Just wanted to say your employer sounds AWFUL and I'm sorry you're dealing with this while pregnant. The stress is the last thing you need right now. This is why we need better worker protections in this country!! Companies get away with this garbage all the time because they know most people won't have the resources to fight back.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this situation! As someone who went through a similar experience (fired during pregnancy), I wanted to share what worked for me. First, definitely document everything you can about your termination - emails, performance reviews, anything that shows the real reason wasn't performance. I also recommend contacting the Washington State Human Rights Commission if you suspect pregnancy discrimination. For the UI benefits after PFML - yes, you can absolutely apply! The key is being completely ready to work when you file. I made the mistake of applying too early when I wasn't quite ready for full-time work yet, and it caused delays. Wait until you have reliable childcare lined up and can honestly say you're available for any work schedule. One tip: when you do apply for UI, be prepared for your former employer to contest it. They almost always do to keep their rates down. But if you have documentation showing the firing wasn't for misconduct, you'll likely win an appeal if needed. Also, start networking now if you can - having job leads ready will help you meet the job search requirements once you're on UI. Pregnancy discrimination is unfortunately common, but you have rights and resources available. Hang in there!

My advice is to file your claim as soon as possible even if you're not sure about the exact amount. The sooner you file, the sooner you'll know your actual weekly benefit amount and can plan accordingly. Plus there's usually a waiting week anyway.

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD by phone, try their online messaging system through your eServices account. I've had better luck getting responses that way, especially for benefit calculation questions. It takes 1-2 business days but at least you get a written response you can refer back to. Also, make sure to keep copies of all your wage statements from the past 18 months - you might need them if there are any discrepancies in your earnings record.

One last tip - if you're getting close to exhausting benefits and still haven't found work, start applying for other assistance programs before your UI runs out. Don't wait until the last minute because there can be processing delays.

I've been following this thread and wanted to add my perspective as someone who just went through the entire 26-week process. The standard duration in Washington is indeed 26 weeks maximum, but what really matters is staying compliant with all the requirements throughout that period. I made the mistake of getting a bit relaxed with my job search documentation around week 15, thinking I had plenty of time left, but then got selected for an audit at week 20. Luckily I was able to reconstruct most of my records, but it was stressful. My advice is to treat every week like it could be your last - keep detailed job search logs, file your weekly claims on time, and don't assume you'll find work quickly just because you have good experience. The 26 weeks gives you breathing room, but it's not as much time as it seems when you're actually living through it week by week.

Last tip - if you end up needing to contact Washington ESD and can't get through, that Claimyr service at claimyr.com really does work. Saved us hours of frustration and my son got his issues resolved quickly. Sometimes paying for help is worth it when benefits are on the line.

Just wanted to add that if your teen does qualify, they should also look into whether they're eligible for any job training programs through WorkSource Washington. Sometimes being on unemployment opens doors to free skills training that can lead to better paying jobs than restaurant work. My neighbor's daughter used her unemployment period to get certified in food safety and customer service, which helped her land a better position at a hotel. Worth exploring while they're job searching!

Just wanted to add that if you do eventually get put into adjudication, THAT'S when you'll start getting more regular email updates. The initial processing phase is mostly silent unless there's a problem.

I'm in week 3 of waiting after filing my initial claim and this thread is really reassuring! I was starting to panic that something went wrong since I haven't received any emails either. Sounds like the general consensus is that no news is good news during the initial processing phase. I've been checking my account on the ESD website daily and my claim status still just says "processing" but at least now I know that's normal. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it helps to know I'm not the only one dealing with the communication blackout from ESD!