Washington ESD unemployment benefits if you get let go from a job - am I eligible?

Yes, you can definitely apply for unemployment benefits in Washington if you were terminated for performance reasons. That typically qualifies as being separated through no fault of your own. You should file your claim as soon as possible since there's a waiting period. Go to the Washington ESD website and start your application - you'll need your Social Security number, employment history for the last 18 months, and bank info if you want direct deposit.

I was in a similar situation last year when I got laid off. The good news is performance-related terminations usually don't disqualify you from benefits. Just make sure you're honest on your application about the reason you left. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify the details.

Just went through this whole mess trying to reach Washington ESD about my claim status. If you run into issues getting through to them on the phone, I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me connected to an agent in under 10 minutes. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of frustration calling that stupid 800 number.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements before you file. In Washington you need to make 3 job search contacts per week and keep a log of all your activities. You can use WorkSource Washington to help with this - they have job listings and will count as one of your weekly contacts.

ugh the whole unemployment system is such a nightmare. i got fired 3 months ago and STILL waiting for them to approve my claim. says its in adjudication whatever that means. cant get anyone on the phone to explain whats happening

File online through the SecureAccess Washington portal - it's way faster than trying to do it over the phone. You'll get a confirmation number and can track your claim status online. Just remember you have to file weekly claims every week even while your initial claim is being processed.

I'm so anxious about this whole process. What if they deny my claim? What if I fill something out wrong? What if my employer lies about why I was fired? I keep reading horror stories online about people waiting months for benefits.

Pro tip: when you file your weekly claims, make sure you answer all the questions correctly about work search activities and any income you earned. Even small mistakes can cause payment delays or overpayment issues later.

Washington ESD usually processes claims pretty quickly if everything is straightforward. You should hear back within 1-2 weeks about your eligibility. The bigger issue is actually getting your payments started - that can take longer.

whatever you do dont give up if they deny your claim initially. i got denied first time because my employer claimed i was fired for misconduct but i appealed it and won. took 2 months but i got all my back pay

File your claim this week if possible. Benefits are calculated based on wages from your base period, and waiting too long can affect which quarters are included in that calculation. The sooner you file, the better.

Had to use Claimyr twice last month when I had questions about my claim - once to ask about my job search requirements and once to report a change in my work availability. Both times got through to an actual person instead of sitting on hold forever. Definitely recommend it if you need to speak with Washington ESD.

Make sure you have your Social Security card, photo ID, and bank account info ready when you apply. Also gather pay stubs from your last employer if you have them - not required but can help speed up the process.

The whole system is designed to discourage people from applying. Don't let the bureaucracy intimidate you - you paid into unemployment insurance through your payroll taxes, so you're entitled to benefits if you qualify.

One thing to watch out for - if you're offered suitable work while collecting benefits, you're required to accept it or risk losing your unemployment. 'Suitable' generally means comparable pay and within reasonable commuting distance.

Just remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can choose to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments or pay them when you file your tax return next year.

Good luck with your claim! The process seems overwhelming at first but it's really not that complicated once you get started. Most people who were terminated for performance reasons get approved without major issues.

Also keep in mind that if you do any freelance or gig work while collecting unemployment, you need to report those earnings on your weekly claims. Even if it's just a one-time job, report it honestly.

The job search requirement is 3 contacts per week but they want quality over quantity. Applying to jobs you're actually qualified for looks better than just submitting random applications to meet the number.