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The bottom line is file today. File right now. Don't wait. There's no benefit to waiting and you could lose money every day you delay. Washington ESD makes it pretty easy to file online.
Also worth mentioning that if you have any questions after you file, Washington ESD customer service can be really hard to reach by phone. If you need help and can't get through, definitely consider using a service like Claimyr to get connected faster. They made the process so much easier for me.
Hope this thread helped answer your question OP! The benefit calculation can seem confusing at first but it's pretty straightforward once you understand the formula. Good luck with your situation.
For anyone else reading this later - remember that benefit amounts and maximums can change year to year, so always check the current Washington ESD website for the most up to date numbers. The $999 maximum mentioned here is for 2025.
The bottom line is you can apply for both, but be prepared for potential complications down the road. Keep good records and consider getting professional advice.
Thanks everyone for all the advice. I think I'll apply for SSDI while continuing my unemployment claims and job search. I'll also look into getting a consultation with a disability attorney.
Just want to echo what everyone else is saying - PFML is definitely the right program for maternity leave, not unemployment. I was initially confused too because they're both through Washington ESD. The websites and applications are completely separate though.
Thanks for confirming this. It sounds like everyone who's been through this process has the same advice about using PFML instead of trying for unemployment.
One last tip - when you apply for PFML, make sure to keep copies of all your paperwork and track your application status online. The Washington ESD portal lets you see updates on your claim, which is really helpful for peace of mind.
Agreed, this was a great discussion. Hope everything goes smoothly with your PFML application and congratulations on your upcoming baby!
If you need help navigating the Washington ESD system or have questions about your PFML claim status, remember that Claimyr service can help you reach an actual person instead of dealing with automated systems. Good luck with everything!
Ravi Sharma
For anyone who's worried about owing back taxes on unreported unemployment income - the IRS is usually pretty reasonable about setting up payment plans. Don't panic, just get it sorted out as soon as possible.
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Zoe Papadakis
•That's reassuring to hear. I was imagining worst case scenarios where they'd garnish my wages or something.
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Freya Larsen
•They only do that if you completely ignore them. As long as you're trying to resolve it, they'll work with you.
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Omar Hassan
Quick reminder that you need to keep all your unemployment documentation for at least 3 years in case the IRS has questions. This includes your 1099-G forms and any correspondence with Washington ESD.
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Zoe Papadakis
•Good to know. I'll make sure to save everything once I get it all sorted out.
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Chloe Taylor
•I keep digital copies of everything just in case. Much easier to organize than paper files.
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