Will you get Washington ESD unemployment if you get fired from your job?

It depends on the reason for termination. Washington ESD will review the circumstances. If it's for misconduct (stealing, violence, repeated policy violations), you'll be disqualified. But if it's for poor performance despite good faith effort, you might still qualify. Your friend should file anyway and let Washington ESD decide.

I got fired from my last job for attendance and still got approved for UI benefits. The key is whether it was willful misconduct or not. Washington ESD looks at each case individually during the adjudication process.

Your friend should definitely file immediately after termination. Even if the employer contests it, Washington ESD will conduct an investigation. I've seen people get approved even after being fired if the employer can't prove willful misconduct. The burden is on the employer to show it was misconduct, not just poor performance.

I had a similar situation last year and couldn't get through to anyone at Washington ESD for weeks to check on my claim status. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent. They have this video that shows exactly how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process so much easier.

The whole system is rigged against workers anyway. Employers can make up whatever story they want and Washington ESD usually sides with them. I got denied after being fired for 'insubordination' when I just questioned a safety violation.

Wait, so if you get fired you can still get unemployment? I thought only people who got laid off could collect benefits.

I work in HR and see this all the time. Most performance-related terminations don't rise to the level of misconduct for UI purposes. We usually don't even contest these claims unless there was clear policy violation or dishonesty involved.

The important thing is to file right away. You can't get benefits for weeks you didn't file, even if you're eventually approved. I made that mistake and lost out on 3 weeks of payments.

What about if you're fired during your probationary period? I got let go after 2 months and wondering if I can still file.

Been through this process twice now. First time I got denied, second time approved. The difference was having better documentation of what actually happened. Tell your friend to write down everything they remember about the incidents leading to termination.

Washington ESD has gotten so much better at processing these claims compared to a few years ago. The adjudication process is still slow but at least they're thorough about investigating both sides.

Just want to echo what others said about filing immediately. Even if you think you might not qualify, let Washington ESD make that determination. The worst they can do is say no, but you might be surprised.

I used to manage people and we rarely contested UI claims for performance issues. It's expensive and time-consuming for employers to fight these things unless there was serious misconduct involved.

Another vote for using Claimyr if you need to actually talk to someone at Washington ESD. I spent weeks trying to get through on my own before finding out about their service. Would have saved me so much stress.

One more thing - make sure your friend knows about the job search requirements once they start collecting. You have to do 3 job search activities per week and keep a log.

Bottom line - getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment. It all depends on the specific circumstances. Your friend should file and see what happens.

Good luck to your friend! The uncertainty is stressful but the system does work if you're patient and provide accurate information.

Just remember that even if there's an initial denial, the appeal process exists for a reason. Don't give up if the first decision doesn't go your way.

Last thought - if your friend does get approved, they should set aside money for taxes. UI benefits are taxable income and it's easy to forget that when you're struggling financially.

Hope everything works out for your friend. Being fired is stressful enough without worrying about how you're going to pay bills. At least Washington ESD provides a safety net when it's not your fault.