What can you get fired for and still collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits?

That's somewhat reassuring. The write-ups are for things like being 5 minutes late or not following a new procedure perfectly. Nothing willful or deliberate on my part.

Yeah performance issues are different from misconduct. I got fired for not hitting sales targets and still got approved for unemployment after the initial review.

What about if they say I was insubordinate for questioning a policy change? I asked my supervisor why we were changing a procedure that was working fine.

Simply questioning a policy isn't insubordination unless you refused to follow it or were disrespectful. Asking 'why' shows engagement, not defiance.

Good point about documentation. I've been keeping copies of everything. Did you have trouble reaching Washington ESD when you filed?

Oh yeah, getting through to them was impossible. Spent hours on hold. Actually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected to an agent quickly. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that explains how it works.

Excessive absenteeism can be misconduct if it's willful, but legitimate illness or family emergencies usually aren't disqualifying. Washington ESD looks at the specific circumstances.

my cousin got fired for missing work cause her kid was sick all the time and she still got benefits. They said it wasnt misconduct just poor attendance

This is helpful. My situation sounds more like they want me gone but don't have grounds for misconduct. Just trying to build a paper trail.

Exactly. Many employers try to create documentation to avoid paying unemployment taxes, but Washington ESD sees through that. Focus on doing your job and following policies as best you can.

How long did the approval process take? I'm worried about gaps in income if this goes to adjudication.

Mine took about 2 weeks because my employer didn't contest it. If they fight it, could take longer for adjudication.

What about if they say I violated the dress code by wearing sneakers instead of dress shoes one day?

One violation probably wouldn't be misconduct unless it was after multiple warnings and clearly willful. Pattern of defiance is different from honest mistakes.

Yeah they need to show you knew the rule and intentionally broke it. One time thing probably not misconduct

I feel your frustration but Washington ESD does protect workers from unfair denials. Most terminations don't rise to the level of misconduct.

Maybe but good luck getting through to them to explain your side. Phone system is a joke!

Sleeping on duty is typically considered misconduct since it's a willful act that violates basic job responsibilities. Your 'friend' might have trouble getting benefits.

depends on the circumstances tho. if it was medical issue or they were working double shifts might be different

Thanks for the insider perspective. That makes me feel a bit better about my situation. The write-ups seem petty rather than serious.

Petty write-ups actually work against the employer in unemployment hearings. Shows they're trying to manufacture cause rather than addressing real misconduct.

Did you have to appeal or was it approved initially?

Approved initially after they reviewed my employer's response. Took about 3 weeks total.

None of those apply to my situation thankfully. Sounds like I should be okay if they do terminate me.

Even some of those can be appealed depending on circumstances. Washington ESD looks at each case individually.

Several people have mentioned that service. Might be worth trying if I can't get through the regular way.

Yeah Claimyr saved me hours of calling. Worth it when you need answers about your claim status or eligibility.

That's reassuring. I've been a model employee except for these recent nitpicky issues they're documenting.

Sounds like they're trying to push you out rather than fire you for cause. Document everything and you should be fine for unemployment.

How did you prove it was just a personality conflict and not actual misconduct?

I kept all my performance reviews which showed I was meeting job requirements. The 'communication' issue was subjective and couldn't be proven as misconduct.

Good to know the exact legal standard. Helps me evaluate my own situation more objectively.

yeah the substantial part is key. minor stuff usually doesn't count even if its technically against policy

Thanks for sharing that example. My situation sounds similar - unrealistic expectations rather than actual misconduct.

Unrealistic performance standards definitely aren't misconduct. You should be fine for unemployment benefits.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. Feeling much more confident about my situation now.

Good luck! Most people in your situation end up getting benefits. Just file as soon as you're terminated and be honest about the circumstances.