Washington ESD unemployment benefits after getting fired - am I eligible?

Yes you can definitely apply for unemployment benefits even if you were fired. Washington ESD will review your case during something called adjudication to determine if the firing was for misconduct or not. If it wasn't misconduct, you should be eligible. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless they were willful.

I got fired from my warehouse job 3 months ago for being late too many times. Washington ESD initially denied my claim but I appealed it and won! The key is showing that whatever happened wasn't willful misconduct.

The biggest thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you were fired for misconduct connected to your work. Simple performance issues, personality conflicts, or layoffs disguised as firings usually qualify you for benefits. But if you stole something, were violent, or repeatedly violated clear company policies after warnings, that's misconduct.

You can definitely still apply for unemployment even if you were fired! Washington ESD looks at the reason for termination. If it wasn't for misconduct, you should be eligible. Performance issues alone usually don't disqualify you unless there was willful misconduct involved.

I got fired last year and still received benefits. The key is whether it was misconduct or not. Things like poor performance, not getting along with coworkers, or even attendance issues (unless excessive) usually don't count as misconduct under Washington ESD rules.

I've been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about my fired claim status and their phone system is absolutely impossible. Getting busy signals constantly or waiting on hold for hours just to get disconnected. Found this service called Claimyr at claimyr.com that actually gets you through to ESD agents - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me so much frustration!

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get through to actual agents instead of waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me hours of calling.

MISCONDUCT is the key word here!!! Washington ESD defines misconduct very specifically. Things like theft, violence, harassment, or willfully violating company policy count as misconduct. Poor performance by itself usually doesn't unless you were deliberately doing bad work.

same situation here, got fired for attendance but it was because my car kept breaking down. applied anyway and got approved after they investigated.

ugh the whole system is so confusing... I got fired 6 months ago and had to wait forever for adjudication. they asked me like a million questions about why I got terminated

The Washington ESD adjudication process is actually pretty fair from what I've seen. They really do investigate both sides before making a decision. Even if you get initially denied, the appeal process gives you another chance to present your case with more documentation.

Here's what Washington ESD considers when you're fired: 1) Was it misconduct? 2) Did you know about the policy you allegedly violated? 3) Was the violation willful? 4) Were you given warnings or chances to improve? Based on what you described, it sounds like a performance issue rather than misconduct.

This whole system is ridiculous! I paid unemployment taxes for 15 years and when I finally need benefits after getting fired for some BS reason, they make me jump through hoops for months. Washington ESD acts like they're doing us a favor when it's OUR money!

Don't let them intimidate you during the fact-finding interview if they call. Answer honestly but don't volunteer extra information that might hurt your case. Stick to the facts about why you were terminated.

Make sure you file your claim ASAP! There's a waiting period before benefits start, and delays in filing just make it longer. Even if you're not sure about eligibility, let Washington ESD decide rather than assuming you're disqualified.

I've seen people get denied initially and then win on appeal. Even if Washington ESD initially denies your claim for misconduct, you have appeal rights. Don't give up if the first decision isn't in your favor.

Another thing - make sure you're documenting everything about your job search while waiting for the claim to process. Washington ESD requires job search activities even during adjudication in most cases.

File your claim immediately even if you're not sure about eligibility. The worst thing that happens is they deny it, but if you wait too long you might miss out on benefits you actually deserved. Washington ESD backpay only goes so far.

honestly the whole thing is a nightmare... got fired 3 months ago and still fighting with washington esd about whether it was misconduct or not. my employer is lying about what happened

My brother got fired from Boeing for failing a random drug test but still got unemployment because he had a medical marijuana card. Washington ESD approved his claim after reviewing his medical documentation. Every case is different.

If you do get approved for benefits, make sure you understand the job search requirements. You have to be actively looking for work and keeping a log of your search activities. Washington ESD can audit this stuff.

Got denied initially after being fired but used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier to actually talk to an ESD agent about my options. They explained the appeal process way better than the confusing website info. Definitely worth it if you're stuck.

Remember that even if you're found eligible, there might be a waiting period before benefits start. Washington ESD has specific rules about when payments begin depending on your situation.

Documentation is everything in these cases. Save any emails, performance reviews, disciplinary notices, or other paperwork related to your firing. Washington ESD will want to see the paper trail.

been through this whole process twice now and the key is patience. washington esd takes forever but they do eventually make a decision. just keep filing your weekly claims even during adjudication so you don't miss any potential benefits.

For anyone struggling to reach Washington ESD by phone, I can't recommend Claimyr enough. It's been a game-changer for actually getting through to speak with representatives about claim issues. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

The burden of proof is on your employer to show misconduct occurred. If they can't prove you willfully violated policies or engaged in misconduct, you should be approved. Performance issues alone rarely qualify as disqualifying misconduct under Washington state law.

just remember to keep filing those weekly claims even if your case is in adjudication!!! I forgot to file for 2 weeks and had to explain why there was a gap

Been through this exact situation. Got fired for 'not meeting expectations' but still received full benefits after adjudication. The investigator said that general performance issues without willful misconduct don't disqualify you. Hang in there!

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired and being laid off when you talk to Washington ESD. Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you - it depends entirely on the reason for termination and whether it constitutes misconduct.

Document everything about your termination - emails, performance reviews, any communications with supervisors. If it goes to adjudication, having documentation of your side helps a lot.

washington esd is backed up right now so adjudication is taking longer than usual. don't stress if it takes 4-6 weeks, that's pretty normal lately

If you need to speak with Washington ESD about your adjudication status, try using Claimyr to get through their phone system. I was stuck for weeks trying to get updates on my case until I found that service. Really helps cut through the phone queue.

The most important thing is being honest and consistent in all your communications with Washington ESD. Don't try to hide the fact that you were fired - they'll find out anyway when they contact your employer.

My advice: file the claim, be patient with adjudication, keep doing job searches, and don't assume you're disqualified just because you were fired. Many people get approved after being terminated for non-misconduct reasons.