Washington ESD unemployment after being fired - can I still qualify?

Yes, you can potentially get unemployment even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will look at whether you were fired for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job. Safety complaints definitely shouldn't count against you.

Yes, you can still get unemployment even if you were fired! The key is whether you were fired for misconduct or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful. You should definitely apply through Washington ESD's website and explain your side of the story during the application process.

You should definitely file right away even if you're not sure. The worst they can do is deny it, but if you wait too long you could miss out on benefits you're entitled to. I was fired for attendance issues last year and still got approved.

I had a similar situation where I was fired but it was really retaliation. What helped me was using Claimyr to actually get through to a Washington ESD representative. The website is claimyr.com and they have this demo video (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ) that shows how it works. It was so much easier than trying to call myself and getting hung up on constantly.

I was in a similar situation 6 months ago. Got fired for 'not meeting expectations' but I knew I wasn't given the resources to succeed. Filed for unemployment anyway and got approved after an adjudication period. The whole process took about 3 weeks.

The key thing is being honest on your application. Don't try to hide that you were fired - Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer. Just explain your side of the story clearly in the application.

I'm going through something similar right now. My employer is claiming I was fired for cause but I think it's BS. The whole adjudication process is so stressful and taking forever.

Here's what you need to know about Washington ESD and being fired: You can qualify for unemployment benefits unless you were terminated for 'misconduct connected with work.' Performance issues, inability to do the job, or personality conflicts usually don't qualify as misconduct. However, things like theft, violence, or repeatedly violating company policy after warnings would be misconduct.

Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct unless it's willful. If you were trying to do your job but just not meeting expectations, that's typically not grounds for denying unemployment benefits.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my claim status after being fired. Kept getting busy signals or being put on hold forever. Finally found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that helped me get through to an actual person. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

Washington ESD is supposed to give you the benefit of the doubt in these situations. The burden is on your employer to prove you committed misconduct, not on you to prove you didn't.

ugh the whole system is so frustrating. I got fired 2 months ago and went through this whole mess. Washington ESD took FOREVER to make a decision and meanwhile I'm stressed about money. Even when I finally got approved the weekly claim process is confusing as hell.

Make sure you apply RIGHT AWAY. Don't wait thinking about it. Your benefits start from when you file, not when you lost your job. I made that mistake and lost out on a week of benefits.

Same thing happened to me last year. Got fired for 'performance' but really they just wanted to get rid of me because I asked for accommodations. Filed for unemployment and had to go through an appeal process. Won in the end but it was stressful.

Make sure you file your weekly claims even while the adjudication is pending. You can't get back pay for weeks you didn't file even if you're eventually approved.

quick question - do you have to look for work right away or can you take some time to figure things out?

One thing that helped me was documenting everything about why I was fired. Emails, performance reviews, anything that showed I wasn't given proper support. Washington ESD asked for documentation during my adjudication.

Whistleblower retaliation is specifically protected under Washington law. If you can show that the timing of your firing was related to your safety complaints, that's a strong case for getting benefits approved.

Been there! The worst part is the waiting and not knowing if you'll get approved. But honestly most people who get fired for performance reasons do get unemployment. Washington ESD knows the difference between someone who couldn't do the job and someone who was actually doing something wrong.

I was fired and approved for benefits but it took MONTHS to get through to anyone at Washington ESD to check on my claim status. The phone system is absolutely broken.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm going to file my application today and document everything I can remember about the safety issues and the timeline. Feeling much more confident now.

I used Claimyr too when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD. Definitely worth it if you're having trouble reaching them. Sometimes you need to talk to a person to get your questions answered properly.

One more thing - if Washington ESD initially denies your claim, don't give up. You have the right to appeal and many people win on appeal even after an initial denial.

The whole system is designed to discourage people from applying. Don't let them scare you away from benefits you're entitled to.

Just remember that even if you're approved, the first payment can take a while. Make sure you have some backup plan for bills in the meantime.

UPDATE: I actually used Claimyr again yesterday to check on a different issue and they got me through to someone at Washington ESD in under 24 hours. Still think it's worth mentioning for anyone who needs to actually talk to a real person there.

Been fired twice in my career and got unemployment both times. The key is showing that you weren't deliberately doing anything wrong. Performance issues happen to good employees too.

Make sure you keep copies of everything you submit to Washington ESD. The adjudication process involves a lot of paperwork and you'll want records of what you provided.

Safety retaliation cases are taken seriously by Washington ESD. You may also want to consider filing a complaint with L&I about the safety violations if you haven't already.

The waiting is the worst part. I was approved after being fired but it took 6 weeks total and I was a nervous wreck the whole time wondering if I'd be able to pay my bills.

Final thought - document your job search activities carefully even during adjudication. Washington ESD requires detailed records and it's easier to keep track from the beginning than to try to recreate everything later.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. Washington ESD will find out the truth anyway when they contact your employer. Better to be upfront about what happened.

The whole adjudication thing is nerve-wracking but it's normal. They have to investigate whenever there's a question about why someone left their job. Don't take it personally if your claim goes into adjudication.

File online at Washington ESD's website. It's way easier than calling and you can do it anytime. Just have your Social Security number, employer info, and dates of employment ready.

Update on the Claimyr thing - I used them again last month when I had a question about my weekly claim. Super helpful and saved me hours of trying to call Washington ESD myself. They're really good at getting through to the right department.

Once you file, make sure you keep filing your weekly claims even if your initial claim is under review. If you don't file weekly claims you could lose benefits for those weeks.

honestly getting fired was the best thing that happened to me career-wise. Used the unemployment time to really think about what I wanted and ended up in a much better job. Don't let it get you down too much.

One more tip - when you do your weekly claims, keep track of your job search activities. Washington ESD can ask for your job search log at any time and you need to be able to provide it.

The hardest part for me was the uncertainty. But once Washington ESD made their decision and I got into the routine of filing weekly claims, it got much easier. You'll get through this!

Good luck with your claim! Most people who get fired for performance reasons do qualify for benefits. Just be patient with the process and don't hesitate to reach out if you need help navigating the system.