Washington ESD unemployment benefits after being fired for performance issues

Yes, you can likely get unemployment benefits if you were fired for performance issues rather than misconduct. Washington ESD distinguishes between being terminated for inability to do the job versus willful misconduct. Performance issues usually fall under the first category, which makes you eligible for UI benefits.

I was in the exact same situation last year. Got fired for not hitting sales targets and was worried I wouldn't qualify. Filed with Washington ESD anyway and got approved after about 3 weeks. The key is being honest about why you were terminated when you file.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to file your claim or check status, I used Claimyr recently and it was a game changer. They handle the calling for you and connect you directly with an agent. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ - saved me hours of trying to get through their busy phone lines.

Performance terminations are generally covered under Washington unemployment law. The employer would need to prove misconduct or willful disregard of job duties to disqualify you. Simple inability to meet performance standards doesn't constitute misconduct.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. I got fired for being late too many times and still don't know if that counts as misconduct or performance. Washington ESD needs to make this clearer.

File your claim ASAP regardless. Even if there's a chance your employer might contest it, you want to get the process started. Washington ESD will investigate and make a determination.

I work in HR and see this all the time. Most performance-based terminations qualify for unemployment. The bar for misconduct is actually pretty high - it has to be willful violation of company policy or deliberate poor performance.

Similar thing happened to me in 2023. Got let go for not meeting quotas. Filed for UI benefits and got them no problem. The adjudication process took about 2 weeks but they approved my claim.

The Washington ESD website has a section about this but its buried somewhere. They basically say if you were fired for reasons beyond your control (like inability to perform) you should qualify.

Just went through this exact situation. Used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my eligibility. Much easier than trying to call them directly - their phone lines are always swamped.

Been there! Got terminated for performance in my last job and was stressed about unemployment too. Filed anyway and got approved. The worst they can say is no, but performance issues usually don't disqualify you.

Make sure you file within the first week after termination. There's no waiting period but you want to get your claim started ASAP. Washington ESD processes can take time.

washington esd approved my claim after i got fired for performance last year. took about 3 weeks but they ruled in my favor. employer didnt even contest it

The key distinction is whether you were fired for misconduct vs. inability to perform. Performance issues fall under the latter category which typically qualifies for unemployment benefits in Washington state.

I had to use Claimyr twice when dealing with my performance-based termination claim. First time to file, second time when I had questions about my weekly claims. Saved me so much time and stress.

File your claim and be prepared for a possible adjudication period where they investigate. This is normal for any termination-based claim. Washington ESD will contact you and your employer to get both sides of the story.

Don't let the fear of denial stop you from filing. Performance-based terminations have a good chance of being approved for unemployment benefits. Just be honest about what happened.

Same boat here. Got fired for not meeting sales goals and was approved for UI after about 3 weeks. The investigation process was straightforward - they just wanted to verify I wasn't terminated for misconduct.

Remember to keep filing your weekly claims even during the adjudication period. If you're approved, you'll get back pay for those weeks. Washington ESD makes this clear in their initial correspondence.

Update us on how it goes! Always good to hear success stories to help others in similar situations with Washington ESD claims.