Washington ESD unemployment benefits when you get fired - am I eligible?

Yes, you can potentially get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, but it depends on the reason. Washington ESD will determine if you were terminated for 'misconduct' or not. Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless they were willful or deliberate.

File your claim ASAP! Even if your employer contests it, you should still apply. The worst they can say is no, but you might be surprised. I got fired from my last job and still got benefits after they reviewed my case.

I had a similar situation and what really helped me was using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my claim. The phone lines are always busy but their service helped me reach an actual agent who explained exactly what documentation I needed. You can check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - it was worth it to get real answers instead of guessing.

UGH the whole system is so frustrating!! I got fired from my job 6 months ago and it took FOREVER to get my benefits sorted out. My employer lied about why they fired me and I had to fight it through the appeal process. Just be prepared for a battle if your employer decides to contest your claim.

The key thing to remember is Washington ESD looks at whether you were fired for 'misconduct' specifically. Things like attendance issues due to illness, performance problems you were trying to improve, or personality conflicts usually don't qualify as misconduct. You have a good chance if it was truly performance-related.

To clarify the misconduct question - Washington ESD defines misconduct as deliberate violations of workplace standards or policies. Simply being unable to meet performance standards, especially if you were making a good faith effort, typically doesn't qualify. Missing work for family emergencies when you followed proper notification procedures is definitely not misconduct.

File your weekly claims even while the determination is pending! I made the mistake of waiting and lost out on benefits for those weeks. As long as you're actively looking for work, keep filing.

My brother got fired last year for being late too many times and still got unemployment. His employer didn't even contest it. Sometimes companies don't bother fighting these claims especially if they know it wasn't really misconduct.

I used Claimyr when I needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my claim status. It's been a lifesaver because calling directly is almost impossible. The agents they connect you with are super helpful and can explain your specific situation. Worth checking out if you run into issues.

Don't let them intimidate you! Employers sometimes exaggerate the reasons for termination hoping you won't file for benefits. Stick to the facts and let Washington ESD decide. The worst case scenario is they deny your claim and you appeal.

Make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file - dates of employment, your supervisor's name, your gross wages, etc. The application process is pretty straightforward but having everything organized helps.

Been there! Got canned from my job 3 years ago for 'attitude problems' which was really just me standing up for myself. Still got my benefits after they investigated. Performance issues are usually not misconduct unless you were deliberately sabotaging your work.

One thing to keep in mind - if your claim gets contested and goes to adjudication, it can take several weeks to get a decision. But don't let that stop you from filing. You can always appeal if the initial decision isn't in your favor.

Whatever you do, don't delay filing! You can't get benefits for weeks before you actually file your claim, even if you were eligible. The sooner you apply, the sooner you might start getting payments.

I had to use Claimyr twice when dealing with my unemployment claim - once to check on my adjudication status and once when I had questions about my job search requirements. Both times the Washington ESD agents were really helpful and saved me from making mistakes that could have jeopardized my benefits.

Just remember that even if you get denied initially, you have appeal rights. I know several people who were denied at first but won on appeal. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way!