Final thought - if you do quit and file for benefits, respond to any requests for information from Washington ESD immediately. Don't let deadlines pass or your claim could be denied just for non-response, even if you had good cause to quit.

Also keep in mind that Washington ESD will likely contact your employer during the adjudication process to get their side of the story. Make sure all your documentation is organized and easily accessible because you may need to provide additional evidence to counter whatever your employer claims. I've seen cases where employers try to downplay harassment or claim the employee never complained, so having timestamped emails and written records is crucial.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation - losing a job while pregnant is incredibly stressful! I went through something similar a few years ago and wanted to share what I learned. You're absolutely right to be thinking about this transition carefully. The good news is that yes, you can collect unemployment until your baby arrives and then switch to Paid Family Leave. The key things to remember: 1) Make sure you understand the exact timing - you'll need to stop filing unemployment claims the week you go on maternity leave 2) There might be a small gap in benefits while your PFL application processes, so try to save a little if possible 3) Keep all your employment records from this job - you'll need them for both programs One thing I'd add that others haven't mentioned - consider applying for any state assistance programs you might qualify for during this transition period. WIC, SNAP, and temporary assistance programs exist exactly for situations like this. There's no shame in using these safety nets when you need them, especially with a baby on the way. Also, don't forget to apply for unemployment immediately after your last day of work - don't wait! The sooner you get that process started, the better. Hang in there - this is temporary and you're going to get through this! 💙

Just wanted to chime in as someone who works in HR and has dealt with similar situations. A few additional points that might help: 1) When you file for unemployment, be very specific that your "position was eliminated" rather than saying your contract wasn't renewed - this helps establish it as a layoff rather than a contract ending, which strengthens your claim. 2) For the job search requirement while pregnant, focus on industries that commonly hire for maternity cover or short-term positions - healthcare, education, and administrative temp work often need people for exactly these timeframes. 3) Don't forget that you can potentially start your Paid Family Leave up to one week BEFORE your due date if your doctor certifies medical necessity, which could help minimize any gap between programs. 4) Keep detailed records of everything - dates, conversations with ESD, medical appointments, job applications. If anything gets complicated later, having documentation will save you huge headaches. You're handling a really tough situation with a lot of grace and planning ahead. That's going to serve you well through this transition. Best of luck with everything!

Update for the original poster: make sure you have all your employment documentation ready. When they review backdating requests, they sometimes ask for proof of your separation date, last day worked, final paycheck, etc. Better to have it all ready.

Just wanted to share my experience for anyone else in this situation - I filed for backdating after 10 weeks of unemployment and Washington ESD approved it without any issues. The key is being honest about why you delayed. I explained that I was actively job searching and thought I'd find work quickly, plus I wasn't fully aware of the backdating option. They processed my request in about 10 days and I received benefits for 9 out of the 10 weeks (minus the waiting period). Don't let fear or embarrassment stop you from filing - the system is designed to help people who need it.

Just want to say thanks to everyone who shared their experiences. This is exactly the kind of real-world info you can't find on the official ESD website.

I went through the backdating process last year and want to add a few things that might help. First, gather EVERYTHING before you submit - bank statements, job search records, any correspondence about your employment situation, medical records if applicable. Second, be very honest about any work you did during the period you're requesting - even small cash jobs need to be reported. The process took about 4 months for me but I did get approved. The key was being extremely detailed in my explanation and having documentation for every claim I made. Also, don't wait to start your regular weekly claims while this is pending - handle them separately. Good luck!

I went through a similar nightmare with adjudication last year and found a few things that helped: First, definitely keep filing your weekly claims even while stuck in adjudication - you'll get all the backpay once approved. Second, if you have any kind of hardship documentation (eviction notice, medical bills, etc.), mention this when you call and ask specifically for a "hardship escalation." Third, try calling right when they open at 8 AM - I had better luck getting through early in the morning. Also make sure to check your ESD account daily for any new correspondence or requests for information. The waiting is absolutely brutal but don't give up! Most claims do eventually get resolved, it's just a matter of persistence and making sure you respond to everything they ask for promptly.

I'm in a similar situation - been waiting 6 weeks in adjudication and it's really stressing me out financially. Reading through all these responses is both reassuring and terrifying at the same time! It sounds like missing documentation is a common issue, so I'm going to triple-check my ESD portal tonight to make sure I haven't missed anything. The tip about asking for tier 2 agents and hardship escalations is really valuable - I had no idea those were options. For anyone else going through this, it seems like the key takeaways are: keep filing weekly claims, check for missed forms constantly, call early in the morning, ask specifically for tier 2 agents, and contact your state representatives if you're past 6+ weeks. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences, it really helps to know we're not alone in this bureaucratic nightmare!