Washington ESD unemployment after termination - if i get terminated can i collect unemployment?

Yes, you can generally collect unemployment if you're terminated, but it depends on WHY you were fired. Washington ESD will approve your claim if you were fired for reasons beyond your control - like poor performance, downsizing, or personality conflicts. However, if you're fired for 'misconduct' (things like stealing, violence, repeatedly being late after warnings), then you'll be disqualified.

I went through this last year when I got fired from my retail job. Washington ESD approved my claim because even though I was terminated, it wasn't for misconduct. The key is being honest on your application about what happened. They'll contact your employer to get their side of the story too.

Just make sure you file your claim right away if you do get fired. You can't backdate unemployment benefits in Washington, so every day you wait is money lost. Even if you think there might be an issue with your claim, file it immediately and let Washington ESD sort it out.

I had a friend who got fired and Washington ESD initially denied his claim, but he appealed and won. If you do get terminated and they deny your unemployment, don't give up. You have the right to appeal their decision and present your case to a judge.

Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my own termination issue and their phone system is absolutely useless. I found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually got me through to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on.

Document everything! If your boss is creating a hostile work environment or setting you up to fail, keep records of everything. Save emails, write down what happens in meetings, keep track of unreasonable requests. This documentation can help your unemployment case if you do get fired.

The worst part about getting fired is the adjudication process if Washington ESD has to investigate. It can take forever and you don't get paid while they're reviewing your case. But if you're approved, you do get backpay for those weeks.

Don't let them pressure you into quitting instead of firing you! Some employers will try to get you to resign so they don't have to deal with unemployment claims. If you quit voluntarily, it's much harder to get benefits. Make them fire you if that's what they want to do.

Also remember that even if you're fired, you still have to meet all the regular unemployment requirements. You have to be actively looking for work, available for work, and file your weekly claims. Getting fired doesn't change any of that.

I got fired from my last job for 'attitude problems' which was really just standing up for myself when my supervisor was being unreasonable. Washington ESD approved my claim because they determined it wasn't misconduct. Sometimes what employers call 'bad attitude' is just normal workplace disagreements.

The unemployment office looks at whether you were fired FOR CAUSE or not. If it's for cause (misconduct), no benefits. If it's without cause (layoffs, poor performance, personality conflicts), you get benefits. It's really that simple in most cases.

If you're really worried about the termination affecting your unemployment claim, you might want to consult with an employment attorney. Many offer free consultations and can tell you if you have any wrongful termination issues.

Whatever you do, don't burn bridges when you leave. Be professional even if they're treating you badly. How you handle the termination can sometimes affect how your employer responds to Washington ESD's inquiry about your claim.

I was in a similar situation and used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when my adjudication was taking forever. Really helped me understand what was happening with my case and get it resolved faster.

Just remember that Washington ESD will ask you specific questions about why you were terminated when you file your claim. Be honest but stick to the facts. Don't bad-mouth your employer but don't downplay legitimate issues either.