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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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Thanks everyone for all the detailed responses! This has cleared up a lot of confusion for me. I feel much more prepared to handle the tax side when I officially start my business.
Glad we could help! Feel free to ask if you run into more questions when you get started.
And remember about Claimyr if you need to talk to someone at ESD directly. Sometimes it's worth getting professional help navigating the system.
This has been such an informative thread! I'm in a similar situation - currently on unemployment but planning to start freelancing more seriously next year. One thing I'm still unclear on: when you transition from being an unemployment claimant to being an employer who pays these taxes, is there any overlap period I need to worry about? Like if I'm still collecting benefits while building up my client base, then eventually hire someone - do I need to notify ESD about the change in my status somehow?
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Final update from my experience: yes it's possible, yes it's complicated, but don't let that stop you from pursuing benefits you're legally entitled to. Just be prepared for extra scrutiny during the application process and keep detailed records of everything.
Perfect summary. I feel much more confident about moving forward now. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this discussion!
You're welcome! Feel free to update us on how your application process goes. Other people in similar situations could benefit from hearing about your experience.
I'm actually going through a similar situation right now, though I'm on SSDI for a different condition. One thing I learned from my caseworker is that Washington ESD will likely ask for a detailed explanation of your work capacity during the adjudication process. They might even request documentation from your doctor about what types of work you can perform and for how many hours. The key is being able to demonstrate that while you have limitations, you're still capable of and actively seeking suitable employment within those limitations. My advice would be to gather any documentation about your previous work accommodations and be prepared to explain exactly what type of part-time work you can realistically do. It sounds like you have a good case since you were already working before the layoff.
That's really helpful advice about gathering documentation ahead of time. I've been keeping records of my work accommodations from my previous job, but I hadn't thought about getting something more formal from my doctor about my work capacity. Did your caseworker give you any specific guidance on what kind of medical documentation they prefer, or was it pretty open-ended? I'm trying to be as prepared as possible before I submit my application.
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Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through the PFML process last fall - everything you're experiencing is unfortunately totally normal! The system is definitely not user-friendly. A few things that might help while you wait for approval: 1. Keep checking your email AND the messages section in your paidleave.wa.gov account. Sometimes they send updates through one but not the other. 2. If you haven't already, make sure all your documentation is complete. Missing or unclear medical certification is the #1 reason for delays from what I've seen. 3. The waiting is the worst part, but once you're approved everything moves much faster. I got my first payment (including backpay) within 5 business days of approval. 4. Start preparing now for weekly claims - keep a simple log of any work/income during your leave period, even if it's zero. Makes filing much easier later. Hang in there! The system is broken but it does eventually work. Your early morning call success gives me hope that maybe they're finally getting better at answering phones.
This is incredibly helpful advice, thank you! I'm definitely going to start keeping a work/income log right away - I hadn't even thought about that but it makes total sense. Quick question about the documentation - my doctor submitted the medical certification when I first applied, but I'm wondering if there's a way for me to check if ESD actually received it properly? I'm paranoid something got lost in their system and that's why it's taking so long. Did you have any way to verify your paperwork was complete during the waiting period? Also really encouraging to hear about the 5-day payment turnaround after approval. That takes some of the stress off knowing it won't be another long wait once I finally get the green light!
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just submitted my PFML application last week and the waiting is killing me. Reading through all these responses is actually really reassuring though - at least I know I'm not alone in finding this system completely confusing. Quick question for everyone who's been through this - did any of you have issues with your employer's HR department not knowing how PFML works? Mine keeps asking me questions I can't answer because I'm still waiting for approval, and they seem just as lost as I am about how this all coordinates with their own policies. Also @Jessica Nguyen - thanks for sharing your success story about getting through at 8am! I'm definitely going to try that strategy tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed I get as lucky as you did!
Yes! My HR department was completely clueless about PFML too. They kept asking me for documentation and timelines that I didn't have yet because everything was still pending. I ended up having to explain the state program to them, which was awkward since I barely understood it myself at that point! What helped was printing out some of the FAQ pages from the paidleave.wa.gov website and sharing those with HR. At least then we were all looking at the same (confusing) information. Some employers have their own policies that run parallel to PFML, so it can get really messy trying to coordinate everything. Good luck with the 8am call strategy! I'm thinking of trying that myself if I need to contact them again. The key seems to be calling right when they open before the phone lines get completely overwhelmed.
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This thread is super helpful! I was also confused about some unemployment terminology. Glad to know I'm not the only one who gets mixed up by all the different terms people use.
Right? There's so much unofficial slang mixed in with the official terms that it gets confusing fast.
I'm new to unemployment benefits and this whole thread has been really educational! I was also hearing confusing terminology at my local WorkSource office. It sounds like the key takeaway is that Washington ESD doesn't officially use "sub pay" - it's probably just informal language people use. I'm glad to see there are resources like that Claimyr service for when you need to actually speak with someone, since I've heard the phone lines are nearly impossible to get through on. Thanks everyone for clarifying all the official benefit types vs. the slang terms!
Makayla Shoemaker
Thanks everyone for all the helpful info! Sounds like I should just go ahead and file a new claim online and not overthink it. Appreciate all the advice about keeping good records and being thorough with employment history.
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Ezra Bates
•Same here! This thread was super helpful. Going to file tomorrow and make sure I have all my employment details ready.
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Christian Bierman
•Good luck! The process really isn't as complicated as it seems once you get started.
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Freya Andersen
Just wanted to add that when you file your new claim, make sure you have your Social Security number, driver's license, and banking info for direct deposit ready. The application will ask for all of that upfront. Also, if you worked in multiple states since your last claim, you might need to file an interstate claim instead - the system will guide you through that if it applies. Good luck with your new application!
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