Washington ESD unemployment after termination - if i was terminated can i collect unemployment
I got terminated from my job two weeks ago and I'm wondering if i was terminated can i collect unemployment through Washington ESD? My manager said it was for performance issues but I think it was really because I asked for accommodations for my back injury. I've been working there for almost 2 years and never had any write-ups before this. Does anyone know if being terminated automatically disqualifies you from unemployment benefits in Washington state? I'm really stressed about paying my rent next month.
58 comments


Katherine Harris
Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment even if you were terminated! Washington ESD will review your case during adjudication to determine if the termination was for misconduct or not. Performance issues usually don't disqualify you unless there was willful misconduct involved. You should file your claim as soon as possible since there's a waiting period.
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Sophia Clark
•Thank you! That's a relief. I was worried I wouldn't qualify at all. How long does the adjudication process usually take?
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Katherine Harris
•It varies but typically 2-4 weeks. Sometimes longer if they need to contact your former employer for more information about the circumstances of your termination.
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Madison Allen
I was terminated last year for allegedly being late too often (which wasn't true) and I got approved for UI benefits. The key is that Washington ESD has to determine if you were fired for misconduct or just regular job performance stuff. Sounds like yours might be performance related which usually means you'll qualify.
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Sophia Clark
•That gives me hope! Did you have to provide any documentation during your adjudication?
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Madison Allen
•They asked me to provide my side of the story in writing and any evidence I had. I sent emails showing my actual attendance record.
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Joshua Wood
You should definitely apply but be prepared that if your employer contests it, you might need to go through an appeal process. Keep all documentation related to your termination and the accommodation request you mentioned. That could be important evidence if this goes to a hearing.
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Sophia Clark
•I do have emails about the accommodation request. Should I mention that in my initial application?
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Joshua Wood
•Yes, absolutely include that information when you file. It could be relevant to whether this was legitimate performance issues or potential discrimination.
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Justin Evans
Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my own claim issues. Their phone system is impossible! If you need to talk to someone about your specific situation, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me through to an agent. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.
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Sophia Clark
•Interesting, I'll check that out. I was dreading having to call them if my claim gets complicated.
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Emily Parker
•Wait is this like a paid service? Seems weird to pay just to talk to Washington ESD.
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Justin Evans
•It just helps you get through their phone system. Worth it when you actually need to speak to someone and can't waste entire days calling.
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Ezra Collins
The fact that you mentioned asking for accommodations before being terminated is really important. Washington has strong protections against retaliation for requesting reasonable accommodations. Document everything!
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Sophia Clark
•I have the email chain where I requested the accommodation and then two weeks later they started documenting performance issues that never existed before.
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Ezra Collins
•That timeline could be significant. Definitely save all of that for your unemployment case and consider consulting with an employment attorney if you suspect discrimination.
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Victoria Scott
been terminated twice and got unemployment both times. Washington ESD is pretty fair about it. The second time took longer cuz my employer fought it but I won the appeal hearing. Don't let them scare you
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Sophia Clark
•How did the appeal hearing work? Was it stressful?
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Victoria Scott
•not too bad, done over the phone. Just be honest and have your facts straight. the hearing officer asks both sides questions
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Katherine Harris
One thing to remember - even if your initial claim gets denied, you have the right to appeal. Many people win on appeal even after being initially denied. The appeals process gives you a chance to present your case more thoroughly.
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Sophia Clark
•Good to know there's a backup plan. Hopefully it won't come to that but it's reassuring.
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Joshua Wood
•Exactly. And appeals are pretty common for termination cases. Don't give up if you get an initial denial.
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Benjamin Johnson
WASHINGTON ESD TAKES FOREVER WITH EVERYTHING!!! I've been waiting 3 months for my adjudication decision. This system is broken. Good luck getting any help from them.
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Sophia Clark
•Oh no, 3 months?? That's terrifying. I really need these benefits to survive.
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Katherine Harris
•That's unusually long. Most adjudications are resolved much faster. You might want to contact them to check on the status.
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Benjamin Johnson
•TRIED CALLING A MILLION TIMES. IMPOSSIBLE TO GET THROUGH.
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Madison Allen
For what it's worth, most termination cases I've seen where it wasn't clear misconduct end up getting approved. Your situation sounds like it has some gray areas that would probably work in your favor, especially with the accommodation request timing.
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Sophia Clark
•That's encouraging. I just want to be able to pay my bills while I look for another job.
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Madison Allen
•Totally understand. File as soon as you can and start your job search requirements right away. Even if adjudication takes a while, you'll get backpay if approved.
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Zara Perez
my cousin got fired for attendance and still got unemployment so your probably fine. the key is they have to prove you did something really bad on purpose
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Sophia Clark
•That makes sense. I definitely didn't do anything intentionally wrong.
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Joshua Wood
Make sure you understand the difference between being fired for cause vs. misconduct. Washington ESD looks at whether your actions were willful and substantial. Poor performance due to inability rather than unwillingness usually doesn't disqualify you from benefits.
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Sophia Clark
•That's a helpful distinction. It definitely wasn't unwillingness on my part.
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Daniel Rogers
•This is exactly right. I work in HR and see this all the time. Performance issues are different from misconduct in Washington's unemployment law.
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Aaliyah Reed
File online through Washington ESD's website. It's way easier than calling and you can do it anytime. Just make sure you have all your employment information ready.
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Sophia Clark
•Thanks, I'll do that today. Better to get the process started.
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Ella Russell
The accommodation request angle is really important here. If they terminated you shortly after you requested accommodations, that could be seen as retaliation which would definitely support your unemployment claim.
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Sophia Clark
•I never thought about it that way but you're right about the timing being suspicious.
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Ezra Collins
•Absolutely. Document that timeline carefully for both your unemployment claim and potential legal action.
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Mohammed Khan
honestly washington esd approves most claims unless you like stole something or got violent. performance stuff rarely gets denied
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Sophia Clark
•That's reassuring. I definitely didn't do anything like that.
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Justin Evans
Just wanted to follow up on the Claimyr thing I mentioned earlier - if you end up needing to actually speak with a Washington ESD representative about your claim, it's been a lifesaver for me. Their regular phone system is basically unusable during business hours.
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Sophia Clark
•I bookmarked their site just in case. Hopefully I won't need it but good to have options.
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Gavin King
•I used Claimyr too when my claim got stuck. Actually talked to someone instead of getting hung up on constantly.
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Nathan Kim
Keep filing your weekly claims even while adjudication is pending! A lot of people forget to do this and it messes up their benefits later.
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Sophia Clark
•Good point! I'll make sure to keep up with the weekly claims.
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Katherine Harris
•Yes, this is crucial. You have to continue claiming even if payments are on hold.
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Eleanor Foster
Start looking for work immediately and keep a job search log. Washington ESD requires you to be actively searching and you'll need to report your job search activities.
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Sophia Clark
•I've already started applying places. Should I be documenting every application?
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Eleanor Foster
•Yes, keep track of where you applied, when, and what type of job. You'll need this information for your weekly claims.
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Lucas Turner
I was terminated for supposedly poor performance too and my claim got approved without any issues. Sounds like your situation is pretty similar. Don't stress too much about it.
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Sophia Clark
•Thanks for sharing your experience. It helps to hear from people who've been through similar situations.
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Kai Rivera
The most important thing is to be completely honest in your application. Don't try to hide the fact that you were terminated - Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer.
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Sophia Clark
•Definitely planning to be completely honest. I have nothing to hide about what happened.
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Joshua Wood
•This is excellent advice. Honesty is always the best policy with unemployment claims.
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Anna Stewart
Good luck with your claim! Based on what you've described, it sounds like you have a good chance of getting approved. Just be patient with the process and keep all your documentation organized.
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Sophia Clark
•Thank you so much everyone! This has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.
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Katherine Harris
•You're welcome! Feel free to come back and update us on how it goes.
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