Can you get unemployment if let go during probation period - Washington ESD eligibility?

Yes, you can definitely file for unemployment benefits even if terminated during probation. Being on probation doesn't automatically disqualify you from Washington ESD benefits. The key question is whether you were fired for misconduct or just performance issues. If it was performance-related and not willful misconduct, you should be eligible.

File your claim ASAP. Washington ESD looks at the reason for separation, not whether you were on probation. Document everything - save any emails or write down exactly what your manager told you about the termination. If they contest your claim saying it was misconduct, you'll need that documentation for any potential hearing.

I was in almost the exact same situation last year. Got let go after 6 weeks at a customer service job for 'not being the right fit.' Filed for unemployment immediately and had no issues getting approved. The employer didn't even contest it. Just make sure you're honest on your application about the reason for separation.

Just went through this nightmare myself. Spent WEEKS trying to get through to Washington ESD on the phone to check my claim status. The automated system kept hanging up on me and I could never reach a human. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that actually gets you connected to ESD agents. Used it twice and both times got through within an hour. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ if you want to see how it works.

The probation period misconception comes up a lot. Employers sometimes think they can fire people without consequences during probation, but unemployment eligibility is based on misconduct standards, not employment status. Performance issues almost never qualify as misconduct unless there's clear evidence of willful disregard for the job duties.

file asap because there's a waiting week and you want to get that started. even if theres any issues with your claim you want to get it in the system

UGH the whole system is so confusing. I got fired during probation too but for completely different reasons and I'm still not sure if I qualify. They said I had 'attendance issues' but I was only late twice and both times I called ahead. Do you think that counts as misconduct?

The key thing to remember is that Washington ESD wants to pay benefits to people who lost their jobs through no fault of their own. Performance issues during probation usually fall into that category unless you were deliberately doing a bad job, which obviously you weren't. You were trying to meet their standards and it just didn't work out.

I work in HR and see this situation constantly. Probationary periods are for the employer's benefit to evaluate fit, not to deny unemployment benefits. As long as the termination wasn't for gross misconduct (theft, violence, etc.), the employee is typically eligible for benefits. Performance-based terminations rarely qualify as misconduct.

Been there!! Got canned after 3 weeks because I 'wasn't picking up the procedures fast enough' at a warehouse job. Filed immediately and got benefits. The employer didn't even respond to Washington ESD's request for information so it was automatically approved.

One thing to watch out for - make sure you understand the work search requirements once you start getting benefits. You'll need to do job search activities and keep track of them. Don't want to get tripped up later because you didn't know about that requirement.

I tried using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and honestly it was worth every penny. Got through to an ESD agent in like 45 minutes when I'd been trying to call for days. They helped me understand why my claim was in adjudication and what documents I needed to submit. Probably saved me weeks of stress.

Just want to add that even if your claim gets denied initially, you can appeal! I got denied for a bogus 'misconduct' claim from my employer and won my appeal hearing. The Administrative Law Judge saw right through their BS story. Don't give up if you get an initial denial.

does anyone know if you need to have worked a certain amount of time to qualify? i was only at my job for 2 months before getting fired during probation

This thread is so helpful! I'm in a similar boat - got let go after 6 weeks for 'cultural fit' issues. Sounds like I should definitely file. The worst they can do is say no, right?

UPDATE: I found that Claimyr service really helpful too. Had a question about my weekly claim filing and couldn't get through the regular phone lines. Used Claimyr and got connected to someone who walked me through exactly what I needed to do. Wish I'd known about it sooner!

The bottom line is that being terminated during probation doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits. File your claim, be honest about the circumstances, and let Washington ESD make the determination. Most performance-based terminations during probation are approved for benefits.

One last tip - when you file your weekly claims, make sure you answer the separation question correctly. It will ask about the reason you're unemployed and you want to select 'laid off' or 'discharged' rather than anything that suggests misconduct.

Really glad this thread exists. Going through something similar and all these responses have been super reassuring. Time to stop worrying and just file the claim!