Can you get unemployment if fired for performance issues in Washington?

Yes, you can typically get unemployment if fired for performance issues. Washington ESD distinguishes between misconduct (which disqualifies you) and inability to perform the job. Performance problems usually fall under inability unless you were willfully negligent or refused to follow instructions.

I got fired for performance at my last job and Washington ESD approved my claim. The key is that you weren't fired for willful misconduct. Not being able to do the job well enough is different from refusing to do it or breaking rules on purpose.

Just went through this exact situation 2 months ago. Filed my claim and it took about 3 weeks to get approved. Washington ESD will contact your employer for their side but performance terminations usually don't count as misconduct. Make sure when you file to be honest about why you were fired but emphasize that you were making good faith efforts to improve.

Had trouble reaching Washington ESD when my claim was under review for similar reasons. Kept getting busy signals and when I did get through the wait times were crazy. Found out about this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get through to actual agents. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made it so much easier to check on my claim status.

washington esd is pretty reasonable about performance issues. i got fired from retail for being too slow and they approved my benefits right away. just file online and answer the questions honestly

One thing to keep in mind - your employer might appeal if they think they can prove misconduct. If that happens, you'll get a hearing notice from Washington ESD. Don't panic if this happens, just make sure you participate in the hearing and explain your side.

Performance firing vs misconduct is a big difference. Misconduct would be like showing up drunk, stealing, fighting with coworkers, or intentionally not doing your job. Just not being fast enough or skilled enough isn't misconduct under Washington law.

File ASAP because there's a waiting period and benefits are backdated to when you first filed, not when you were terminated. Also make sure you start doing your job search activities right away even while your claim is pending.

My cousin got fired for performance issues and Washington ESD approved his claim but then his employer appealed. He ended up having to do a phone hearing but won because he could prove he was trying to improve and following all the workplace rules.

The Washington ESD website has good info about what counts as misconduct vs. performance issues. Definitely worth reading before you file so you know what to expect.

Been through this twice unfortunately. First time was approved immediately, second time the employer contested it but I still won after providing documentation that I was following all procedures and trying to meet expectations.

Don't let your employer scare you into not filing. Some employers will hint that you won't qualify but they're often wrong about Washington ESD rules. Performance issues are totally different from misconduct.

If your claim does go to adjudication don't stress too much. It just means they need to investigate before approving. Performance cases usually resolve in your favor unless there's evidence of willful misconduct.

I used Claimyr when my performance-based termination claim was taking forever to process. Really helped me get through to someone at Washington ESD to check what was happening with my case. Turned out they just needed one more piece of info from my employer.

Keep records of everything related to your termination - final paycheck, termination letter, any performance reviews or disciplinary actions. This stuff might be helpful if your claim gets contested.

Washington state is generally pretty employee-friendly when it comes to unemployment. Unless you did something really bad like theft or harassment, you'll probably qualify even if you were fired.

Just make sure when you file to select the right reason for separation. There should be an option for 'fired/discharged' and then you can explain it was for performance issues, not misconduct.

Had a similar situation at a call center job. Got fired for not meeting call quotas but Washington ESD approved my benefits because I wasn't being willfully negligent, just couldn't handle the pace. Your situation sounds very similar.

Whatever you do, don't wait to file thinking you might not qualify. File immediately and let Washington ESD make the determination. You lose potential benefit weeks by waiting.

I've seen people get approved for unemployment after being fired for all kinds of performance issues - not meeting sales goals, being too slow, making mistakes, etc. As long as you weren't doing it on purpose or violating company policies, you should be fine.

You should definitely file for unemployment benefits. Performance-related terminations are generally not considered misconduct under Washington law. I was in a similar situation last year - got let go from a manufacturing job for not meeting production targets despite genuinely trying my best. Washington ESD approved my claim without any issues. The key distinction is that you weren't fired for willful misconduct (like stealing, insubordination, or intentionally not doing your job), but rather for not being able to meet the performance standards. Eight months of employment also shows you were making a good faith effort. File your claim as soon as possible since benefits are backdated to your filing date, not your termination date. Be honest about the reason for termination when filling out the application, and emphasize that you were making every effort to meet expectations. Good luck!