Washington ESD unemployment if fired for not having babysitter - can I still qualify?

This is actually a complicated situation for Washington ESD. Missing work without permission can be considered misconduct, but if you can prove you had no reasonable childcare alternatives and made good faith efforts to resolve the situation, you might still qualify. You'll need to document everything - daycare closure notices, your attempts to find backup care, any communication with your employer about the situation.

You should definitely file for unemployment. The worst they can say is no, and childcare issues are often considered beyond your control. I had a similar situation in 2023 and Washington ESD approved my claim after adjudication. Just be completely honest on your application about why you were terminated.

ugh this is so frustrating!! I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days about my own claim and can never get through. The phone system is horrible and I keep getting disconnected after waiting for hours. How are you supposed to explain your situation if you can't even talk to anyone?

I think you have a good chance of getting approved. Washington state generally recognizes that childcare emergencies are beyond an employee's control. The key is proving you didn't just quit showing up - you had legitimate reasons each time.

File immediately and don't wait. Even if your claim gets denied initially, you have the right to appeal. Sometimes Washington ESD's initial decision isn't the final word, especially in cases involving childcare emergencies.

This happened to my sister in law last year. She got fired for missing work due to childcare issues and Washington ESD approved her claim. They said since she made good faith efforts to resolve the situation and communicated with her employer, it wasn't misconduct. Just make sure you can prove you tried to work with your employer.

Whatever you do, don't lie or leave anything out on your application. Washington ESD will investigate and talk to your employer anyway. Being honest about the childcare situation is your best bet.

The waiting is the worst part. I'm in adjudication right now for a different issue and it's been 4 weeks. At least you have documentation of your situation which should help speed things up.

I would also suggest looking into childcare assistance programs while you're job searching. DSHS has programs that can help with childcare costs so this doesn't happen again with your next job.

I had to use Claimyr too when I couldn't get through to Washington ESD. It really works - they called me back within a few hours and I was connected to an agent who helped me understand my adjudication status. Way better than spending days trying to call yourself.

The job search requirements are something to keep in mind too. Even if your claim gets approved, you'll need to be actively looking for work and meeting the weekly requirements. Just something to prepare for while you're waiting for your adjudication decision.

honestly the whole system is broken. single parents get screwed over constantly and then the government acts like we're the problem. but you should still file because you deserve help

File ASAP and request your adjudication interview as soon as possible. The sooner you can explain your side of the story to Washington ESD, the sooner you'll get a decision. Don't wait around hoping it resolves itself.

Same thing happened to me in 2022. Got fired for missing work due to my kid being sick repeatedly. Washington ESD approved my claim because I had doctor's notes and showed I tried to work with my employer. Your situation sounds similar - you have documentation and made good faith efforts.

Make sure you understand the difference between misconduct and just being unable to meet job requirements. Childcare emergencies often fall into the second category which is much better for your unemployment claim.

Just wanted to add that you should also file for other assistance programs like SNAP and WIC if you qualify. Don't rely on just unemployment while you're waiting for your claim to be processed.