Washington ESD unemployment benefits after being fired for performance issues - am I eligible?

Performance issues are generally NOT considered misconduct in Washington state. You should definitely apply for unemployment benefits. Washington ESD looks at whether you were fired for willful misconduct or just inability to do the job. If you were trying your best but couldn't meet expectations, that's usually not disqualifying.

Apply right away! The worst they can do is deny you, but performance issues usually don't count as misconduct unless you were being deliberately negligent or insubordinate. Make sure to explain your side of the story when you file.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I needed to check on my claim status after a similar situation. Spent hours on hold every day for weeks. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have this video demo that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process so much easier.

Washington ESD will investigate by contacting your former employer to get their side of the story. Be prepared to explain what happened and provide any documentation you have about your performance reviews or improvement plans they gave you.

whatever you do dont lie about anything on your application!!! they will find out and it will make everything worse. just be honest about being fired for performance

The key distinction Washington ESD makes is between 'misconduct' and 'inability to perform.' Misconduct is willful - like stealing, being drunk at work, or deliberately not following rules. Poor performance due to lack of skills or ability is not misconduct.

I'm skeptical about these calling services but honestly after spending 3 weeks trying to reach Washington ESD about my adjudication, I tried Claimyr and it actually worked. Got through to someone same day who explained why my claim was held up.

Also remember you need to file weekly claims even while your initial claim is being processed. Don't wait for approval to start the weekly certification process or you could lose benefits for those weeks.

File your claim ASAP because there's a waiting week anyway. Even if you're not sure about eligibility, get the process started. You can always appeal if they deny you initially.

I was in almost the exact same situation - fired for not meeting sales targets after 6 months of trying. Washington ESD approved my claim without any issues. Your employer would have to prove you were deliberately underperforming to contest it successfully.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You'll need to register with WorkSource and document your job search activities once you start receiving benefits.

honestly the washington esd system is such a mess right now. took me forever to even get my account set up properly and then when i had questions nobody answers the phone

One more thing - if you do get approved, your weekly benefit amount will be based on your wages from your base period (usually the first 4 of the last 5 completed quarters). Performance issues shouldn't affect your benefit calculation at all.

Don't let your employer intimidate you either. Some places tell people they can't get unemployment when they fire them but that's not how it works. Washington ESD makes the determination, not your former employer.

Keep detailed records of everything - when you file, what questions they ask, any correspondence. If you end up needing to appeal anything later, documentation is crucial.

Performance terminations are actually pretty common and most get approved for UI benefits. The system would be overwhelmed if everyone fired for not being good enough at their job was denied benefits.

if your claim gets stuck in adjudication like mine did, thats when you really need to be able to talk to someone at washington esd. regular calling is hopeless but that claimyr service actually works

Bottom line - file your claim today. Performance issues rarely count as disqualifying misconduct in Washington state. You paid into the system and you deserve benefits if you're eligible.