Washington ESD - Can I get unemployment if I was fired from my job?

What counts as misconduct exactly? I was never written up for anything serious, just some productivity complaints.

Generally misconduct means deliberate violations of company policy or criminal behavior. Poor performance usually doesn't count as misconduct unless it was willful.

Should I file online or call? I tried the website but it's confusing.

Online is usually faster, but if you're having trouble I'd recommend checking out claimyr.com - they help people get through to Washington ESD agents when you need to actually talk to someone. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

How long does this process usually take? I need to know if I should start looking for temporary work.

Initial determination is usually within 2-3 weeks, but if there's an adjudication it can take longer. File now and keep looking for work either way.

Mine took 6 weeks because my employer contested it. But I eventually got approved and received back pay for the whole period.

I know it seems overwhelming but it's worth fighting for if you have a legitimate claim. Don't give up!

I have some text messages about the safety problems I sent to my supervisor. Would those help?

Absolutely! Keep copies of everything. Any evidence that shows you were trying to do your job properly or raise legitimate concerns strengthens your case.

That's encouraging. I was worried I'd be wasting my time applying.

Definitely apply. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised. And if you get denied initially, you can always appeal.

How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?

It's 3 job search activities per week. Can be applications, networking, job fairs, etc. Keep detailed records in case they audit you.

I can't afford a lawyer right now, that's why I need the unemployment benefits.

Many employment lawyers work on contingency for wrongful termination cases. Worth a free consultation at least.

For now focus on getting your unemployment claim filed. You can explore other options later.

Did your employer fight it?

They tried to, but I had documentation showing they were asking me to violate labor laws. Made their case pretty weak.

A whole week with no payment? That's going to be rough.

Yeah, it's tough but that's how the system works. The sooner you file, the sooner that waiting week is behind you.

How will I know if they want to interview me?

They'll send a letter and/or notification through your online account. Check both regularly.

I missed my interview because I couldn't get through when they called. Had to appeal and it took months to sort out. Don't let that happen to you.

Is it expensive? I'm obviously not in a position to spend much money right now.

it's worth it if you're stuck and can't get through otherwise. saved me weeks of calling and getting busy signals

Okay, I'm convinced. Going to do it right after work tonight. Thanks everyone for the advice.

Good luck! Remember to keep copies of everything and stay persistent with your job search.

Will do. Hopefully I'll have good news to share in a few weeks.

Definitely. I'm not trying to hide anything, I just want to make sure I present my side clearly.

That's the right attitude. Facts are your friend in these situations.

That's inspiring. I hope my case goes smoother than that though.

How long do you have to file an appeal?

30 days from the date of the determination letter. Don't wait if you disagree with their decision.

Thanks. I'm trying to stay positive about finding a better job that actually cares about worker safety.

Several people have mentioned it now. I'll keep it in mind if I run into problems.

Yeah, sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to get things sorted out. The automated system can only do so much.

I have dates on the text messages I sent, so that should help establish the timeline.

Perfect. That kind of documentation can make all the difference in these cases.