Washington ESD unemployment eligibility after getting fired - what qualifies?

Generally yes, you can get unemployment when fired unless it's for 'misconduct.' Performance issues usually don't count as misconduct under Washington ESD rules. The key is whether you were fired for something you did wrong intentionally or if you just couldn't do the job well enough.

Washington ESD distinguishes between 'discharge for misconduct' and 'discharge for non-misconduct reasons.' Poor performance, inability to do the job, or not being a good fit typically qualify you for benefits. However, your employer might contest the claim, which could trigger an adjudication process.

I had the same situation last year - fired for not hitting sales targets. Washington ESD approved my claim but it took forever because my old company fought it. Ended up having to do a phone interview with an adjudicator who asked about my work history and why I got fired.

File your claim ASAP even if you think they might contest it. Benefits are backdated to when you first file, not when it gets approved. And honestly, if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I used Claimyr recently and it was a game changer. They got me connected to an actual person in like 10 minutes instead of sitting on hold for hours.

the whole system is bs anyway. they make it so hard to get benefits even when you deserve them. my brother got fired for attendance and still got approved so you should be fine

Make sure you keep records of everything from your firing - any emails, write-ups, performance reviews. If they do contest it you'll want that stuff for the adjudication.

One thing to watch out for - some employers will claim you were fired for misconduct even when it was really performance. They do this to try to avoid their unemployment taxes going up. Don't let that intimidate you from filing.

honestly just file and see what happens. worst case they deny it and you appeal. i got denied first time for some bs reason but won my appeal hearing.

For Washington ESD eligibility, they look at whether you were separated through no fault of your own. Performance issues typically qualify unless there's evidence you were deliberately underperforming or ignoring direct instructions.

similar thing happened to my coworker. company said performance but really they were just downsizing and didn't want to call it layoffs. she got benefits no problem.

When I was dealing with my contested claim, I kept trying to call Washington ESD to get updates but could never get through. Someone on here recommended Claimyr and it was worth every penny. Finally got to talk to someone who could explain what was happening with my case.

Remember you'll need to meet the weekly job search requirements once you start collecting. Washington ESD requires 3 job search activities per week and you have to keep a log of what you did.

File online at esd.wa.gov if you haven't already. The sooner you file the sooner your waiting week starts. Even if they investigate it you want to get the process started.

Just be honest on your application about what happened. Don't try to sugarcoat it or make it sound better than it was. Washington ESD will find out the truth anyway when they contact your employer.

ugh this whole thread is making me anxious about my own situation. got fired last week for similar stuff and haven't filed yet because i'm scared they'll deny me.

Update on my Claimyr experience - used them again this week to check on a separate issue and got through immediately. If anyone's struggling to reach Washington ESD by phone, seriously check out their website. Makes dealing with the bureaucracy so much easier.

The key thing is documenting everything. Keep emails, write down dates and times of conversations, save any paperwork. If it goes to adjudication you want to have all your facts straight.

been through this process twice now and it's never as bad as you think it's going to be. washington esd is actually pretty fair about performance-related firings in my experience.

Final thought - make sure you understand the difference between being able and available for work versus actively seeking work. You need to meet both requirements to continue receiving benefits once approved.

good luck with your claim! sounds like you have a solid case based on what you've described. performance issues are way different than misconduct.