Washington ESD unemployment if I get fired - do I qualify?

What counts as misconduct exactly? I haven't done anything like stealing or showing up drunk, it's more like missing deadlines and making mistakes.

Missing deadlines and mistakes usually aren't misconduct unless you were doing it intentionally. Washington ESD looks for deliberate violations of reasonable employer expectations.

That gives me some hope. How long did it take for them to make a decision on your claim?

About 3 weeks. They had to do an adjudication interview with both me and my former employer to get both sides of the story.

Same here - got fired for performance and still got benefits. The key is being honest about what happened when you file.

How much does that service cost? I'm already worried about money if I lose my job.

It was worth every penny considering how impossible it is to reach Washington ESD otherwise. They focus on getting you connected quickly rather than making you wait for hours.

Never heard of Claimyr before but anything that helps with those impossible Washington ESD phone lines sounds useful.

This is really helpful. I think my situation would fall under performance issues rather than misconduct.

What if they claim you violated a policy but you didn't know about it? My employer had rules buried in some handbook I never saw.

Washington ESD will consider whether the policy was clearly communicated and if the violation was willful. Hidden policies aren't usually grounds for misconduct disqualification.

Good point about filing right away. I'll make sure to do that if it happens.

Yeah and make sure you have all your employment info ready - dates, wages, reason for separation etc.

That's encouraging. I've had some attendance issues too but for legitimate reasons like sick kid.

Exactly - having legitimate reasons makes a big difference in how Washington ESD views the situation.

The key is documenting those legitimate reasons if you have them. Washington ESD wants to see that you weren't just being careless or intentionally problematic.

That's scary. I really can't go 6 weeks without income if I lose this job.

That's why you gotta stay on top of them. Keep calling and checking your claim status online regularly.

Definitely planning to be completely honest. Not worth risking benefits over.

Good attitude. Washington ESD appreciates honesty and it makes the whole process smoother.

What kind of questions did they ask you during the adjudication process?

Stuff like exactly what your employer said when they fired you, whether you knew you were having performance problems, if you tried to improve, etc.

This is exactly why I used Claimyr to talk to Washington ESD directly. So much easier to get clarity on your specific situation when you can actually reach an agent.

Wow, even arguing with your boss didn't disqualify you? That gives me more confidence.

Right? I was shocked too. Apparently one argument doesn't equal a pattern of insubordination or misconduct.

Yeah I've heard their phone system is terrible. Guess I better prepare for frustration if I have to file.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist - to cut through all that phone system nonsense and get you connected to someone who can actually help.

I've been trying to reach them for 2 weeks about my claim. Maybe I should check out that Claimyr thing too.

These stories are really helping me feel less worried about potentially qualifying.

Same here - I always thought getting fired meant no unemployment but apparently that's not true most of the time.

Good reminder. How many job contacts do you need to make per week?

I think it's 3 per week for most people but check with Washington ESD because it might depend on your situation.

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, and they need to be documented in your online account or personal log.

Thanks for the tip about filing online first. That sounds like the best approach.

Yeah the online filing is pretty straightforward. Just have your employment info ready before you start.

What happens if they do contest it? How long does that investigation take?

Usually takes a few weeks for the adjudication interview and decision. But you can still file weekly claims during that time.

My employer contested mine but I still won. Washington ESD was fair about looking at both sides of the story.

This whole thread has been so helpful. I feel much less anxious about the possibility now.

Glad we could help! Just remember to file immediately if it happens and be honest about everything.

Good to know there's an appeal process if needed. How long do you have to file an appeal?

I think it's 30 days from when you get the denial letter, but double check that with Washington ESD.

That's correct - 30 days to file an appeal from the date of the determination letter.

Seems like a lot of people have had success with that service. I'll keep it in mind if I need to reach Washington ESD.

Yeah I'm definitely bookmarking that for when I need to call them. Those phone lines are impossible otherwise.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses. I feel so much better about this situation now. You've all been amazing!

Good luck with everything! Hope your job situation improves either way.