If you were fired can you collect unemployment benefits in Washington?

Yes, you can definitely collect unemployment if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will look at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job or violating company policy repeatedly after warnings.

I went through this exact situation 6 months ago. Got fired for 'poor performance' but Washington ESD approved my claim because my employer couldn't prove I was willfully negligent. The key is that they have to show you deliberately did something wrong or ignored direct instructions. Just not being good at your job isn't misconduct.

You should definitely file right away even if you're not sure. I was hesitant to apply when I got fired but the worst they can do is deny you. And if your employer contests it, you can appeal. Don't let them scare you out of benefits you've earned.

Just heads up - if your claim gets contested by your employer, you might want to check out Claimyr. I used them when Washington ESD put my claim in adjudication and I couldn't get through to anyone on the phone. They help you actually reach a real person at Washington ESD to check on your claim status. There's a demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and their site is claimyr.com. Made the whole process way less stressful.

The whole system is so confusing! I got fired 3 months ago and I'm still fighting with Washington ESD about whether I qualify. They keep asking for more documentation and it's like pulling teeth to get anyone on the phone to explain what they actually need.

I work in HR and can tell you that most companies don't contest unemployment claims unless it was a really serious firing. It costs them time and money to fight it, so if it was just performance issues they'll probably let it go through.

whatever you do file ASAP!! there's a waiting period and you want to get that started even if they have to investigate your eligibility. I made the mistake of waiting thinking I had to figure everything out first

I got fired from my last job for supposedly violating company policy but it was totally bogus. Washington ESD still approved my claim because the employer couldn't provide sufficient evidence. Don't assume you're disqualified just because they fired you 'for cause'.

The burden of proof is on the employer to show misconduct. They can't just say 'performance issues' and automatically disqualify you. Washington ESD will look at whether you received proper training, clear expectations, warnings, etc.

File your claim online at secure.esd.wa.gov and be completely honest about why you were terminated. Don't try to hide anything because they'll find out anyway when they contact your employer.

I'm going through adjudication right now for a similar situation. The waiting is killing me! Been 2 weeks and still no word from Washington ESD about my claim status.

Make sure you start doing your job search activities even while your claim is being decided. You'll need to log those for your weekly claims once you're approved.

The Washington ESD website has a good section explaining misconduct vs non-misconduct terminations. Might be worth reading through that before you file so you know what to expect.

Even if your employer contests it, don't panic. I've seen plenty of cases where Washington ESD sided with the employee even when the employer fought it. Just be truthful and provide any documentation you have.

I was fired for 'insubordination' but got my benefits because I could prove I was following safety protocols that my supervisor was telling me to ignore. Context matters a lot in these decisions.

Quick question - do you have to wait until you're officially approved to start filing weekly claims, or can you file them while adjudication is happening?

The most important thing is don't delay filing. Even if you think you might not qualify, let Washington ESD make that determination. You've paid into the system and deserve a fair review of your situation.

Good luck with your claim! Remember that being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you - it's all about the specific circumstances. Most performance-related terminations end up being approved for benefits.

One more tip - if you do end up needing to appeal a denial, don't try to do it alone. There are resources available and you have rights in that process too.

I had a friend who used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when she couldn't get through to Washington ESD about her fired-for-cause claim. She said it was worth it just for the peace of mind of talking to a real person who could explain what was happening.