What would make me ineligible for unemployment benefits in Washington?

The main reasons Washington ESD denies claims are: 1) Quitting without good cause, 2) Being fired for misconduct, 3) Not meeting the base year earnings requirement, 4) Not being able and available for work, 5) Not actively seeking work. Since you were let go rather than quitting, you might still qualify even with performance issues - misconduct has a specific legal definition that's different from poor performance.

also you need to have earned enough in your base year - I think it's like $3,000 minimum in Washington? and you have to have worked in at least 2 quarters. if you only worked 8 months you might be close to that line

I got denied initially because of some confusion about whether I quit or was fired. Took forever to get through to someone at Washington ESD to explain my situation. I actually ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual person - they have this video demo thing that shows how it works (https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ). Made the whole process way less frustrating.

You also can't be getting certain other benefits like workers comp or pension payments. And if you're going to school full time that can affect your eligibility too because you have to be available for work.

The job search requirements are pretty strict too. You have to be actively looking for work and able to accept a job if offered. Some people get tripped up because they think they can be picky about what jobs they'll take.

Don't forget about the waiting week! Even if you qualify, you won't get paid for your first week. And make sure you file your weekly claims on time - missing deadlines can cause problems.

Immigration status matters too if that applies to you. You have to be authorized to work in the US to get unemployment benefits.

Based on what you described, it sounds like you probably qualify. Being fired for performance issues usually isn't considered misconduct unless there were policy violations involved. The fact that they changed your schedule requirements and you couldn't accommodate that actually works in your favor.

just file already! worst case they deny you and you appeal. the whole system is designed to make you think you don't qualify when you actually do

One thing to watch out for - if your employer contests your claim, it can delay things. They might try to say you were fired for misconduct even if it was really just performance. Be prepared to provide your side of the story if that happens.

Age discrimination is another thing they look at. If you're over 40 and got fired for 'performance issues' that might actually be age discrimination, which would definitely qualify you for benefits.

Make sure you have all your documentation ready - pay stubs, termination letter, anything that shows your work history and reason for separation. The more documentation you have, the smoother the process will be.

honestly the biggest thing that makes people ineligible is not understanding the system and making mistakes on their application or weekly claims. read everything carefully and answer honestly

You mentioned retail - some seasonal workers have issues with eligibility depending on when they worked and for how long. But 8 months should be enough to establish a work history.

UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD is a big deal too!! Don't lie about anything or try to hide income. They will find out and you'll have to pay it all back plus penalties. I've seen people get in serious trouble for this.

If you end up needing to contact Washington ESD about your claim, I had success with that Claimyr service too. Way better than trying to call myself - I was getting nowhere with the regular phone system.

Bottom line - from what you described, you should qualify. Performance issues aren't misconduct, you worked long enough, and you were involuntarily separated. File the claim and see what happens. Don't let fear of denial stop you from trying.

One last thing - if you do get denied initially, don't panic. A lot of people get approved on appeal. The initial determination isn't always final.