As someone who's helped several friends navigate both PFML and workers' comp claims, I want to emphasize what others have said about the workers' comp coordination. Since this was a construction accident, your partner should definitely file a workers' comp claim with L&I if he hasn't already. In Washington, workplace injuries are typically covered by workers' comp first, and it usually provides better benefits than PFML. However, don't stop the PFML process you've already started! Sometimes there are gaps in coverage or timing issues where PFML can bridge benefits while workers' comp is being processed. Both programs have their own weekly certification requirements, so you'll want to stay on top of both if you end up filing with L&I too. One thing to watch out for - if workers' comp approves the claim, they may require you to pay back any PFML benefits received for the same period. But it's better to have some income coming in while everything gets sorted out rather than having no benefits at all. The key is being transparent with both agencies about the other claim. They deal with coordination all the time, so don't try to hide one from the other - that's where people get into trouble.

I went through this exact situation last year after a workplace injury. Definitely file both PFML and workers' comp claims - you're absolutely right to pursue both routes! One thing I learned is that L&I workers' comp claims can take even longer to process than PFML (sometimes 4-6 weeks), so having the PFML claim already in progress is smart. When I filed both, L&I eventually covered most of my benefits, but PFML filled in the gap during those first few weeks while L&I was still reviewing my case. Just make sure when you file the L&I claim, you mention that you've already filed PFML for the same injury. They have a specific form (I think it's called a "coordination of benefits" form) that helps them track overlapping claims. The claims adjusters from both agencies actually communicate with each other to sort out who pays what. Also, workers' comp typically covers more than just wage replacement - it can cover medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation if needed, and sometimes has better long-term disability coverage. So even if PFML gets approved first, the L&I claim is still worth pursuing for the additional benefits. Keep doing those weekly certifications for PFML while you get the L&I paperwork together. You're handling this exactly right!

I was in almost the exact same situation - got fired from a retail job for being late too often because of unreliable public transit. The good news is that Washington ESD approved my benefits because I could prove the transportation issues were beyond my control. Here's what really helped my case: I documented everything with screenshots from the bus tracking app showing consistent delays, saved the official service alerts from the transit authority about route disruptions, and most importantly, I had evidence that I'd tried to work with my manager on solutions (like starting later) but was told company policy wouldn't allow it. The fact that you've been there 2 years with no other issues and that you proactively asked about schedule changes will definitely work in your favor. When you file, be very specific about the circumstances - don't just say "attendance problems" but explain the transportation challenges and your attempts to resolve them. Even if it goes to adjudication, having all that documentation ready will speed up the process. File as soon as possible since benefits only start from when you apply, not when you were terminated.

Don't lose hope - your situation sounds very winnable! I was fired for tardiness due to my kids' school bus being consistently late, and I got approved for benefits after adjudication. The key things that helped my case were: 1) Documenting the transportation issues with screenshots and official alerts, 2) Showing I had tried to work with my employer on solutions (like you did when asking about schedule changes), and 3) Demonstrating that my tardiness wasn't willful misconduct but due to circumstances beyond my control. Your 2-year employment history with no other issues will definitely work in your favor. When you file, make sure to explain in detail about the bus route problems and how you requested accommodation but were denied due to company policy. Keep collecting those bus delay screenshots and service alerts - they're gold for your case. File ASAP since benefits only start from your filing date, and don't let the potential for adjudication scare you. Having solid documentation makes the process much smoother.

This thread is incredibly helpful - thank you all for sharing your experiences and solutions! I'm bookmarking this for future reference since it seems like ESD system issues are unfortunately pretty common. Emma, I'm so glad you got everything sorted out and took the time to update us with what actually worked. The WorkSource office approach is genius - I never would have thought they'd have direct contacts for ESD technical support. It's frustrating that we have to become system experts just to file for basic benefits, but at least we're all helping each other navigate these bureaucratic nightmares. Hope your husband's payments come through smoothly!

This whole thread is incredibly valuable - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! I'm currently dealing with ESD myself (different issue but similar runaround) and Emma's success story gives me so much hope. The WorkSource office solution is brilliant - I had no idea they could provide direct email contacts for ESD technical support. That's definitely my next move if the regular channels keep failing me. It's absolutely ridiculous that we have to become system experts and jump through so many hoops just to access basic unemployment benefits, but I'm grateful we have communities like this where people actually help each other out. Emma, thanks for taking the time to update us with what worked - that kind of follow-up is so helpful for others facing similar problems!

Thanks for all the great info everyone. This thread answered questions I didn't even know I had about how unemployment funding works!

This is really helpful information! I'm new to the unemployment system and had no idea that employers pay into a shared fund rather than paying benefits directly. It makes me feel less awkward about filing my claim knowing that it's coming from a pool that all employers contribute to, not just my former company's pocket. The insurance analogy someone mentioned really clicked for me too - we're all paying premiums (through our employers) and then accessing benefits when we need them. Thanks for breaking this down so clearly!

For anyone else reading this later - the key takeaway is wait until after your last day of work before filing your initial unemployment claim with Washington ESD. Don't risk the adjudication delays by filing early.

Just wanted to add my experience - I was laid off from Boeing last year and made the mistake of filing 3 days early because I was panicking about getting everything sorted. Big mistake! Washington ESD flagged it immediately and I had to wait 7 weeks for adjudication. The adjudicator told me this is one of the most common errors they see. The rule is crystal clear: you must be unemployed when you file. Even filing on your last day before your shift ends can cause problems. Wait until you're completely done working, then file. Trust me, those extra few days of waiting are nothing compared to weeks of delayed benefits.