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This has been really informative. I manage people and honestly didn't realize that firing someone for performance wouldn't necessarily disqualify them from unemployment. Good to know from the employer side too.
That's why it's important for employers to document performance issues properly and provide coaching/warnings before termination. Makes the process clearer for everyone involved.
Absolutely. We've been working on improving our performance management processes partly for this reason.
I went through something very similar about 6 months ago - got fired from my retail job for "not meeting sales targets" even though I was trying my best. I was really worried about applying for unemployment because I thought getting fired meant automatic disqualification. But everyone here is right - performance issues are totally different from misconduct in Washington ESD's eyes. I filed my claim and got approved within about 3 weeks. The key is to be completely honest about what happened and don't try to sugarcoat anything. They'll figure out the truth anyway when they contact your employer. My advice is definitely file immediately - you're losing money every day you wait, and based on what you described, you have a really good chance of getting approved. The worst thing that can happen is they say no, but you'll probably be fine.
just wanted to say hang in there buddy. the waiting is the worst part, i know. it WILL get resolved eventually
I'm going through the exact same thing right now - been in adjudication for 4 weeks with all my weekly claims pending. The stress is unreal, especially when you're already dealing with job loss. What helped me cope a bit was setting up a daily routine to check my account at the same time, calling ESD first thing in the morning, and then trying to focus on job applications the rest of the day rather than constantly refreshing the page. One thing that might help while you wait - check if your county has emergency rental assistance programs. Many have funds specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits. Also, some food banks don't require income verification and can help immediately. I know it doesn't solve the main problem but it might take some pressure off while you're waiting for ESD to get their act together. The waiting is absolutely brutal but from what I've read here, most people do eventually get approved and receive all their back pay. Try to hang in there - you're not alone in this mess.
UPDATE: I finally got through to ESD this morning! The agent told me they were waiting for income verification from my previous employer, who apparently never responded to their request from August. The agent said since it's been over 30 days with no employer response, they can process my claim based on the documentation I provided. She said I should see a decision within 5-7 business days! I'm so relieved!!
That's great news! Glad you got some clarity. This is exactly why getting through to an actual person makes all the difference with ESD claims.
Congrats on finally getting through and getting answers! Your experience is exactly what I went through last year - my claim was stuck for months because my former employer never responded to ESD's requests. It's so frustrating that the system doesn't automatically move forward after a reasonable time period, but at least once they make the decision to process without employer input, it moves pretty quickly. Fingers crossed you get your approval soon! And thanks for sharing the update - it gives the rest of us hope that persistence pays off.
mine just came in guys! check ur accounts
Still nothing in my account yet. Typical ESD inconsistency. 🙄
@Ava Garcia Hang in there! Based on what Sofia mentioned about the ACH processing delays, yours might come through tonight or early tomorrow. The banking systems seem to be releasing them in batches rather than all at once.
Just wanted to update this thread - my payment finally came through around 8:30 PM last night! So for anyone still waiting, it seems like the ACH delays Sofia mentioned are real. I bank with Chase and it took about 30 hours longer than usual. Definitely going to keep this thread bookmarked for future reference since it sounds like the timing is getting more unpredictable lately.
Luca Ferrari
after u get approved the weekly payments come super fast tho. like 2-3 days after filing each week
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Romeo Quest
I'm going through the exact same thing right now - applied mid-December and still pending after 3+ weeks. It's so frustrating not knowing what's happening or how much longer it will take. Reading all these responses is both helpful and terrifying... 9 weeks?! I really hope mine doesn't take that long. Thanks for posting this question, at least now I know I'm not alone in this situation. Going to try calling again tomorrow and see if I can get through to someone who can give me an update on my claim status.
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