Washington ESD unemployment benefits if terminated - can you get unemployment if you get fired?

Yes, you can definitely get unemployment benefits if you're fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD looks at whether you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless it was willful negligence. You should definitely apply - worst case they deny it and you can appeal.

File your claim immediately! Washington ESD has a waiting period anyway, so the sooner you apply the better. When they investigate, they'll contact both you and your employer. Make sure you document everything about why you think the firing was unfair - emails, witness statements, anything that shows it wasn't misconduct.

I got fired from my last job for 'attitude problems' and still got approved for UI benefits. The key is being honest in your application but explaining your perspective. Washington ESD investigates every termination case, so they'll hear both sides before making a decision.

Actually had a similar situation and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to check on my claim status. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach someone at Washington ESD by phone. They have this video demo that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me so much frustration trying to get answers about my adjudication.

ugh the whole system is so messed up!! why should we have to prove we didn't deserve to get fired?? employers can just lie and say whatever they want

Update: I applied online this morning and it was easier than I expected. Now it says my claim is 'pending' and under adjudication. How long does this usually take?

Same thing happened to my brother last year - got fired for 'performance' but it was really retaliation for filing a complaint with HR. Washington ESD approved his benefits after investigating. The employer tried to fight it but didn't have documentation to prove misconduct.

Quick clarification - there's a difference between being fired 'for cause' and being terminated for business reasons. If they're calling it performance issues rather than misconduct, that usually means they don't have grounds to fight your unemployment claim.

whatever you do dont mention the safety thing that might make them think you were insubordinate or something

I work in HR and see these cases all the time. Most terminations for 'performance' don't disqualify you from Washington ESD benefits unless the employer can prove it was willful misconduct with proper documentation and progressive discipline. Sounds like your employer doesn't have that.

Make sure you're ready for the fact-finding interview when Washington ESD calls. They'll ask specific questions about what happened and why you think you were terminated. Be honest but focus on facts, not emotions.

honestly i got fired for being late too many times and still got approved lol. washington esd is pretty fair about it as long as you werent stealing or fighting or something crazy

Just remember, even if you get initially denied, you can appeal the decision. I've seen people win on appeal after losing the first determination. The key is having your documentation ready and maybe getting help reaching Washington ESD if you need to discuss your case - that's where Claimyr really helped me out.

One more tip - start your job search activities right away even while your claim is being adjudicated. Washington ESD requires active job searching, and it looks good if you're already doing it when they review your case.

this whole thing is just so stressful. like you lose your job and then have to jump through hoops to maybe get help paying bills

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I feel much more confident now that I might actually get approved. Will keep you posted on how the adjudication goes!

My claim took forever to get decided but I eventually got approved after being fired for 'not being a good fit.' Keep the faith!

btw make sure you understand the difference between misconduct and just being bad at your job. washington esd has specific definitions and most firings dont actually meet the misconduct standard

Final thought - document everything about your termination while it's fresh in your memory. Dates, conversations, witnesses, emails. If your employer contests your claim, you'll want all of this organized and ready to present to Washington ESD during the investigation.

one more thing - if you do get approved make sure you keep filing those weekly claims on time every week or you'll lose benefits even if you qualified initially