isnt there somthing called paid family leave in WA now? might be better than unimployment checks

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! After reading all your comments, I think I'm going to: 1) Continue my unemployment claims until the baby arrives, 2) Look into PFML to see if that would give us better benefits for a few weeks, and 3) Make sure I have our childcare plan documented in case ESD asks about my availability to return to work. I really appreciate all the insights - this has been weighing on my mind a lot with everything else going on right now!

LOOOOL at ESD. They expect us to surrive on NOTHING when benefits run out. I was on UI last year and when it ended they just cut me off. No help, no extensions, just DONE. The whole system is designed to fail us. Good luck with disability too - I hear they deny everyone the first time. The government doesn't care if we end up homeless!!!

Have you talked to DSHS about HEN (Housing & Essential Needs)? It's specifically for people who are waiting for disability decisions and have very limited income. Won't replace your UI but it can help with rent, utilities, and some basic needs. I got on it after my UI ran out while waiting for my disability hearing. You apply through DSHS and it's administered through local community agencies. Just another option to look into.

when i was on unemployment last winter i did this workforce thing at the community college for healthcare jobs got certificatied as CNA and they paid for everything plus my unemployment kept coming the whole time. you should check with worksource they helped me get started

Here's what you need to know about extending unemployment benefits in Washington for 2025: 1. Training Benefits (TB) Program: Extends benefits up to 52 additional weeks while you complete approved training. Apply BEFORE your regular UI exhausts. Work with WorkSource to identify approved programs. 2. Commissioner Approved Training (CAT): Doesn't extend benefits but waives job search requirements while you attend school/training. 3. Self-Employment Assistance Program (SEAP): For those starting a business instead of seeking traditional employment. 4. Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA): If your job was affected by foreign trade/outsourcing. With only 3 weeks left, you need to contact WorkSource IMMEDIATELY to discuss your options and start the application process. Not everyone qualifies, but healthcare, IT, manufacturing, and other high-demand fields typically have good approval rates.

Just to follow up on what I wrote earlier - it's important to understand that there's a difference between your: 1. Benefit year (the 12-month period your claim is valid) 2. Maximum benefits amount (the total money you can receive during that year) 3. Weekly benefit amount (what you get each week) You can exhaust your maximum benefits (26 weeks worth) before your benefit year ends. The system often continues to allow weekly claims filing throughout your benefit year even with a $0 balance. This is actually by design, not a glitch. If you're worried about creating problems, calling ESD to confirm is the safest approach.

Did you get this resolved? Were you able to reach ESD? I'm curious what they said about your situation.

Went through an appeal back in January for something similar. One thing nobody mentioned yet - take notes during the entire hearing! The judge might make important comments or your employer might contradict themselves. Having detailed notes helped me when it was my turn to give closing remarks. Also, dress professionally even though it's probably going to be over the phone. It puts you in the right mindset. And have a glass of water nearby - your mouth gets dry when you're nervous talking for that long!

Thank you everyone for the incredibly helpful advice! I'm feeling much more prepared now. I've got all my evidence organized, written out my opening statement, and prepared questions based on your suggestions. Will update after the hearing tomorrow to let you know how it goes!