Can I get unemployment benefits if I am wrongfully terminated?
Yes, in the state of Washington, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you were wrongfully terminated. A wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for an illegal reason, such as discrimination or harassment. In Washington, an employer must demonstrate that an employee was lawfully terminated—such as for performance-related reasons—in order for an employee to be denied unemployment benefits. To qualify for unemployment benefits, the affected employee must meet certain criteria set forth by the Washington Employment Security Department. This includes having worked for an employer for at least 680 hours in a 12-month period, and becoming unemployed through no fault of their own. In other words, it must be the fault of the employer, not the employee. In Washington, you should file a claim for unemployment benefits with the Employment Security Department as soon as possible after you are wrongfully terminated. Your claim should give details of why you were wrongfully terminated, such as discrimination or harassment. The Employment Security Department will review the claim and make a determination of whether or not you are eligible for benefits. If it is determined that you have been wrongfully terminated, you may be able to receive unemployment benefits to help cover your expenses while you search for a new job. It is important to note that the amount of benefits you receive will depend on your earnings in the base period of your claim.
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