Good luck with your claim! Most people in your situation do get approved eventually. The key is just being honest about what happened and not giving up if your employer contests it.

Don't let them discourage you from applying! I was in a very similar situation - got terminated for "performance issues" after working somewhere for over a year with no prior warnings. Washington ESD approved my claim because they determined it wasn't willful misconduct. The fact that you had no written warnings and were struggling with new software (which sounds like a training/system issue) actually works in your favor. File your claim ASAP and be straightforward about what happened. Even if your employer contests it, you have a good chance of winning during adjudication. The worst case scenario is they say no, but you'll never know unless you try!

One final note - if you do run into any complications with your claim or need to speak with Washington ESD about your specific situation, remember that Claimyr option I mentioned earlier. Sometimes having a real conversation with an ESD agent can clear up issues that would otherwise drag on for weeks through the online system.

Just wanted to add my perspective as someone who works in payroll - the unemployment tax system is pretty fair when you understand it. Employers pay into the fund continuously based on their payroll, and the rate adjustments based on claims history actually encourage good employment practices. Companies that maintain stable workforces and only lay people off when truly necessary end up with lower rates over time. It's designed to make unemployment insurance sustainable while protecting workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own. Don't feel guilty about filing - you and your employer both contributed to this system while you were working.

Final reminder - if Washington ESD does approve you for benefits while in school, they can always review your case later. Make sure you're completely honest about your availability and school schedule. Getting caught in a misrepresentation can lead to serious overpayment issues.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation - considering going back to school for a different program. From what I've read here and researched myself, it seems like the key is really whether you can demonstrate you're still "able and available" for work. Have you looked into whether your nursing program has any clinical rotations or externships that might count as job-related training? Sometimes those programs have different rules. Also, definitely document everything with your current employer about the schedule conflict - if they truly can't accommodate ANY flexibility for your education, that might strengthen your case. The constructive discharge angle mentioned earlier could be worth exploring too.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about filing my weekly claims now. Going to set up a reminder and file my first one this Sunday. Really appreciate this community!

Just wanted to add that you should also keep track of your weekly benefit amount and make sure it's consistent from week to week. If you notice any sudden changes in your payment amount, that could indicate an issue with how you answered the weekly questions or a problem with your claim that needs attention. I caught an error once where they were deducting taxes differently than expected, and addressing it early saved me from a bigger headache later. Also, make sure your direct deposit information is correct in your account - nothing worse than filing on time but having payment issues because of outdated banking info!

Thanks everyone for all this information. As someone who might be facing this choice soon, it's really helpful to understand that these are mutually exclusive benefits in Washington state. Better to know now than find out the hard way later.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add some perspective as someone who works in benefits counseling. The frustration here is totally understandable - the system really does put people in impossible positions. One thing that might help is looking into local disability advocacy organizations or legal aid clinics. Many offer free consultations to help people understand their options and navigate the application process. They can also help you understand if there are any other safety net programs you might qualify for during gaps in coverage. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) also has caseworkers who can do benefits planning - they can walk you through all available programs and help you strategize the best approach for your specific situation.