I went through the PFML application process last year and it was pretty straightforward once I understood what was needed. The hardest part was just figuring out initially that PFML was the right program, not unemployment.

Just to wrap this up for anyone reading - if you're planning maternity leave in Washington State, apply for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), not unemployment insurance. PFML is specifically designed for family and medical leave situations and provides better benefits than UI would anyway.

Whatever you decide, make sure you understand the weekly claim process. Even if approved, you have to file weekly claims every week and report any income, job search activities, and availability for work. Miss a week and your benefits stop.

The bottom line is this: if you truly have good cause connected to your work, document everything, follow proper procedures, and be prepared for a potentially long process. Washington ESD will investigate thoroughly but they do approve legitimate cases. Just make sure you have a financial cushion to get through the waiting period.

The bottom line is that construction workers get the same unemployment benefits as everyone else in Washington. Regular UI is the most common, standby if your employer gives you a specific recall date, and partial unemployment if you're getting reduced hours instead of a complete layoff.

If you run into any problems with Washington ESD, definitely consider using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. I used it when I had issues with my claim being stuck in adjudication and it saved me weeks of frustration trying to get through on the phone.

And remember, if you do need to contact Washington ESD for any reason during your claim, services like Claimyr can save you a lot of frustration trying to get through their phone system. Just keep it in mind if you run into issues later.

Wishing you the best with your job search! Unemployment benefits should help take some of the pressure off while you find something new.

I'm actually a former Washington ESD employee and I can tell you that the appeals process, while slow, is generally fair. The administrative law judges are independent and don't have quotas or pressure to deny claims. If you were wrongly denied, you have a good shot at winning if you present your case well.

Thanks everyone for all this info. I'm feeling a bit more confident about filing my appeal now. Still nervous about the hearing but at least I know what to expect. Going to start gathering my documentation today.