Washington ESD unemployment benefits after being fired - can you file?

Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment even if you were fired! The key is whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful or you ignored direct instructions. Washington ESD will investigate and make the determination.

I was in a similar situation last year. Filed right away even though I was fired. Washington ESD approved my claim after they contacted my employer. The whole process took about 3 weeks because they had to do an adjudication to determine if I was eligible.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD during the adjudication process, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which helped me get through to an agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Really useful when you need to check on your claim status or get updates on adjudication delays.

The Washington ESD website has a good explanation of what constitutes misconduct. Generally, being late occasionally, making honest mistakes, or not meeting performance standards aren't considered misconduct. But things like theft, fighting, or deliberately violating company policy would be.

whatever you do file immediately!! Even if your claim gets denied initially you can appeal. Don't wait thinking you're not eligible because you might miss out on benefits you're actually entitled to

I got fired for attendance issues (was having car trouble) and still got approved for unemployment. Washington ESD looks at whether the termination was your fault or due to circumstances beyond your control. Performance issues are usually not considered misconduct.

Be prepared for your employer to contest your claim though. Mine did and it delayed everything by weeks. They'll get a notice from Washington ESD asking about the termination and some employers will fight it even if they don't have a good case.

The system is so messed up. I was laid off due to budget cuts and it still took 3 weeks to get my first payment. Can't imagine how long it takes when there's a dispute over misconduct.

Pro tip: when you file, be completely honest about why you were terminated. Don't try to sugarcoat it or leave out details. Washington ESD will find out the truth anyway when they contact your employer, and being dishonest can hurt your case.

I used Claimyr when I needed to check on my misconduct determination. Took forever to get through on my own but with their service I spoke to someone within 30 minutes. Really helped me understand where my case stood.

Remember you also need to meet the work search requirements even during adjudication. Keep applying for jobs and logging them in your WorkSourceWA account. Don't slack off on job searching just because your claim is pending.

my cousin got fired for being late too many times and they still approved her unemployment. depends on if they gave you warnings and chances to improve. sounds like your situation might be similar

Don't let them intimidate you into not filing. Even if you're not sure about eligibility, let Washington ESD make that determination. Worst case scenario is they deny your claim, but at least you tried. Best case is you get the benefits you need while looking for a new job.

One more thing - if you do get denied initially, don't give up. The appeal process exists for a reason and many people win their appeals even after being denied. I've seen cases where the initial determination was wrong and got overturned.