Can you still get unemployment after being let go for not meeting a PIP?

Employment Law Forum
1

I was put on a personal improvement plan (PIP) at work, and eventually got fired for not meeting the goals. Does anyone know if I’d still be able to get unemployment benefits in this situation?

2

I think it depends on the state, but usually if you’re let go for not meeting performance, it might be tough to get unemployment.

3

Beryl said:
I think it depends on the state, but usually if you’re let go for not meeting performance, it might be tough to get unemployment.

Yeah, employers can sometimes argue that it was a performance issue, which could disqualify you from getting benefits.

4

@Devan
That’s what I was worried about. Seems like they might challenge any unemployment claim I make.

5

If they put you on a PIP, they’ll probably argue that you were given a chance to improve, so they might have a case against unemployment.

6

Sky said:
If they put you on a PIP, they’ll probably argue that you were given a chance to improve, so they might have a case against unemployment.

Yeah, I was definitely given a chance, but it just didn’t work out. Not sure if that’ll hurt my chances.

7

Sky said:
If they put you on a PIP, they’ll probably argue that you were given a chance to improve, so they might have a case against unemployment.

Probably depends on how your state handles these cases. Some are stricter about PIPs and unemployment.

8

I think it might be worth applying anyway. Worst case, they say no, but sometimes they approve it even if there was a PIP.

9

Frankie said:
I think it might be worth applying anyway. Worst case, they say no, but sometimes they approve it even if there was a PIP.

Good point. Nothing to lose by trying, right?

10

I’d say go ahead and apply. Worst case, you get denied, but you could also be approved if it wasn’t anything serious.

11

Grayden said:
I’d say go ahead and apply. Worst case, you get denied, but you could also be approved if it wasn’t anything serious.

Exactly. And sometimes it depends on how your employer describes the termination to unemployment.

12

@Cameron
Makes sense. Guess I’ll give it a shot and see how it goes.

13

If you can, get any paperwork from the PIP. Might help to show what you did try to improve, just in case they challenge it.

14

Quincy said:
If you can, get any paperwork from the PIP. Might help to show what you did try to improve, just in case they challenge it.

Thanks, that’s a good idea. I’ll try to gather anything that might help me.