Can you get unemployment if fired during 90-day probation period with no reason given?

Yes, you can absolutely apply for unemployment even if you were terminated during your probation period. The key factor is whether you were fired for misconduct, not how long you worked there. 'Not working out' is typically considered a discharge for reasons that aren't misconduct, which means you'd likely qualify. Make sure to apply ASAP and honestly report that you were let go - not for misconduct, but because the employer felt it wasn't a good fit. Your previous job will also count toward your base year earnings as long as it was within the last 5 quarters.

Thank you SO much for this info! I was really worried that the probation period meant I automatically wouldn't qualify. I'll apply today. Do you know if I should expect them to fight my claim? The HR person seemed nice about it but I've heard companies often contest unemployment.

i was fired during probation from a warehouse job and got benefits no problem. just be honest when u file. they might put u in adjudication for a bit to check with ur employer but if u didnt do anything wrong youll be fine

That's really reassuring to hear! How long did your adjudication process take? I'm getting nervous about bills piling up while waiting.

THEY ALWAYS DENY FIRST CLAIM!!! Doesn't matter if probation or not, ESD automatically denies and makes you appeal. It's how they save money by hoping people give up!!! Make sure to file appeal within 30 days if denied!!!!

This isn't accurate. ESD doesn't automatically deny claims as a policy. Many first-time claims are approved without issue. They review each case based on the information provided by both the claimant and employer. Denials happen when there's conflicting information or potential disqualifying circumstances that need further review. While appeals are important if you are denied, it's not accurate to say everyone is automatically denied.

I remember when I was fired during my probationary period at a retail job last year. The manager just said I wasn't a good culture fit but I know it was because I couldn't work Sundays for religious reasons. Anyway, I applied for unemployment and it took FOREVER to get through adjudication - like 7 weeks! By the time I got approved I was almost out of savings. My advice is to apply right away but also start looking for a new job immediately because the waiting period can be brutal.

7 weeks?! That's terrifying. I've got maybe 3 weeks of savings at best. Did you try calling ESD to speed things up? I heard they're impossible to reach.

I had a similar situation in January 2025 and successfully received benefits. The key factors in my approval were:\n\n1. No documented performance issues or warnings before termination\n2. No misconduct (this is what ESD primarily looks at)\n3. Having sufficient hours in my base year from previous employment\n\nMake sure to clearly state in your application that you were terminated without specific cause during probation. If your claim goes to adjudication (mine did for about 3 weeks), be prepared to explain your side. The adjudicator will also contact your former employer for their version of events.

Thank you for sharing your experience! That's really helpful. I'll definitely emphasize that there were no warnings or performance issues documented. Did you have to provide any additional documentation during adjudication?

I was struggling to reach ESD about my adjudication for a similar situation last month - it was impossible to get through on their regular number. After trying for days, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an ESD agent in about 25 minutes when I'd been trying for literally days on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Made a huge difference in resolving my claim that was stuck in adjudication over a probation period termination.

does that really work? ive been trying to get thru to esd for 2 weeks about my identity verification issue

Yes, it definitely worked for me. I was skeptical too but was desperate after being on hold for hours and getting disconnected repeatedly. It's not free but was worth it for me to actually talk to a real person at ESD.

My daughter went through this exact thing with her medical assistant job in 2024. Got fired 60 days in during probation for

Oh wow, I didn't even think about them appealing if I get approved. That sounds incredibly stressful. Did your daughter have to hire an attorney for the hearing?

One important thing to understand is that in Washington state, there's a difference between being fired for poor performance and being fired for misconduct. Not being a good fit or not meeting performance expectations during probation is generally considered poor performance, not misconduct. Only misconduct disqualifies you from benefits.\n\nSome examples of misconduct would be things like:\n- Violating company policies you were aware of\n- Excessive unexcused absences\n- Dishonesty or theft\n- Insubordination\n\nSimply not being good enough at the job or not meshing with the team isn't misconduct. Make this clear in your application.

That's really helpful to understand the distinction. Since they never documented any performance issues or gave me warnings, and the termination letter just says 'not working out during probation,' it sounds like I should be eligible. I'll make sure to emphasize that there was no misconduct involved when I apply.

After you apply, make sure you start doing your job search activities right away! You need 3 per week and they can deny your weekly claims if you don't do them. I learned that the hard way and missed out on two weeks of payments 😩

Thanks for the reminder! I would have probably waited until I was approved to start job searching. Do you know if I need to do the WorkSource orientation right away too, or does that come later?

update us when u hear back! i hate how companies can just fire people for no reason during probation and then we have to stress about bills. good luck!

Thank you! I'll definitely update when I know more. You're right - at-will employment feels so one-sided sometimes.

I went through something very similar last year - fired after 8 weeks at a marketing agency with just "not the right fit" as the reason. I was so worried about the probation period disqualifying me, but I got approved for benefits after about 4 weeks of adjudication. The key thing that helped me was keeping copies of everything - my offer letter, separation notice, and any emails showing I hadn't received any performance warnings. When the adjudicator called, I was able to clearly explain that there was no misconduct and no documented performance issues. Also, don't let the probation period scare you - Washington state really does focus on whether there was misconduct, not how long you worked there. Apply as soon as possible and be completely honest about the circumstances!

Just wanted to add that I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago - terminated during probation from a customer service role after 45 days with no specific reason given. I was approved for benefits after about 2 weeks of adjudication. The employer didn't contest it, which I think helped speed things up. One thing that really helped me was being very detailed in my initial application about the circumstances - I explained that I received no warnings, no performance reviews, and that the termination was simply due to "not being a good fit." The adjudicator told me that the more specific information you provide upfront, the easier it is for them to make a decision. Also, make sure you keep checking your account for any requests for additional information - they sometimes ask for clarification and you only have a limited time to respond. Good luck with your claim!

I was in almost the exact same situation last year! Got let go from an office job after 58 days during probation with just "it's not working out" as the reason. I was so stressed about applying for unemployment because I thought the probation period automatically disqualified me, but I got approved after about 3 weeks. The thing that really helped was keeping it simple and honest - I just explained that I was terminated during probation without cause and had no performance issues or warnings. The adjudicator called both me and my former employer, and since they couldn't point to any specific misconduct or policy violations, I was approved. Don't overthink it - just apply ASAP and be truthful about what happened. The worst they can do is say no, but based on what you've described, you have a good chance of getting benefits!

I've been following this thread and wanted to share my recent experience as well. I was terminated from a financial services company after 71 days during probation - they cited "cultural fit concerns" but never provided any specific examples or documentation. I was really anxious about applying because I'd heard mixed things about probationary period eligibility, but I got approved after about 5 weeks of adjudication. What really helped my case was that I had saved all my communications with my supervisor and HR, which showed no performance concerns or disciplinary actions. The adjudicator specifically asked about whether I had received any formal warnings or write-ups, and when I could confirm there were none, it seemed to strengthen my case. One tip I'd add is to be prepared for the phone interview - they'll ask detailed questions about your last day, what was said, and whether you were given any specific reasons. Having your separation paperwork handy during that call really helped me provide clear, consistent answers. Based on your description, it sounds like you have a solid case since there was no documented misconduct. Definitely apply today!

I'm in a very similar situation right now - just got terminated after 47 days at a software company with no specific reason given, just that I "wasn't meeting expectations" but they never told me what those expectations were or gave me any feedback during my time there. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful and encouraging! It sounds like as long as there was no documented misconduct (which there wasn't in my case either), we should have a good shot at getting benefits. I'm planning to apply this week and I'm going to follow everyone's advice about being detailed but honest in the application. One question though - has anyone had experience with how tech companies typically respond to unemployment claims? I'm wondering if they're more likely to contest it or if they usually just let it go through. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this thread is exactly what I needed to read today!

I went through something very similar just 3 months ago - got terminated from a healthcare admin job after 67 days during probation with just "performance concerns" but zero documentation or prior feedback. I was terrified about applying but got approved after 4 weeks of adjudication. The key things that helped my case were: 1) No written warnings or disciplinary actions on file, 2) No specific misconduct cited, and 3) Being completely honest in my application about the vague reasoning given. During the adjudication interview, the agent specifically asked if I had ever been counseled or warned about my performance - when I said no, that seemed to seal the deal. Your situation sounds even stronger since they literally said "it's not working out" without any performance issues mentioned. Don't let the probation period scare you - Washington really does focus on misconduct vs. non-misconduct terminations. Apply today and keep copies of everything! You've got this!

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago - terminated after 55 days at a nonprofit during probation with just "not the right fit for the role" as the explanation. No warnings, no performance reviews, nothing documented. I was so worried about the probation period affecting my eligibility, but I got approved after about 3.5 weeks of adjudication. The thing that really helped was that I kept detailed notes of my interactions with supervisors and saved all emails - when the adjudicator called, I could clearly show there had been no feedback or disciplinary actions. They asked very specific questions about whether I had violated any policies or received any warnings, and when I could definitively say no to all of it, they approved my claim. Your situation sounds very similar - the key is that "it's not working out" is not misconduct, it's just a poor job match. Make sure when you apply to be very clear that there were no performance warnings, no policy violations, and no misconduct of any kind. Also start your job search activities right away because you'll need those 3 per week once you're approved. Don't let the probation period discourage you - Washington state law is pretty clear that it's about misconduct, not tenure. Good luck!

I just want to echo what everyone else has said and add my own experience from last fall. I was terminated after 73 days during probation from a marketing coordinator position - they said I "wasn't adapting to the company culture" but never gave me any specific feedback or documented issues. I was approved for benefits after about 6 weeks of adjudication. What really helped my case was being able to clearly articulate during the phone interview that I had received no formal performance reviews, no verbal warnings, and no written disciplinary actions. The adjudicator seemed particularly interested in whether there were any specific incidents or policy violations they could point to - when I confirmed there weren't any, that seemed to be the deciding factor. Your situation sounds very similar with the vague "it's not working out" reasoning and lack of documented performance issues. I'd definitely recommend applying ASAP and being prepared for that adjudication phone call with all your paperwork handy. Also, I know everyone's mentioned this, but seriously start your job search activities right away - I made the mistake of waiting and almost lost a week of benefits because I didn't have my required job contacts logged. Washington state really does protect workers in situations like this where there's no clear misconduct, just a poor job fit. You've got a strong case based on what you've described!