


Ask the community...
Bottom line - performance terminations usually qualify for unemployment unless there was misconduct. File your claim and let Washington ESD make the determination rather than guessing.
One last tip - when you file, be thorough but honest about what happened. Don't downplay the performance issues but make it clear there was no misconduct or willful violation of policies.
Last thought - keep copies of everything. Your confirmation numbers, any correspondence from Washington ESD, your weekly claim confirmations. Having good records makes everything easier if issues come up later.
This thread helped me understand the system better. Filed my claim yesterday and feel more confident about the process now. Thanks everyone!
final thought - if you're worried about running out of benefits before finding work, start networking and applying early in your benefit period. don't wait until week 20 to get serious about the job search
Mei-Ling Chen
The waiting week can be confusing for first-time filers. You still need to file your weekly claim during the waiting week, but you won't receive benefits for that week unless you have a qualifying separation.
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Eve Freeman
•So I file weekly claims starting immediately, but the first week I won't get paid?
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Mei-Ling Chen
•Exactly. The waiting week is like a deductible - it's the first week of your claim period but you don't receive benefits for it under normal circumstances.
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Clarissa Flair
To summarize for the original poster: File your claim immediately, register with WorkSourceWA, start your job search right away, and be prepared to provide documentation about your separation and identity. The Washington ESD system will determine your eligibility based on your work history and the reason for separation.
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Eve Freeman
•Thank you so much everyone! This has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more confident about filing my claim now.
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McKenzie Shade
•Good luck with your claim! Don't hesitate to reach out if you run into any issues with Washington ESD.
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