Washington ESD unemployment benefits after being fired - can I still collect?

You can definitely still apply! Washington ESD doesn't automatically deny claims just because you were fired. They'll look at whether it was for misconduct or not. Performance issues that aren't willful misconduct usually don't disqualify you from benefits.

File your claim ASAP! Even if your employer contests it, you can appeal. I got fired for supposedly being late too much and still got my benefits after they reviewed everything.

I had a similar situation and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to check on my claim status. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an actual person within minutes. They have this demo video that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process so much easier when I needed to explain my termination circumstances.

ALWAYS file your claim immediately regardless of circumstances. Let Washington ESD make the determination about eligibility. The worst thing you can do is wait and lose out on potential benefits you're entitled to.

ugh this whole system is so confusing... how do you even know if they'll approve it or not?? I'm in the same boat got let go last month and still haven't heard anything

The key thing is being honest about the circumstances of your termination when you file. Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway so don't try to hide anything.

Been through this twice unfortunately. First time I got denied initially but won on appeal. Second time I was approved right away. Really depends on the specific circumstances and how your employer responds to Washington ESD's inquiry.

Whatever you do, don't let them intimidate you into not filing. Some employers will try to tell you that you can't get benefits if you were fired but that's not always true.

Just make sure you have all your documentation ready - pay stubs, any written warnings or performance reviews, dates of incidents they mentioned, etc. The more organized you are the better.

same thing happened to my brother last year... performance issues but no warnings, got approved after like a month of back and forth with Washington ESD

Also remember you'll need to do your weekly claims even while your initial claim is being reviewed. Don't miss those or you could lose benefits for those weeks.

The Washington ESD system is ridiculous... they make you jump through so many hoops just to get benefits you paid into. But don't give up, keep fighting for what you're owed.

One more thing - if you do get into adjudication or need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your case, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really does work. I was skeptical at first but it beats sitting on hold for hours.

File immediately and don't overthink it. You've got nothing to lose and potentially benefits to gain. The worst they can say is no, and even then you can appeal.

Hope it works out for you! The system is frustrating but it does work sometimes. My neighbor got approved after being fired for performance issues too.

Don't forget to register with WorkSourceWA too if you haven't already. That's required for maintaining your benefits once approved.

Just went through this whole process myself. Even if your employer contests it initially, stay persistent. The appeals process exists for a reason.

Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct unless you were deliberately doing bad work. Sounds like you have a good case based on what you described.

washington esd is so backed up right now... took forever to get through when I had questions about my claim status. definitely file asap though

Good luck with everything! Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you so definitely worth filing. Keep all your documentation organized in case you need it later.