Washington ESD unemployment - can you collect if you got fired from your job?

You can definitely apply! Washington ESD looks at the specific reason for termination. If it was performance-related rather than misconduct, you might still qualify. File your claim as soon as possible since there's a waiting period anyway.

I got fired from my retail job for being late too many times and still got approved for UI benefits. The key is that Washington ESD has to determine if it was 'misconduct' or just not being a good fit for the job. Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct.

File immediately and don't worry about the outcome right now. Even if you get initially denied, you can appeal the decision. I had to go through an appeal hearing last year and ended up winning my case. The worst thing you can do is not file at all.

Ugh trying to reach Washington ESD to ask questions about this stuff is impossible. I've been calling for days and either get busy signals or get disconnected after waiting on hold forever. Anyone know a better way to get through?

Performance issues are totally different from misconduct in Washington ESD's eyes. Misconduct is like stealing, fighting, or deliberately violating company policy. Not being able to meet productivity standards or having scheduling conflicts usually doesn't count as misconduct.

I got fired for attendance issues (single mom, daycare problems) and Washington ESD approved my claim after about a month of adjudication. They understood that I wasn't being insubordinate, just dealing with life circumstances.

File online at esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the longer it takes to get your first payment. Even if there's an adjudication delay, you'll get backpay to your filing date if approved.

Make sure you have all your employment information ready when you file - dates, wages, reason for separation. Washington ESD will contact your employer to verify everything you report.

honestly the whole system is rigged against workers anyway. companies can fire you for any made up reason and then fight your unemployment claim to save money on their taxes. its disgusting

I was terminated from my accounting job for 'not meeting expectations' and got approved for benefits. The adjudicator said that performance issues without willful misconduct typically qualify for UI. Don't let the fear of denial stop you from filing.

The key thing is to be completely honest in your application. If you try to hide the fact that you were fired, it will definitely hurt your case later. Washington ESD will find out anyway when they contact your employer.

File your claim this week! I waited too long thinking I wouldn't qualify and missed out on benefits I could have been collecting. Even if you're not sure, let Washington ESD make the determination - that's their job.

Remember you'll also need to do job search activities while your claim is processing. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week, so start keeping track of your applications and interviews.

I was fired for 'not being a team player' which was really just me refusing to work unpaid overtime. Got approved for unemployment after they investigated. Sounds like your situation might be similar with the overtime demands.

Quick question - do you have to wait a week before filing or can you file immediately after being terminated?

Make sure you understand the difference between being fired for cause vs. performance issues. Washington ESD treats them very differently when determining eligibility for benefits.

If you do get denied initially, don't give up! The appeal process exists for a reason. I've seen people win appeals even when their initial claim was denied. Sometimes it just takes getting in front of an administrative law judge to tell your side of the story.

When I was having trouble getting through to Washington ESD for updates on my adjudication, I used Claimyr and it was a game changer. Actually got to talk to someone instead of just waiting endlessly on hold. Definitely worth checking out if you need to speak with an agent about your claim.

Just want to add - document everything from your former job if you can. Pay stubs, performance reviews, any emails about the overtime expectations. It might help during the adjudication process.

Update us when you file and let us know how it goes! I'm always curious to hear how these cases turn out.