Can you get unemployment if fired in Washington state?

Thank you! That's a relief. Should I mention the lack of training when I file my claim?

Definitely include all relevant details about inadequate training or support. Washington ESD will investigate both sides of the story during adjudication.

How long did it take for your claim to get approved after filing?

About 3 weeks, but they had to do an adjudication interview with me and my former employer first.

Interesting, I'll check that out. The Washington ESD phone system seems impossible to navigate.

Never heard of that service but honestly anything is better than hitting redial 500 times a day

I have emails showing I asked for additional training multiple times. Would those help my case?

Absolutely! Those emails demonstrate good faith effort on your part and could be valuable evidence if there's an adjudication hearing.

Make sure to keep copies of everything. Washington ESD might request documentation during their investigation.

No severance, they just walked me out that day. What did you hear about severance affecting benefits?

Severance pay can delay the start of benefits depending on how it's structured. Washington ESD considers it wages for the period it covers.

Good point, I'll file this weekend. Better to try than assume I won't qualify.

Exactly! Plus there's a waiting period anyway so starting the process early is always better.

That's reassuring coming from someone in HR. They basically said I wasn't meeting expectations but never gave me specific metrics or improvement plans.

Lack of clear expectations or progressive discipline actually strengthens your case. Employers have a duty to provide reasonable guidance and opportunities for improvement.

This is why documentation is so important on both sides. Sounds like your employer didn't handle this properly.

Wow, they actually told you that? That seems wrong for them to give legal advice about unemployment eligibility.

Right? I think they were just trying to discourage me from filing. Always file regardless of what former employers say.

Good to know about continuing weekly claims. I was wondering about that part.

Yes definitely keep filing weekly even during adjudication! You'll get back pay if approved but only for weeks you actually filed.

That's encouraging! 'Not being a good fit' sounds just as vague as my 'performance issues' reason.

Employers sometimes use vague language thinking it protects them but it actually helps claimants because there's no specific misconduct alleged.

Definitely planning to be completely honest. I have nothing to hide since I genuinely tried to do my best at that job.

Honesty is always the best policy with these claims. ESD can usually tell when someone is being truthful vs trying to game the system.

I'll definitely look into those requirements. Do they start immediately or is there a grace period?

Job search requirements typically start with your first payable week, so pretty much right away. Check the Washington ESD website for current requirements.

The requirements changed somewhat post-COVID so make sure you're looking at current info, not old forum posts.

Good to know there's an appeals option. Hopefully it won't come to that but it's reassuring to have backup options.

Appeals can actually be more favorable to claimants because you get to tell your story directly instead of just through written statements.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! I'm feeling much more confident about filing now.

You're welcome! This community is great for support during stressful times. Hope everything works out for you.

Great advice! I'll make sure to document everything thoroughly.

Screenshots saved my bacon when Washington ESD claimed they never received my weekly claim. Always cover yourself with documentation.

Thanks for the encouragement! I'm already starting to look for new opportunities while waiting.

That's the right attitude. Staying proactive with job searching also helps if they ask about your efforts during adjudication.

That's really helpful to know about retroactive payments. Takes some pressure off the timing.

Exactly! I got 6 weeks of back pay when my adjudication finally got resolved. File early and be patient with the process.

Thank you so much everyone! This thread has been incredibly helpful and reassuring. I'll update once I hear back from Washington ESD.

Please do update us! Success stories help encourage others in similar situations.