Washington ESD eligibility after getting fired - confused about unemployment benefits

You can definitely apply! Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from Washington ESD unemployment benefits. The key factor is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' as defined by Washington state law. Performance issues alone usually don't count as misconduct unless there was willful or wanton disregard of your employer's interests.

I was in a similar situation last year. Got fired for supposedly not meeting sales targets but I knew it was really because I complained about unsafe working conditions. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of adjudication.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you get connected to actual agents. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

The Washington ESD system is so broken. They'll probably put your claim in adjudication for weeks even though you obviously qualify. I got fired for attendance issues (had to miss work for medical appointments) and it took them 6 weeks to approve my claim!

Here's what you need to know about Washington ESD and terminations: Misconduct has to be connected to work and show willful disregard. Things like attendance issues, performance problems, or personality conflicts usually don't qualify as misconduct. However, things like theft, violence, or repeatedly violating clear company policies would be misconduct.

Update: I filed my initial claim online through the Washington ESD website. It was pretty straightforward but now I'm in 'pending' status. How long does the adjudication process usually take?

I'm going through something similar right now. Got let go for 'not being a good fit' after 6 months. No formal warnings or anything. Filed my claim two weeks ago and still waiting to hear back from Washington ESD.

Don't forget you have to do your weekly claims even while your initial claim is in adjudication! I made that mistake and it delayed my benefits even more. Make sure you're logging into your Washington ESD account every week.

If you end up needing to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your claim status or have questions about the adjudication process, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but it got me through to an actual person in like 10 minutes instead of the usual hours of busy signals.

One thing to keep in mind - even if Washington ESD initially denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process can overturn the initial decision if you provide additional evidence or clarification about your termination.

This whole system is so stressful. I got fired three months ago for supposedly violating company policy but they never explained what policy. Still fighting it through the appeal process. At least I finally got connected to someone who could explain my options - used some calling service that helped me get through the phone lines.

For everyone dealing with these situations, remember that Washington ESD has to prove misconduct occurred - you don't have to prove you weren't guilty of misconduct. The burden of proof is on the employer to show that your actions were willful and substantial enough to constitute misconduct under Washington state law.

just went thru this myself - got fired for being late too many times but I had medical issues that caused the tardiness. Washington ESD approved my claim after I provided medical documentation during the fact-finding process

Another update from my experience - even after Washington ESD approved my claim, my former employer tried to contest it. But since I had documented all the safety issues I complained about, their contest was denied. Keep records of everything!

The whole misconduct definition is really specific in Washington state. I looked it up after my termination and it has to be something that shows 'willful or wanton disregard of the employer's interest.' Simple mistakes or performance issues don't meet that standard.

My brother got fired last year for what his employer called 'insubordination' but it was really just him asking questions about overtime pay. Washington ESD approved his claim because asking about legal wage issues isn't misconduct - it's actually protected activity.

Update on my case - just got approved! Took exactly 3 weeks from filing to approval. My employer didn't contest it and Washington ESD determined that 'not being a good fit' wasn't misconduct. Super relieved!

For anyone still struggling to get updates on their claims, that Claimyr service has been really helpful for multiple people in this thread. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person to understand what's happening with your case, especially during adjudication.

Final update - my claim was approved! Took 4 weeks total but Washington ESD determined that performance issues without documented misconduct don't disqualify you from benefits. Thanks everyone for the advice and support. For anyone in a similar situation, don't give up and make sure to keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication!