Summary for anyone skimming this thread: Maternity leave = PFML program (paidleave.wa.gov), NOT regular unemployment. Apply 2-3 weeks before due date. You need 820+ work hours in past year. Up to 90% wage replacement for 12 weeks.

Just wanted to add that you should also check with your HR department about job protection during your leave. PFML provides income replacement, but your job protection comes from FMLA (federal) or Washington Family Leave Act if your employer is covered. Make sure you understand both the pay side (PFML) and the job protection side before you go on leave.

I went through this process last year and the most important thing is to be patient. It's frustrating but the system does work eventually. Having all your employment info organized ahead of time is the biggest time-saver.

Good luck with your application! One more tip - if you're working any part-time or temporary jobs while collecting benefits, make sure to report all earnings on your weekly claims. Even small amounts need to be reported. Washington ESD will reduce your benefits based on what you earn, but it's better to be honest upfront than deal with overpayment issues later. The system can be overwhelming at first but you'll get the hang of it once you file a few weekly claims.

ATTENTION EVERYONE: If you're having issues with your claim, here's a comprehensive guide on what to do: 1. Keep certifying every week, even if you're not getting paid yet. 2. Document everything - keep a log of all your calls, emails, and certifications. 3. Check your spam folder regularly for emails from the unemployment office. 4. If you can't get through on the phone, try using the online chat feature (if available in your state). 5. Reach out to your local state representative or senator for help. 6. Join Facebook groups or subreddits for your state's unemployment - lots of helpful info there. 7. If all else fails, consider using a paid service like Claimyr to get through to an agent. 8. Be patient but persistent. The system is overwhelmed, but keep pushing! Hope this helps someone out there. We're all in this together! 💪

Congrats Diego! 🎉 That's awesome news after what I'm sure was a stressful wait. I just went through the same thing a few weeks ago. My first payment took about 10-12 days to hit my account after approval, but like Anastasia said, definitely keep up with your weekly certifications while you wait. Also make sure your direct deposit info is correct in your account - that can cause delays if there are any issues. Once that first payment comes through, the following ones should be much more regular. Hang in there, you're almost at the finish line!

Boeing should provide you with a furlough packet that includes instructions for filing unemployment. Did you receive that yet? They usually send it about 2 weeks before the furlough starts. It has all the specific codes and info you need for your claim.

Another Boeing person here going through the same thing! Just wanted to add that when you do file, make sure you have your Social Security card and driver's license handy - the system will ask you to verify info from both. Also, if you have direct deposit set up with Boeing payroll, you can use that same bank account info for your unemployment benefits to speed up the process. One thing I learned from my last furlough - take screenshots of every page when you submit your application! The system sometimes glitches and you'll want proof of what you submitted if there are any issues later. Good luck to all of us Boeing folks - hopefully this goes smoother than the 2020 mess!

Just to add some specific info - in Washington state, you generally have 52 weeks from your last day of work to file an initial claim. But again, benefits only start from when you file, not when you became unemployed. So that 52-week window doesn't help you get back pay.

UPDATE: Just filed my claim online. Took about 30 minutes to complete all the forms. Thanks everyone for pushing me to do this today instead of waiting longer!