Can EDD approve unemployment if fired due to a PIP (Performance Improvement Plan)?

Yes, you can absolutely apply for unemployment benefits even if you were let go due to a PIP. The key factor EDD looks at is whether your termination was due to "misconduct" - which has a specific legal definition in unemployment law. Generally, simply not meeting performance expectations does NOT count as misconduct. Misconduct typically involves willful disregard for your employer's interests - like intentionally breaking rules, excessive unexcused absences, insubordination, etc. Being unable to meet performance goals despite your best efforts is not misconduct. I recommend applying ASAP and being honest in your application. If your employer contests it (they might), you'll have an opportunity to explain your side during an eligibility interview. Make sure to emphasize that you tried your best to meet the requirements but they were unrealistic given your resources/situation.

omg i had the same thing happen! My manager put me on a PIP and i knew right away they were just building a case to fire me. Applied for EDD and got approved no problem. Just be honest about what happened

The key distinction EDD makes is between being fired for "misconduct" versus simply not meeting performance standards. Performance issues alone typically don't disqualify you from benefits. What matters in your case: 1. Were you genuinely trying to meet the PIP requirements? (sounds like yes) 2. Were the expectations objectively unreasonable? (document this if possible) 3. Did you communicate your challenges to management? (you mentioned you did) If your employer contests your claim, you'll have an eligibility interview. During this interview, be prepared to explain specifically why the PIP targets were unreasonable and how you attempted to meet them despite the challenges. Keep any documentation related to the PIP, your efforts to meet it, and any communication about resource constraints. These will be valuable if there's a dispute.

I got fired after a PIP at my last job (marketing agency) and I definitely got unemployment! My boss made me sign this long document saying I acknowledged my "poor performance" but EDD still approved me. The interviewer just asked if I tried my best to meet expectations and I said yes and explained the situation. Don't stress too much!

Since everyone's focusing on eligibility, I wanted to mention something practical: when you apply, expect to be initially denied if your employer contests it. This happens A LOT with performance-related terminations. Don't panic if this happens! You'll get scheduled for an eligibility phone interview - and this is where having your documentation ready is crucial. I've seen this play out dozens of times, and employees who can clearly articulate how they tried to meet expectations but couldn't due to factors outside their control usually win these cases. The problem is getting through to EDD if you have questions or need to follow up. After being unable to reach anyone for weeks when my claim was stuck in pending after my interview, I found a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually got me connected to an EDD agent without the endless busy signals. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Totally worth it for peace of mind.

BE CAREFUL HERE!!! The other comments are partially right but missing something important: it depends on WHY you were put on the PIP in the first place! If you were put on a PIP for things like chronic tardiness, insubordination, or breaking company policies, that could actually count as misconduct even if it was labeled as "performance issues." But if it was truly just not meeting sales quotas or coding deadlines or whatever metrics they set, that's different. Make sure you understand the REAL reason they put you on the PIP before you apply. Your employer might frame it differently than you expect when they respond to EDD.

has anyone gone through the phone interview for this kind of situation? how long did it take? i been waiting 3 weeks for mine!!

One more important thing to keep in mind: when you apply, you'll be asked to provide your reason for separation. Make sure you select "discharged/fired" rather than "quit" or anything else. Then, when explaining the circumstances, be straightforward but focus on facts rather than emotions. Something like: "I was terminated after being placed on a performance improvement plan. Despite my best efforts to meet the requirements, including [specific examples of what you did], I was unable to achieve the targets set by management. I believe the expectations were not reasonable given [specific constraints]." Avoid saying negative things about your former employer or supervisor, as this can sometimes work against you. Stick to the facts about what happened and how you tried to meet expectations.

Also, don't forget that if you're approved for benefits, you'll still need to meet ongoing eligibility requirements: 1. Certify for benefits every two weeks 2. Be able and available for work 3. Actively search for work (and document your search activities) EDD may ask for your work search records, so keep track of all job applications, networking, interviews, etc. This is especially important now that the work search requirement has been fully reinstated after the pandemic-era waivers expired. As for your original question - yes, based on what you've described, you should be eligible for benefits since failing to meet performance standards despite genuine effort is not considered misconduct. Apply right away since benefits are not retroactive beyond the week you apply.