Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if you are fired for performance issues?

That's reassuring to hear. Should I mention the performance issues in my application or just say I was terminated?

Be honest in your application. Washington ESD will contact your employer anyway, so it's better to give your side of the story upfront.

How long did it take for Washington ESD to make their decision on your claim?

About 3 weeks. They did an investigation and interviewed both me and my former employer.

What exactly happens during adjudication? Do I need to provide any documentation?

They'll review your case, possibly interview you and your employer, then make a determination. Keep any emails or documents about your performance discussions.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already stressed about money.

It was worth it for me to get answers instead of calling hundreds of times. The agent was able to explain exactly what documents they needed for my adjudication.

Never heard of that service but anything beats trying to call Washington ESD directly. Those phone lines are impossible.

What would count as willful misconduct versus just poor performance?

Misconduct would be like stealing, harassment, intentionally not following rules. Poor performance is just not being good at the job duties.

Did your employer fight the claim or provide any negative information to Washington ESD?

yeah they told washington esd about the performance problems but since i wasn't stealing or anything they approved me

I'll file today then. Should I mention that I never received formal written warnings?

Yes, include that detail. It strengthens your case that the termination was abrupt and not due to progressive discipline for misconduct.

That's exactly what I'm worried about. What if they exaggerate the performance issues?

That's why Washington ESD does investigations. They don't just take the employer's word - they look at documentation and interview both parties.

That's helpful to know from someone on the employer side. What kind of documentation would prove misconduct versus performance?

Misconduct requires evidence of deliberate policy violations, insubordination, or illegal activity. Performance documentation alone isn't enough to disqualify someone.

How long did the investigation take in your case?

like a month maybe? they called me once and asked questions about what happened

I might need to try that. Been calling Washington ESD for two weeks straight with no luck getting through.

Yeah it's frustrating. The service basically calls for you until they get an agent on the line, then connects you. Saved me hours of redialing.

No, unemployment benefit approvals are not visible to future employers. They're confidential between you and Washington ESD.

Good to know, thanks. I was worried about that affecting job applications.

How does the appeals process work if they do deny my claim initially?

You get a hearing with an administrative law judge where you can present your case. Many people win on appeal even if initially denied.

You're right, I'll file today. Better to try and get denied than not try at all.

Exactly. And like others said, performance issues are usually not disqualifying unless there was actual misconduct involved.

I'm keeping that as a backup option if I can't get through myself. Thanks for the recommendation.

Yeah definitely bookmark it. The Washington ESD phone system is brutal to navigate on your own.

Good point. I assume I'll need to keep doing job searches too even if my claim is pending?

Yes, keep doing everything as if you're approved. Job searches, weekly claims, all the requirements.

That's encouraging. Were you able to provide medical documentation or was it just your testimony?

I had some doctor notes but honestly Washington ESD seemed more interested in whether my employer followed progressive discipline procedures.

That makes me feel more optimistic about my situation. I definitely wasn't doing anything intentionally wrong.

That attitude will help in your case. They're looking for intent and willfulness, not just inability to meet job standards.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I'm going to file my claim right now and keep all the documentation I have about the termination.

Smart move. Good luck with your claim and I hope the adjudication process goes smoothly for you.

Perfect advice. I'll focus on explaining that I was trying to improve but just wasn't meeting their expectations.

Exactly. That shows good faith effort which Washington ESD looks favorably upon in these cases.