Will I get Washington ESD unemployment if I was fired from my job?

You can definitely apply! Being fired for performance issues doesn't automatically disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. The key is whether it was misconduct or just not being able to do the job. Performance issues usually aren't considered misconduct unless you were deliberately not doing your work.

I got fired for attendance issues last year and still qualified for benefits. Washington ESD looks at whether it was willful misconduct. If you were genuinely trying to meet expectations but just couldn't, that's not misconduct.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to check on your claim status, I found this service called Claimyr that helps you actually reach a live agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of calling and getting hung up on. Check it out at claimyr.com

The misconduct standard in Washington is pretty high. They have to prove you deliberately violated company policy or were grossly negligent. Poor performance alone usually isn't enough to deny benefits unless there's evidence you weren't trying or were sabotaging your work.

ugh the whole system is so confusing. i got fired too but for totally different reasons and now im scared to even apply

I was fired for missing too many days when my kid was sick. Employer said it was excessive absenteeism but I qualified for benefits because I had legitimate reasons for the absences. Washington ESD really looks at the whole situation.

Sales quotas are tough! I work in retail and they're always changing our targets. If you were genuinely trying and they didn't provide adequate training or support, that's on them not you.

Been there with the performance thing. Make sure when you file your claim you explain that you were making good faith efforts to meet expectations. That's key language Washington ESD looks for.

The adjudication process can be scary but most people who were fired for performance issues do get approved. I've seen people denied for things like theft, fighting, or no-call no-shows, but rarely for just not being good enough at the job.

I used to manage people and had to fire a few for performance. We were always told by HR that unless it was misconduct, they'd probably get unemployment. Most employers don't even contest performance-based terminations.

Washington ESD's website has a good section about misconduct vs poor performance. Basically, if you were trying to do your job but just couldn't meet expectations, that's not misconduct. Misconduct is when you deliberately do something wrong.

If you end up needing to talk to Washington ESD about your claim and can't get through on the phone, there's this service called Claimyr that actually gets you connected to an agent. I was skeptical at first but it really works. Way better than calling hundreds of times yourself.

File your claim ASAP! Even if you're not sure you'll qualify, there's no penalty for applying. The worst case is they deny it and you appeal if you think they're wrong.

I know someone who got fired for not meeting their sales goals and they got benefits. The key was showing they were trying - they had emails asking for help, attending training sessions, etc. Washington ESD approved their claim.

The unemployment system is designed to help people who lose their jobs through no fault of their own. Performance issues usually fall into that category unless there's evidence of intentional wrongdoing.

Don't let the fear stop you from applying. I thought for sure I wouldn't qualify when I got laid off (technically fired for 'redundancy') but Washington ESD approved my claim within a few weeks. You never know until you try.

One more thing - when you're filling out the application, be completely honest about why you were fired. Don't try to sugar-coat it or make it sound better than it was. Washington ESD will find out the truth anyway when they contact your employer.

If you do get approved and your employer contests it, don't panic. You'll get a hearing where you can explain your side. Having documentation of your efforts to improve performance will be really valuable then. Good luck with your claim!