Can you collect unemployment when you get fired in Washington state?

Getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. What matters is WHY you were fired. If it was for misconduct (like stealing, fighting, being drunk at work), then yes you'd be disqualified. But if it was for performance issues or inability to do the job, you should still qualify for benefits.

You absolutely should file for unemployment benefits. Washington ESD will investigate the circumstances of your termination and make a decision. The burden is on your employer to prove you were fired for misconduct. 'Performance issues' typically don't rise to the level of misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your job or violated clear company policies.

I had a similar situation last year when I got let go for 'attendance issues' even though I had legitimate medical reasons. Washington ESD approved my claim after reviewing everything. The key is being honest on your application and providing any documentation you have about the circumstances.

Just want to mention that if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone to ask questions about your claim, I found this service called Claimyr that helped me get connected. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process way less stressful when I needed to talk to someone about my adjudication.

File your claim ASAP! There's a waiting week in Washington but the sooner you file, the sooner that clock starts ticking. You can file online at secure.esd.wa.gov or over the phone. Don't let fear of being denied stop you from applying.

One thing to keep in mind - if Washington ESD finds that you were fired for misconduct, you could face a disqualification period. But based on what you described (performance issues without formal warnings), that seems unlikely. Most terminations for poor performance qualify for benefits.

been through this before, performance firing usually = approved claim. just be 100% honest when filling out the paperwork. dont try to make yourself look better or lie about what happened. they'll contact your employer anyway.

The system is so messed up though, even when you qualify they make you jump through hoops. I got approved after being laid off but then had issues with my weekly claims getting processed. Took forever to get anyone on the phone at Washington ESD.

Make sure you have all your employment info ready when you file - dates of employment, reason for separation, last day worked, final pay info. Having everything organized will make the process smoother.

Don't let your former employer intimidate you either. Some companies try to discourage ex-employees from filing for unemployment. You have every right to apply and let Washington ESD make the determination.

I got fired for 'not being a good fit' which was basically them saying I couldn't do the job well enough. Washington ESD approved my claim no problem. Performance-related terminations are different from misconduct terminations in their eyes.

Key thing is to file immediately. Benefits aren't retroactive before your application date. Even if you're unsure about eligibility, file now and sort it out later. Worst case scenario is they say no.

Also remember you'll need to do job search activities once you start receiving benefits. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week. Keep good records of your applications and interviews.

honestly the whole adjudication process is a pain but if you were just fired for not meeting quotas you should be fine. i've seen way worse cases get approved. the trick is just being patient while they investigate

One last thing - if you do get denied initially, don't panic. You have the right to appeal and request a hearing. I've seen plenty of cases where the initial denial gets overturned on appeal.

Been following this thread and want to add that if you need help navigating the system, Claimyr really does work. I was skeptical at first but when I was stuck in adjudication limbo for weeks, they got me through to someone who could actually explain what was happening with my claim.

Update us on how it goes! There are probably other people in similar situations who could benefit from hearing about your experience with the process.

Just to summarize for anyone else reading this: getting fired doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington state. It depends on the reason. Performance issues, inability to do the job, or being 'not a good fit' typically don't count as misconduct. File your claim right away and be honest about the circumstances.

Same here! I got let go last month for 'poor performance' and was too embarrassed to file for unemployment. After reading all this I realize I probably qualify. Better late than never I guess.

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.

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.