Should I file for Washington ESD unemployment if I was fired - worried about eligibility

Thank you! What exactly counts as misconduct? I was never written up for anything serious, just told my sales numbers weren't meeting targets.

Misconduct typically means things like stealing, fighting, being drunk at work, or deliberately violating clear company rules. Poor performance or not meeting sales goals usually isn't misconduct.

How long did it take to get approved? I'm worried about how I'll pay rent if this drags on.

took about 2 weeks but that was before all the staffing issues they have now

What kind of documentation should I gather? I have my employee handbook and some emails from my supervisor about my performance.

Keep all emails, performance reviews, your employee handbook, and write down the exact reason they gave you for termination. If you have any positive feedback or reviews, save those too.

Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it from someone on Reddit and it actually got me through to a Washington ESD agent the same day. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of it, is it legit? I'm desperate at this point, spent hours on hold yesterday just to get disconnected.

Yeah it's real, check out claimyr.com. It basically calls Washington ESD for you and gets you connected to an actual person instead of waiting on hold forever.

Oh no, 2 months?? That's terrifying. Did your employer fight your claim?

Yeah they contested it saying I was fired for cause but they're being super vague about what the cause was. My adjudicator hasn't called me yet either.

You should call Washington ESD to check on your adjudication status. Two months is too long for a standard misconduct determination.

That's reassuring to hear from someone on the employer side. Do most companies actually follow through with contesting claims?

Depends on the company. Some contest everything automatically, others only contest if there was clear misconduct. Retail companies often contest but their documentation is usually weak.

Good job filing! Washington ESD will send you a notice if your employer contests your claim. You'll also get a fact-finding questionnaire if they need more information about your separation.

Keep checking your account on the Washington ESD website regularly. They'll also mail you notices but the online account updates faster.

Thanks for the encouragement! Were you fired for performance too?

yeah not meeting quotas, still got approved though

I didn't know about partial benefits! That's good to know since I might have to take something part-time while I look for full-time work.

Yes, you can work part-time and still receive some unemployment benefits as long as you report your earnings on your weekly claims.

How does the appeals process work? Is it like going to court?

It's usually done over the phone. You, your employer, and the judge all get on a conference call and present your cases. It's not as scary as it sounds.

That's a relief to hear! Did you have to provide the doctor's notes to Washington ESD or did they already have them?

I had to upload them to my account when they sent me the fact-finding questionnaire. Make sure you keep copies of everything.

How many jobs do you have to apply to each week? I heard different numbers from different people.

The standard requirement is 3 job search activities per week. This can include applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, or working with WorkSource.

Someone else mentioned Claimyr earlier. Does it really work? I'm worried about getting scammed.

It's legit. You can check out their website at claimyr.com and see exactly how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

My supervisor did make some comments about how I probably wouldn't qualify for unemployment. Maybe that was just them trying to discourage me?

Exactly! Employers sometimes say that to prevent people from filing. Don't listen to them - let Washington ESD make the determination.

That's reassuring coming from WorkSource! Are there any other resources I should know about while I'm job searching?

WorkSource has free job search workshops, career counseling, and sometimes training programs. Definitely worth checking out your local office.

Thank you for saying that. I do feel guilty and embarrassed about the whole situation.

Don't be! Sometimes jobs just aren't a good fit. Use this time to find something better that matches your skills.

Wow, 'cultural fit' sounds even more vague than performance issues. I'm feeling more confident about my chances now.

Right? These companies think they can just make up reasons to fire people and deny them benefits. Usually doesn't work that way.

I hadn't thought about that angle. Does that mean they're more likely to contest my claim?

Maybe, but don't let that stop you from filing. You have every right to apply for benefits you're entitled to.

Will do! Thanks everyone for all the advice and encouragement. I feel so much better about this whole process now.

That's what this community is for! We've all been through the unemployment system and know how confusing it can be.