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

Yes, you can usually collect unemployment even if you're fired, but it depends on the specific reason. Washington ESD will review your case to determine if you were terminated for 'misconduct' or just general performance/incompetence. Performance issues typically don't disqualify you, but misconduct (like stealing, violating company policy, etc.) would. Since you weren't written up, that's actually good for your case.

I went through this exact same situation last year. Filed my claim online at esd.wa.gov and Washington ESD approved me even though I was technically 'fired' for not meeting sales targets. The key is being honest about what happened when you file. They'll contact your employer to get their side of the story too.

File your claim ASAP regardless. Even if there's a question about eligibility, you want to get the process started. If Washington ESD denies your claim initially, you can always appeal. I had to use Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually get through to an ESD agent when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Their system automatically calls and gets you connected to a real person - way better than sitting on hold for hours. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

the washington esd system is so messed up, they'll probably deny you first just to make you jump through hoops. happened to me and three other people i know. its like they want to discourage people from filing

Make sure you have all your employment details ready when you file - dates, wages, reason for separation. Washington ESD will ask for specific information about your termination. Be factual but don't oversell their case against you.

Been there. Got fired from my retail job for being 'too slow' according to the manager. Washington ESD approved my claim no problem. Like others said, performance stuff usually doesn't count as misconduct. File online and don't stress too much about it.

Word of advice - start applying for jobs immediately even while your claim is processing. Washington ESD requires you to be actively looking for work and you'll need to log your job search activities. Better to get ahead of that requirement.

I'm going through something similar right now. Got 'laid off' but I think it was really because I complained about safety issues. My claim has been in adjudication for 2 weeks now and I can't get anyone at Washington ESD on the phone to tell me what's happening.

Just to clarify something - even if you're denied initially, you have the right to appeal. I see a lot of people give up after the first denial but the appeal process often works in your favor, especially for termination cases that aren't clear-cut misconduct.

Washington ESD is actually pretty reasonable about termination cases compared to some states. As long as you weren't stealing or doing something obviously wrong, you'll probably be fine. I got UI after being fired for 'attitude problems' lol

One thing to watch out for - if your employer contests your claim, it might take longer to get approved. They'll do a more thorough investigation. But don't let that scare you away from filing.

honestly the worst part about being fired is the blow to your self-esteem. but remember unemployment benefits are something you and your employer paid into - you're not asking for charity, you're claiming something you're entitled to if you meet the requirements

Quick tip - when you file online, take screenshots of everything. Sometimes the Washington ESD website glitches and you want proof of what you submitted and when.

My brother got fired from his warehouse job for 'not keeping up with the pace' and got approved for UI benefits. Washington ESD seems to understand that not everyone can work at superhuman speed. Your situation sounds similar - performance issues, not misconduct.

Whatever you do, don't lie on your application. Washington ESD cross-checks everything with your employer and if they catch you in a lie, that's automatic disqualification. Be honest but don't volunteer information that hurts your case.

The good news is that most terminations for performance reasons get approved. Washington ESD knows the difference between someone who can't do the job and someone who willfully violated rules. You'll probably be fine, especially with no prior warnings.

One more thing - if you do need to talk to someone at Washington ESD and can't get through on the phone, I had success with Claimyr too. It's frustrating when you're dealing with a claim issue and can't reach anyone for help. Their automated calling system actually works.