Who pays unemployment when you get fired - Washington ESD confused about funding source

That makes sense! So the employer pays into the system ahead of time, not when someone actually files a claim?

Exactly. It's like insurance - employers pay premiums (taxes) into the system, and then when workers become unemployed through no fault of their own, they can draw benefits from that fund.

Interesting. So there could be a financial incentive for employers to fight unemployment claims?

Some employers do contest claims, especially if they believe the termination was for misconduct rather than performance issues. But if you were fired for performance and not willful misconduct, you should still qualify.

This is why I used Claimyr to help me get through to Washington ESD when my employer contested my claim. They have a service at claimyr.com that helps you actually reach an agent instead of getting stuck in phone loops. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

My termination letter says 'failure to meet performance expectations' - does that sound like something that would qualify for benefits?

That language suggests performance rather than misconduct, which is generally good for UI eligibility. You should file your claim and let Washington ESD make the determination.

Adjudication can take weeks or even months unfortunately. If you can't get through to Washington ESD by phone, some people have had success with services like Claimyr that help you reach an actual agent to check on your claim status.

I've never heard of that but I'm desperate at this point. The regular Washington ESD phone lines are impossible

Are there different tax rates for different types of employers?

Yes, the tax rate varies based on the employer's experience rating (how many former employees have collected benefits) and the type of industry. New employers start at a standard rate.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved?

About 3 weeks total. The first week was just processing, then they did a brief investigation that took another 2 weeks, then I was approved and got my first payment.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already broke from being unemployed

They focus on just helping you get connected rather than charging huge fees. The main thing is it actually works - I tried calling Washington ESD myself for weeks with no luck.

Really? So I don't have to wait for the employer dispute to be resolved?

Correct, but if the appeal later goes against you, you might have to pay back any benefits you received. That's why it's important to be truthful in your initial application.

That's exactly what I was worried about! My manager made it sound like being fired automatically disqualifies you.

nope, lots of people who get fired still qualify. the only thing that really disqualifies you is quitting without good cause or being fired for serious misconduct

That seems like a pretty wide range. What determines where an employer falls in that range?

It's primarily based on their history of former employees collecting benefits. Companies with high turnover or frequent layoffs pay higher rates.

You're thinking of the Family and Medical Leave program (PFML) which does have employee contributions. Regular unemployment insurance in Washington is entirely employer-funded.

Ah thanks for the clarification! I always get those mixed up.

Good point. I was hesitating because of what my manager said but I should just file and see what happens.

Exactly. And if you run into issues reaching Washington ESD during the process, there are services like Claimyr that can help you get through to an actual person instead of dealing with busy signals all day.

No, the reason for your job separation doesn't affect your benefit amount or duration if you're approved. Those are based on your work history and wages earned.

That's a relief. I was worried I'd get less money or fewer weeks because I was terminated.

How many job applications do you need to do per week?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but they can be applications, networking events, career workshops, etc. You have to keep detailed records.

If you need to check on your claim status and can't get through the regular phone lines, try Claimyr. They helped me reach a Washington ESD agent who could tell me exactly where my claim stood in the process.

I'll look into that, thanks. The not knowing is almost worse than being unemployed.

That's good advice. I do have documentation of my performance reviews and the improvement plan they put me on.

Perfect! That documentation will help show it was a performance issue rather than misconduct, which should work in your favor.

That's reassuring to hear from someone on the employer side. What would you consider misconduct vs. performance?

Misconduct would be things like theft, harassment, repeatedly violating safety rules, or refusing to do assigned work. Missing deadlines or not meeting sales goals would typically be performance issues.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.

Good luck! The whole process can be stressful but it's there to help people in situations exactly like yours.