Fired for data entry errors with ADHD - can I still qualify for ESD benefits?

This is a tricky situation but you have a solid case. ESD typically denies benefits if you were fired for misconduct, but simple performance issues usually don't count as misconduct - especially with a documented medical condition. Make sure to explain your ADHD in the fact-finding interview when they contact you. They'll likely contact your employer too, so be prepared for that. Also gather any performance reviews that were positive and documentation from your doctor about how ADHD affects your work. The key is proving you weren't willfully neglecting your duties.

i got fired for similar reason last year (quality control issues) and still got benefits. ESD ruled it was just not being good enough at the job, not misconduct. took like 6 weeks to get approved tho

Had a similar situation with my anxiety disorder that affected my customer service metrics. Big difference between MISCONDUCT and just not meeting performance standards. Make sure your doctor provides specific documentation about how ADHD impacts the exact tasks you struggled with. ESD will likely put you in adjudication for a few weeks while they investigate. KEEP FILING WEEKLY CLAIMS during this time! If approved, they'll backpay you for all weeks claimed.

I work in HR and handle unemployment claims. Here's what will happen: Your employer will likely contest the claim stating you were terminated for cause. ESD will then assign an adjudicator to investigate. This puts your claim in 'adjudication status' which can take 4-8 weeks currently. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) angle is important here - if you disclosed your disability and they didn't engage in the interactive process for reasonable accommodations, that strengthens your case. Be ready to explain: 1) Did you ask for any help/accommodations? 2) Were there warnings before termination? 3) Did you make efforts to improve? The key distinction ESD makes is between ordinary negligence (eligible) versus willful disregard of employer interests (not eligible).

The ESD system is BROKEN!!!! I had documented learning disability and they STILL denied me when my company fired me for "performance" which was really just them not wanting to accommodate me. Fought it for MONTHS. The adjudicators don't even understand disability law half the time. Good luck even getting through to a human to explain your situation!!!

hey i just went thru this!!!! diagnosed with adhd last year, got fired in january for "attention to detail issues" in my data entry job. they put me in adjudication for like 5 weeks which SUCKED but then i got approved!!! the key thing they asked me was if i was TRYING my best or if i was being careless on purpose. obviously i was trying my hardest!! make sure u tell them about any strategies u were using to try to do better at work. good luck!!!!!

Not to change the subject but make sure you have 3 job search activities each week even while waiting for the decision. I messed that up when I was in adjudication and lost two weeks of benefits because I didn't realize I still needed to be doing and recording job searches while waiting.

One more thing to consider - you should apply for standby status if you're expecting to return to work soon or have job prospects. This temporarily waives the job search requirement. Also, prepare yourself mentally for the adjudication process. It can be really stressful and the uncertainty is tough. Make sure you're taking care of your mental health during this time - the ADHD + unemployment stress combo can be really challenging.

I'm a disability rights advocate and wanted to add some important legal context here. The fact that you disclosed your ADHD when hired but weren't provided accommodations could actually work strongly in your favor. Under the ADA, employers have a duty to engage in the "interactive process" once they know about a disability - even if you didn't formally request accommodations. The key question ESD will ask is whether your errors were due to your disability or willful misconduct. Document everything: your diagnosis timeline, any medical treatments, specific ways ADHD affects data entry (like hyperfocus making you miss details or working memory issues), and all the strategies you tried. Also keep records of your job search efforts during adjudication. This isn't just about proving you weren't being careless - it's about showing your employer failed to provide a reasonable workplace accommodation for a known disability.