents I had. If your employer tries to lie, you can appeal and provide evidence. Keep any emails or performance reviews you have.

Is that legit? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my adjudication.

Yeah it's real. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Way better than spending hours on hold or getting hung up on.

A whole month?? That's terrifying. How did you survive financially during that time?

Had to borrow money from family. The back pay helped when it finally came through but yeah it was rough.

Adjudication is normal when there's a separation issue like being fired. It just means they need to investigate before approving benefits.

Misconduct has to be willful and work-related. Chronic tardiness can be misconduct if there were warnings, but it depends on the circumstances. Poor performance due to inability rather than unwillingness usually isn't misconduct.

I think it also matters if you were actually trying to improve or just didn't care. Washington ESD looks at the whole situation.

Good point, I'll do it today. Better safe than sorry.

This is smart advice. I waited two weeks thinking I'd find something fast and ended up kicking myself when it took longer than expected.

Yeah I definitely won't lie. I just hope they see my side of things.

They're pretty fair about it. Just stick to the facts and don't get emotional in your explanation.

That sucks but at least you eventually got approved. The system isn't perfect but it does work for most people.

True, just wish it was faster. Bills don't wait for Washington ESD to make up their mind.

I didn't know that! So I file weekly claims before I'm even approved?

Yes! You have to file for each week you want to claim benefits, even during adjudication. If you don't file for a week, you can't get paid for it later.

It's actually 2 job contacts per week for most people, but some might have different requirements based on their situation.

Oh thanks for the correction! I was thinking of the old rules maybe.

10 weeks?! How did you handle the hearing? That sounds intimidating.

It was actually pretty informal. Just a phone call with an administrative law judge. I explained my side, employer explained theirs, judge asked some questions, and ruled in my favor a few days later.

Too late for that advice but good to know for the future I guess.

Yeah quitting is usually worse for unemployment unless you have good cause like unsafe working conditions or harassment.

I didn't get any severance unfortunately. They just walked me out that day.

That's actually better for unemployment timing then. Severance can delay when benefits start in some cases.

I keep seeing people mention this service. Might be worth trying if I run into issues.

Same here, used it when my claim got stuck in adjudication. Much better than the endless phone tree.