When fired can you collect unemployment - Washington ESD eligibility rules?

You can definitely still apply for unemployment benefits even if you were fired. Washington ESD looks at the reason for termination - if it was for misconduct then you'd be disqualified, but performance issues usually don't count as misconduct. The key is whether your employer can prove willful misconduct versus just not meeting expectations.

File your claim ASAP - you can always appeal if they deny it initially. I was fired for 'attitude problems' and still got approved after the adjudication process. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination based on the facts.

Been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my own claim issue. Their phone lines are always busy and I keep getting disconnected. Found this service called Claimyr that actually helped me get through to an agent - check out claimyr.com if you need to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST WORKERS!!! They'll find any excuse to deny your claim especially if your employer fights it. I got fired for 'insubordination' which was complete BS and had to appeal three times before I got approved.

same thing happened to me

Important to note - even if you get approved, you still need to actively search for work and report your job search activities weekly. Washington ESD requires documentation of at least 3 job search activities per week. Keep detailed records of applications, interviews, networking contacts, etc.

One thing to watch out for - if your employer contests your claim, be prepared to provide documentation. Save any emails, performance reviews, or other evidence that shows you weren't fired for misconduct. The burden of proof is on the employer to show misconduct occurred.

I was in HR for 15 years and can tell you that most employers won't fight unemployment claims unless it's really egregious misconduct. It costs them time and money to contest, and they usually only do it for theft, violence, or gross insubordination.

File your claim online at esd.wa.gov - it's pretty straightforward. Just be honest about the reason for separation and let Washington ESD make the determination. Don't overthink it.

My brother got fired from Amazon warehouse for 'productivity' and still got unemployment. Took a few weeks for adjudication but he was approved. Performance issues are usually not misconduct under Washington law.

Here's what I learned from my appeal hearing - Washington ESD uses a 'reasonable person' standard. Would a reasonable person in your position have done the same thing? If yes, it's not misconduct. Simple poor performance or lack of skills isn't willful misconduct.

Update on Claimyr - used them again last week to get through to Washington ESD about my weekly claim issue. Worked like a charm, got connected to an agent in under 10 minutes. Definitely recommend if you need to speak with someone directly about your claim status.

Whatever you do, don't delay filing. There's a waiting week anyway, and if you wait too long you might miss out on benefits. File immediately and let Washington ESD sort out the eligibility.

I got denied initially when I was fired for 'poor performance' but won on appeal. The key was showing I was trying to improve and that I never received proper training. Washington ESD reversed their decision after the hearing.

washington esd is so backed up right now. took forever to get my claim processed even though it was straightforward. just be patient with the system

Don't let them intimidate you with fancy words like 'misconduct' and 'insubordination.' Most of the time it's just corporate speak for 'we don't want to pay unemployment.' Stand your ground and appeal if necessary.

Check your employee handbook if you still have it - sometimes it defines what they consider misconduct vs performance issues. Can help you understand how strong their case might be.

Used Claimyr twice now and it's been worth every penny. Beat spending my whole day trying to get through to Washington ESD. Their customer service is actually helpful unlike trying to navigate the phone system yourself.

Bottom line - being fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. The reason matters more than the fact that you were terminated. File your claim and let the system work.

One last tip - if you do get denied, don't panic. The appeal process is there for a reason and lots of people win on appeal. Just make sure you file the appeal within the deadline (usually 30 days).