Do you get unemployment if your fired from Washington ESD?

Yes, you can usually get unemployment benefits even if you were fired, as long as it wasn't for misconduct. Performance issues generally don't disqualify you from UI benefits in Washington. The key is whether Washington ESD considers it 'misconduct' - things like theft, violence, or willful violation of company policies.

File your claim as soon as possible! You can apply online at Washington ESD's website. Even if your employer contests it, you'll likely win if it was just performance related. I got fired for being late too many times and still got approved.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone to check on your claim status, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you actually reach an agent instead of getting stuck in the phone system for hours. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Super helpful when you need to talk to someone about your claim.

The unemployment system is so confusing! I got fired from my last job too and was terrified I wouldn't qualify. But like others said, if it's performance related you should be okay. Just make sure you're honest on your application about why you were terminated.

been through this before, employers love to say performance issues to try to block unemployment claims but it rarely works unless you were actually doing something really bad. washington esd is pretty fair about these things

Important thing to remember - even if your employer contests your claim, you can still receive benefits while the adjudication process is happening. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination. Most performance-related terminations result in approved claims.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. My employer is claiming I was fired for cause but it was really just budget cuts. Been waiting 2 weeks for adjudication to finish. It's nerve-wracking but everyone says performance issues rarely disqualify you.

Make sure you start filing your weekly claims right away even if your initial claim is under review. You can't get paid for weeks you don't file for, even if you're approved later.

The whole system is designed to make you jump through hoops but don't let it intimidate you. If you were fired for performance and not misconduct, you have every right to unemployment benefits. Washington ESD sees these cases all the time.

If you end up needing to speak with someone at Washington ESD about your claim, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier has been a lifesaver. The regular phone system is impossible to get through, but they help you actually reach an agent when you need to check on adjudication status or ask questions.

whatever you do dont lie on the application. if they fired you for performance just say that. trying to hide it or make up a different reason will just cause problems later

You should also start looking for work right away and keep a job search log. Washington ESD requires you to be actively seeking employment to maintain your benefits. The sooner you start the better.

Don't stress too much about it. The vast majority of people who get fired for performance issues end up getting approved for unemployment. Washington ESD knows the difference between poor performance and actual misconduct.

I was in the exact same situation last year. Got fired for performance but it was really just company downsizing. Washington ESD approved my claim after about 3 weeks of adjudication. Employer tried to fight it but performance issues just don't count as misconduct.

File online at secure.esd.wa.gov as soon as possible. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits. Even if there's a delay due to adjudication, you'll get back pay for the weeks you were eligible.

One thing to keep in mind - if your employer contests your claim, you might want to consider getting help from Claimyr to speak with Washington ESD about the status. I used them when my employer tried to block my benefits and it helped to be able to actually talk to someone instead of just waiting.

been fired twice for performance issues and got unemployment both times. washington esd is pretty reasonable about these things. just file your claim and dont overthink it

The key thing is that Washington ESD looks at whether you were fired for misconduct or not. Poor performance, inability to do the job, or even being late occasionally usually don't rise to the level of misconduct. You should be fine to file.

Just wanted to add - make sure you file your weekly claims every week even if your initial claim is under review. You can't get paid for weeks you don't file for, even retroactively. Keep up with the job search requirements too.

Bottom line - getting fired for performance issues is not the same as getting fired for misconduct. Washington ESD knows this and they're not trying to deny legitimate claims. File your application and don't stress about it too much!