Washington ESD unemployment benefits if fired from job - what are my chances?
I got terminated yesterday from my warehouse job and I'm wondering if I can still get unemployment benefits through Washington ESD. My supervisor said it was for 'performance issues' but honestly I think they just wanted to get rid of me because I complained about safety violations. I've been working there for 8 months and this is my first time being fired. Does anyone know if Washington ESD will approve my claim or will they automatically deny it because I was terminated? I really need the income while I look for another job.
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Christian Burns
You can definitely apply for unemployment even if you were fired. Washington ESD looks at whether the termination was for 'misconduct' or just poor performance. Performance issues usually don't disqualify you unless it was willful misconduct or violation of company policy. File your claim as soon as possible.
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Jenna Sloan
•That's encouraging to hear. I'm worried they'll say I was fired for cause though. Should I mention the safety complaint issue when I file?
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Christian Burns
•Be honest on your application but keep it factual. If it goes to adjudication, you'll have a chance to explain your side of the story.
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Sasha Reese
File immediately! I was fired from my retail job last year for 'attitude problems' and still got approved for UI benefits. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of adjudication. The key is that they have to prove misconduct, not just poor performance.
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Muhammad Hobbs
•How long did the whole process take from filing to getting your first payment?
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Sasha Reese
•About 5 weeks total because of the adjudication delay, but once approved the payments came weekly as expected.
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Noland Curtis
I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my own termination case and can't get through their phone lines. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there? I keep getting the busy signal or getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours.
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Diez Ellis
•Have you tried calling right at 8am when they open? I heard that's the best time to get through.
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Vanessa Figueroa
•I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call myself.
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Noland Curtis
•Interesting, I'll check that out. At this point I'm willing to try anything to get answers about my claim status.
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Abby Marshall
Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you but be prepared for them to investigate. They'll contact your employer and ask for documentation about why you were terminated. Make sure you have your side of the story ready.
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Jenna Sloan
•Should I start gathering evidence now like emails about the safety issues I reported?
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Abby Marshall
•Yes definitely keep any documentation that supports your case. Emails, witness statements, anything that shows the real reason for termination.
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Sadie Benitez
ugh the whole system is so frustrating. I was fired 2 months ago and STILL waiting for adjudication to finish. They keep saying they need more information but won't tell me what specifically they need.
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Christian Burns
•Have you tried submitting additional documentation through your online account? Sometimes that helps move things along.
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Sadie Benitez
•I've uploaded everything I can think of. Really wish I could just talk to someone to find out what's missing.
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Drew Hathaway
File your weekly claims even while the adjudication is pending! A lot of people don't know this but you have to keep filing weekly to get back payments once you're approved.
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Jenna Sloan
•Good to know! I was wondering about that. So I file weekly even if my claim isn't approved yet?
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Drew Hathaway
•Exactly. You'll get paid retroactively for all the weeks you filed once the claim is approved.
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Laila Prince
What counts as misconduct anyway? My friend got fired for being late too many times and still got unemployment. Seems like they approve most claims unless you did something really bad.
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Sasha Reese
•Misconduct has to be willful and substantial. Just being a bad employee usually isn't enough to disqualify you from benefits.
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Isabel Vega
•I think it varies by case. I know someone who got denied for excessive absences even though she had medical issues.
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Dominique Adams
The safety violation angle might actually help your case. If you can show you were terminated for reporting legitimate safety concerns, that could be considered retaliation which would definitely qualify you for benefits.
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Jenna Sloan
•I do have the email where I reported the safety issue to HR about a week before I was fired. Think that would help?
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Dominique Adams
•Absolutely keep that email! That timeline could be very important if this goes to a hearing.
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Marilyn Dixon
Don't let them intimidate you. Employers sometimes exaggerate the reasons for firing to try to prevent unemployment claims. Washington ESD will investigate both sides before making a decision.
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Louisa Ramirez
•This is so true. My old boss tried to claim I was fired for theft when really I just forgot to clock out for lunch one day.
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TommyKapitz
•That's crazy! Did Washington ESD see through that?
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Louisa Ramirez
•Yeah they approved my claim after looking at the security footage that proved nothing was stolen.
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Angel Campbell
Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. Even while your claim is pending, you need to be actively looking for work and documenting it.
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Jenna Sloan
•How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?
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Angel Campbell
•I think it's 3 job search activities per week but check the Washington ESD website to be sure. They're pretty strict about that requirement.
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Payton Black
Been there. Got fired from a customer service job for 'not being a good fit' and was so worried about applying for unemployment. Turned out Washington ESD approved it without any issues. File as soon as you can.
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Harold Oh
•How long did it take to get your first payment?
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Payton Black
•About 3 weeks since there was no adjudication needed. The hardest part was just getting through their phone system to ask questions.
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Amun-Ra Azra
If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really works. I used it last month when I needed to check on my pending claim and got through to an agent in minutes instead of spending all day calling.
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Summer Green
•Is it expensive? I'm already stressed about money since getting fired.
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Amun-Ra Azra
•It's worth it when you consider how much time it saves. Check their website at claimyr.com for details.
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Gael Robinson
The worst thing you can do is not file because you think you won't qualify. Let Washington ESD make that decision - you might be surprised. Even if you're not sure, it's better to apply and potentially get denied than not apply at all.
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Jenna Sloan
•You're right, I have nothing to lose by filing. Going to start my application tonight.
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Edward McBride
•Smart move. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start the process and potentially get benefits.
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Darcy Moore
Just want to add that if Washington ESD does deny your initial claim, you can appeal the decision. Don't give up if the first answer isn't what you want to hear. The appeals process gives you another chance to present your case.
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Dana Doyle
•How long do you have to file an appeal?
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Darcy Moore
•I think it's 30 days from the date of the determination letter, but double check that on the Washington ESD website.
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Liam Duke
Good luck OP! Sounds like you have a decent case especially with the safety complaint timing. Keep us updated on how it goes.
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Jenna Sloan
•Thanks everyone for all the advice and encouragement. Feeling much more confident about filing now.
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Manny Lark
•We're all rooting for you! The unemployment system can be confusing but this community is here to help.
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