When you get fired can you get unemployment in Washington state?

Yes, you can absolutely apply for unemployment even if you were fired! The key is whether you were fired for misconduct or just poor performance. If it was performance-related and you weren't willfully negligent, you should be eligible. Washington ESD will investigate your claim and make a determination.

File your claim right away! Don't wait. Even if your employer contests it, you can still get benefits while Washington ESD investigates. The worst thing you can do is delay filing because you're unsure.

I was in a similar situation last year. Got fired for 'performance issues' but it was really because my new manager didn't like me. I filed for unemployment and got approved after they did an investigation. Your employer will get a chance to provide their side, but as long as you weren't doing anything intentionally wrong, you should be fine.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status or get questions answered, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a human agent. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Saved me hours of trying to call and getting busy signals.

Here's what you need to know about Washington ESD eligibility when fired: You CAN get benefits if you were fired for inability to do the job, lack of skills, or poor performance (as long as it wasn't willful). You CANNOT get benefits if you were fired for misconduct like theft, harassment, or intentionally violating policies. Based on what you described, you should definitely apply.

I got fired 6 months ago and I'm still fighting with Washington ESD about my claim. They initially denied it saying it was misconduct but I appealed and now it's been in adjudication forever. This system is so broken.

Don't assume you can't get benefits just because you were fired! I thought the same thing when I got let go, but it turned out my employer couldn't prove misconduct and I was approved. The key is being honest on your application about what happened.

Whatever you do, don't quit before they fire you thinking it will help your unemployment case. Being fired for performance is usually better than quitting without good cause for UI purposes.

The fact that you had no written warnings is actually really good for your case. Washington ESD looks at whether the employer followed progressive discipline policies. If they just fired you out of nowhere, that supports your claim.

File your weekly claims even while your initial claim is being processed. You don't want to miss out on benefits for weeks you're unemployed if your claim gets approved.

I hate how employers can just say 'performance issues' and fire people but then try to fight unemployment claims. It's like they want to have it both ways.

Make sure you're actively looking for work and keeping track of your job search activities. Washington ESD requires you to be able and available for work and actively seeking employment.

If Washington ESD does an investigation, they'll contact your employer and possibly interview you by phone. Be prepared to explain your side of what happened clearly and factually.

I used to work in HR and I can tell you that most terminations for 'poor performance' don't disqualify people from unemployment, especially if there was no progressive discipline. Your employer would need to prove willful misconduct.

Document everything about your termination while it's fresh in your memory - date, time, who was present, exact words used, etc. This could be important if there's an appeal or hearing later.

The most important thing is to file your claim immediately. Every week you delay is a week of potential benefits you're losing. Even if you're not sure about eligibility, let Washington ESD make that determination.

One more thing - if you do get benefits and find work, make sure to report your earnings properly on your weekly claims. Washington ESD is strict about overpayments and you don't want to create more problems down the road.

I had a friend who used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when she couldn't get through to Washington ESD about her adjudication. She said it was really easy to use and she finally got to talk to someone who could explain what was happening with her claim.

Bottom line: being fired does NOT automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. Performance issues, inability to do the job, or lack of skills are generally not considered misconduct. File your claim and let Washington ESD sort it out.