Will I get Washington ESD unemployment if I get fired from my job?
I'm really worried my boss might fire me next week because we've been having some conflicts lately and business has been slow. I've never been on unemployment before and I'm scared about how I'll pay my bills. Does Washington ESD approve unemployment benefits if you get fired? I've been working at this job for 2 years and I really don't want to lose it but I need to know what my options are if the worst happens.
48 comments


Dyllan Nantx
It depends on why you get fired. Washington ESD will approve your claim if you're fired for reasons beyond your control like layoffs, company downsizing, or poor performance (as long as it wasn't intentional misconduct). But if you're fired for willful misconduct like stealing, violence, or repeatedly violating company policies, you'll likely be disqualified.
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Destiny Bryant
•What exactly counts as misconduct? We've just been disagreeing about how to handle some customer situations but I haven't broken any rules or anything like that.
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Dyllan Nantx
•Disagreements with your boss usually won't disqualify you unless you were insubordinate or refused to follow reasonable work instructions. Performance issues or personality conflicts typically don't count as misconduct.
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TillyCombatwarrior
I went through this exact situation last year. Got fired after conflicts with management and Washington ESD approved my claim without any issues. The key is that they have to prove you did something intentionally wrong or against company policy. Just having disagreements isn't enough to disqualify you.
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Destiny Bryant
•That's really reassuring to hear. How long did it take for your claim to get approved?
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TillyCombatwarrior
•About 3 weeks for me, but that was pretty typical. Make sure you file immediately after you lose your job - benefits start from when you file, not when you lost the job.
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Anna Xian
If you do get fired and need to reach Washington ESD to check on your claim status or ask questions about eligibility, I'd recommend checking out Claimyr at claimyr.com. They help you get through to actual Washington ESD agents when the phone lines are busy. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. I used it when I couldn't get through after waiting on hold for hours.
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Jungleboo Soletrain
•Never heard of that service before. Is it legit? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.
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Anna Xian
•Yeah it's legitimate. They don't ask for any personal info or login credentials - they just help you get connected to the actual Washington ESD phone system when call volume is high. Saved me tons of time and frustration.
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Rajan Walker
The unemployment system is so confusing!! I got fired 6 months ago and still don't understand half the paperwork they sent me. At least I got approved though. Just make sure you keep records of everything - all your pay stubs, the termination letter, any emails with your boss.
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Destiny Bryant
•Good point about keeping records. Should I start saving emails now just in case?
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Dyllan Nantx
•Absolutely. Save anything that shows the nature of your work conflicts and whether they relate to performance vs misconduct. Documentation helps if Washington ESD needs to investigate your separation.
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Nadia Zaldivar
Here's what you need to know about Washington ESD eligibility after being fired: You must have earned enough wages in your base period (first 4 of last 5 completed quarters), you must be able and available for work, and your separation can't be due to misconduct. Performance issues, downsizing, lack of work, or personality conflicts usually qualify you for benefits.
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Destiny Bryant
•What's this base period thing? I've been working for 2 years straight so I should be fine right?
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Nadia Zaldivar
•Yes, 2 years of steady work means you'll definitely meet the wage requirements. The base period is just how they calculate your benefit amount - it's based on your wages during those 4 quarters.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
WHATEVER YOU DO DON'T QUIT! If you quit you won't get unemployment at all. Let them fire you if that's what's going to happen. At least then you have a chance at benefits.
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Destiny Bryant
•Yeah I definitely won't quit. I need this job but if they're going to fire me I want to make sure I can get some help while I look for something new.
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Ev Luca
•That's not entirely true about quitting. You can get unemployment if you quit for good cause like unsafe working conditions or harassment, but the bar is pretty high to prove it.
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Avery Davis
I was in a similar boat last summer. Got let go after some disputes with my supervisor about work methods. Filed for unemployment the same day and got approved. Washington ESD called my former employer to verify the reason for termination but since it wasn't misconduct I was fine. Just be honest on your application about what happened.
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Destiny Bryant
•Did your employer try to fight your claim?
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Avery Davis
•They responded to Washington ESD's inquiry but didn't contest it. I think they knew the conflicts weren't serious enough to justify denying benefits.
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Collins Angel
Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. Once you start getting benefits you'll need to do at least 3 job search activities per week and log them in your WorkSourceWA account. It's not just about getting approved - you have to maintain eligibility every week.
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Destiny Bryant
•What counts as job search activities?
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Collins Angel
•Applying for jobs, networking events, job fairs, informational interviews, updating your resume. They're pretty flexible but you need to document everything online.
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Marcelle Drum
The whole system is rigged against workers anyway. They make it so hard to get benefits even when you deserve them. I hope you don't have to deal with any of this but if you do, be prepared for a fight.
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Tate Jensen
•It's really not that bad if you meet the basic requirements. Most people who get denied either had misconduct issues or didn't earn enough wages.
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Marcelle Drum
•Easy for you to say. I've seen plenty of people get screwed over by adjudication delays and technicalities.
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Adaline Wong
File online as soon as possible if you do get terminated. The Washington ESD website walks you through everything step by step. Don't wait - you can't backdate your claim to before you filed.
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Destiny Bryant
•Is the online system pretty straightforward to use?
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Adaline Wong
•Yeah it's not too bad. Just have your employment history ready and be completely honest about why you were terminated. They'll investigate anyway so don't try to hide anything.
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Gabriel Ruiz
If you end up needing to call Washington ESD and can't get through (which happens A LOT), that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually works. I used it last month when I was having issues with my weekly claim and couldn't reach anyone for days. Much better than sitting on hold forever.
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Misterclamation Skyblue
•How much does something like that cost?
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Gabriel Ruiz
•I don't remember exactly but it was worth it to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD instead of getting hung up on constantly. The peace of mind was valuable.
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Peyton Clarke
Been there done that. Got fired 3 times in my career and qualified for unemployment each time. As long as you weren't stealing or doing drugs or something serious like that, you should be fine. Just file immediately and be patient with the process.
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Destiny Bryant
•Three times? That must have been stressful each time.
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Peyton Clarke
•It was but unemployment benefits really helped me get back on my feet each time. That's what the system is there for.
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Vince Eh
Don't forget about the waiting week. Even if you get approved, there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start. Plan your finances accordingly.
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Destiny Bryant
•So I wouldn't get paid for the first week even if approved?
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Vince Eh
•Right, the first week is unpaid but you still have to file your weekly claim. It's just how the system works in Washington.
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Sophia Gabriel
Your benefit amount will be based on your highest earning quarter during the base period. With 2 years of work you should get a decent weekly amount, probably somewhere between $300-800 depending on your wages.
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Destiny Bryant
•That would definitely help cover my basic expenses while I job hunt. Thanks for all the info everyone.
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Sophia Gabriel
•No problem. Hope things work out with your current job but if not, you'll be okay. The unemployment system isn't perfect but it does help when you need it.
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Tobias Lancaster
Just want to add - if your claim does get denied for any reason, you have the right to appeal. Don't give up if the initial decision doesn't go your way. Sometimes they get it wrong the first time.
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Destiny Bryant
•Good to know there's an appeal process. Hopefully I won't need any of this but I feel much better prepared now.
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TillyCombatwarrior
•Exactly. Knowledge is power when dealing with the unemployment system. You've got this!
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Ezra Beard
Last thing - if you do get fired and need help navigating the Washington ESD system, definitely consider using Claimyr if you're having trouble reaching them. I was skeptical at first but it really does work for getting through to actual agents when you need answers about your claim.
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Destiny Bryant
•I'll keep that in mind. Really appreciate everyone taking time to help me understand all this.
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Ezra Beard
•That's what these forums are for. We've all been through similar situations and it helps to share what we've learned.
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