Washington ESD - fired employee eligibility for unemployment benefits

Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from Washington ESD unemployment benefits. It depends on the reason for termination. If you were fired for misconduct, that's different than being fired for performance issues or disagreements. You should definitely apply - let Washington ESD make the determination.

Washington ESD looks at whether the termination was for misconduct connected to work. Simply disagreeing with your employer about scheduling isn't misconduct. You need to file your initial claim online and provide your version of events when they ask.

I got fired from my last job and still received UI benefits. The key is how you present your case. I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone though - kept getting disconnected. Ended up using Claimyr.com to actually reach someone who could explain the process. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

file immediately!! even if you think you might not qualify, let washington esd decide. worst case they deny you and you appeal. but you lose benefits for every week you wait to file

For Washington ESD to deny benefits for misconduct, they need to prove you willfully violated company policy or acted in a way that showed disregard for your employer's interests. A scheduling disagreement doesn't usually meet that standard unless you were really out of line.

Washington ESD will contact your former employer to get their side of the story. Make sure you document everything you remember about the incident and your employment history. They might ask for a phone interview.

The washington esd system is so frustrating when you're trying to get answers about eligibility. I spent days calling and getting busy signals. Finally someone told me about claimyr and I was able to speak with an actual person who walked me through the misconduct determination process.

been fired twice and got UI both times. first time was for being late too much (my fault) but they still approved me. second time was for 'attitude problems' which is pretty subjective. washington esd usually sides with the worker unless its really obvious misconduct

Make sure you apply for jobs and keep a job search log starting immediately. Washington ESD requires you to be actively looking for work even while your claim is being processed. Don't wait until it's approved.

I'm going through something similar right now. Got fired for 'poor performance' but really it was because I couldn't work the crazy hours they wanted. My claim is still in adjudication after 3 weeks. The waiting is killing me.

The bottom line is that Washington ESD presumes you're eligible unless they can prove misconduct. The burden is on them to show you did something wrong, not on you to prove you didn't. File your claim and let them make the determination.

Same thing happened to my brother last year. Fired for 'insubordination' but really he just questioned a safety policy. Washington ESD approved his claim after about a month of review. Hang in there.

Whatever you do, don't delay filing. Even if your claim gets denied initially, you can appeal and still get benefits retroactively if you win. But you can't get benefits for weeks before you filed, no matter what.