Washington ESD unemployment if you are fired for cause - can you still collect benefits?

You can absolutely still file for Washington ESD benefits even if you were fired for cause. The key is that Washington uses the term 'misconduct' not just 'cause' - and there's a specific legal definition. Being late repeatedly might not rise to the level of misconduct that would disqualify you. You should file immediately because there's a waiting period, and if you're approved, you want those benefits to start as soon as possible.

I was fired for cause last year (insubordination according to my boss) and still got approved for UI benefits after an adjudication period. Washington ESD looks at the specifics of each case. File your claim online at esd.wa.gov and let them decide - don't make the decision for them by not filing.

def file ASAP!! I tried calling Washington ESD for weeks to ask this same question and could never get through. Finally used claimyr.com to actually reach an agent who explained that tardiness alone usually doesn't disqualify you unless it was really excessive. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Worth checking out if you need to talk to someone at ESD.

The Washington ESD adjudication process will review your termination and determine if it meets the legal standard for misconduct. Attendance issues typically need to be willful disregard of your work schedule, not just performance problems or isolated incidents. Make sure you file within the eligibility period and be honest about the circumstances of your termination.

ugh the whole system is rigged against workers anyway. they'll probably find some reason to deny you even if you deserve benefits. but yeah you should still file because sometimes you get lucky

Update: I filed my claim online this morning. The process was actually pretty straightforward. Now I'm in 'pending' status waiting for the adjudication decision. Fingers crossed!

I was in almost the exact same situation - fired for attendance at a warehouse job. Took Washington ESD about 3 weeks to make a decision but I was approved. The key thing they asked about was whether I had been given clear warnings and opportunities to improve, which I had been.

Just want to say don't let anyone make you feel bad about filing for unemployment. You paid into this system through your taxes and it's there for situations exactly like this. Being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from benefits you've earned.

Make sure you're also looking for work and documenting your job search activities. Even while your claim is in adjudication, you need to meet the job search requirements if you want to get benefits.

My brother was fired for cause and still got benefits but it took forever to get through to ESD when he had questions about his claim status. He ended up using some service called Claimyr that helped him reach an actual person. Seemed legit.

Important to note that even if you're initially denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process gives you another chance to present your case if the initial adjudication doesn't go your way.

been there done that - got fired for 'poor performance' which they tried to say was misconduct but Washington ESD saw right through it. performance issues are not the same as misconduct. sounds like your situation is similar

One thing to watch out for - your employer might contest your claim. If they do, you'll get a notice and have to provide your side of the story. Don't panic if this happens, it's pretty common.

This whole thread is why I love this forum. So much better than trying to navigate the ESD website or sit on hold forever. OP you're doing the right thing by filing regardless of how you were terminated.

Quick question - do you have to report that you were fired for cause when you file, or can you just say you were terminated?

For what it's worth, I know several people who were fired and still got unemployment. Washington ESD really does look at each case individually. Don't assume you're disqualified before you even try.

Had a similar situation but with a retail job - fired for cash register shortages. Washington ESD approved my benefits because the shortages weren't proven to be intentional. The burden of proof is on the employer to show misconduct, not on you to prove innocence.

Final update: Just wanted to thank everyone for the encouragement to file. Got my determination letter today and I was approved for benefits! The adjudicator agreed that chronic tardiness due to personal issues didn't constitute willful misconduct. Starting to get payments next week.