Can you collect unemployment if you are fired for performance in Washington ESD?

Yes, you can definitely apply for UI benefits even if fired for performance issues. Washington ESD distinguishes between being fired for misconduct vs performance problems. Poor performance usually doesn't disqualify you unless it was willful misconduct.

I got fired for performance last year from my retail job and still got approved for unemployment. The key is that Washington ESD looks at whether you were deliberately doing something wrong or just struggling with the work requirements.

File your claim ASAP. Washington ESD will contact your former employer to get their side of the story. If they can't prove willful misconduct, you should be fine. Make sure you're honest about the reason for separation when filling out your application.

Had a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD when my claim went into adjudication for this exact reason. Spent weeks calling and could never get anyone on the phone. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that gets you connected to an actual agent. Game changer - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. I got fired for being late too many times and they still gave me benefits. seems random who gets approved and who doesn't

Update: Filed my claim online this morning. The application asked specifically about the reason for separation and I put 'terminated for performance issues.' Hoping this goes smoothly.

My brother got fired for performance at his construction job and they initially denied his claim. He had to appeal but eventually won. The key was proving he was doing his best but just couldn't keep up with the pace they wanted.

Been through this exact situation twice unfortunately. First time at a call center, second time at a manufacturing plant. Both times I got approved for benefits because neither employer could show I was deliberately doing anything wrong - just wasn't meeting their standards.

Washington ESD is pretty reasonable about performance terminations. I work in HR and we've had several former employees get benefits even when we let them go for not meeting goals. As long as there's no dishonesty or policy violations, they usually approve.

Whatever you do, don't panic if your claim goes into adjudication. Mine did for a performance firing and I thought I was screwed. Turned out they were just verifying details with my employer. Got approved 2 weeks later.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! I got denied for performance issues even though I was never coached or written up. Had to get a lawyer involved and it took months. Don't trust that they'll do the right thing automatically.

quick question - do you have to do the job search stuff right away or can you wait until your claim is approved?

Just want to echo what others said - performance terminations usually qualify for benefits. The burden is on the employer to prove misconduct, not on you to prove you deserved to keep the job.

Following up on my earlier comment about Claimyr - just want to mention they were super helpful when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication. Much better than sitting on hold for hours with the regular Washington ESD phone line.

Performance firing here too from last month. Still waiting to hear back but not worried after reading all these responses. Seems like most people in our situation get approved eventually.

One thing to remember is that even if you get denied initially, you can always appeal. I've seen plenty of performance termination appeals succeed because Washington ESD errs on the side of caution sometimes in their initial decisions.

This thread is super helpful. I'm in a similar boat but was fired for 'not being a good fit' which sounds even more vague than performance issues. Hoping that still qualifies.

Remember to keep documentation of everything - your termination paperwork, any emails, etc. If your case does go to adjudication, having that stuff ready can speed up the process.

The whole misconduct vs performance distinction is key. Washington ESD's handbook is pretty clear that poor performance alone doesn't disqualify you unless it's willful or deliberate.

Final thought - don't let employer intimidation tactics scare you away from filing. Some companies try to make fired employees think they can't get benefits, but that's not always true, especially for performance issues.