Can I apply for ESD unemployment after using all my PFML benefits?

Unfortunately, this is complicated. You generally need to be able and available for full-time work to qualify for regular unemployment benefits. If you're still caring for your mother full-time, you might not meet that requirement. When you file, ESD will ask if you're able and available to accept work immediately, and you need to truthfully answer that question. If you can't work due to caregiver responsibilities, you might be denied. Did your employer actually terminate your employment or just say they won't hold the position? That distinction matters.

idk for sure but my cousin did this last year when her maternity leave ran out. she got denied at first but appealed and won. something about being available for part time work at least? good luck!

You can definitely apply, but whether you'll be approved depends on several factors. As the previous commenter mentioned, you need to be able and available for work. However, there's a distinction here - you can limit your availability to part-time work due to compelling personal circumstances (like caregiving) and still potentially qualify, though your benefit amount might be reduced. Regarding your separation: if your employer cannot accommodate your need for continued leave and terminates your employment, this would generally be considered a qualifying separation for UI purposes. It's not quitting if they're the ones ending the employment relationship. The part-time income during PFML will be part of your base year calculation, which is good. Make sure you report all earnings when you file. I recommend calling ESD directly to discuss your specific situation. Of course, reaching them can be challenging...

I was in almost the exact same situation in 2025! Took care of my dad after his stroke, PFML ran out, couldn't go back to my old job. I DID qualify for unemployment BUT I had to be very specific that I was able to work part-time (20+ hrs/week) and was actively looking for jobs that fit around my caregiving schedule. They asked lots of questions about availability during the initial phone interview.

Yes, I still had to do 3 job search activities each week just like everyone else. But I was upfront in my applications that I could only work certain hours due to caregiving responsibilities. The job search log has a spot where you can specify what type of work you're looking for and any limitations. Document EVERYTHING though!

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST CAREGIVERS!!! I went through this last year and ESD kept denying me because they said I wasn't "available enough" for work even though I was applying to jobs I COULD actually do!!! Had to appeal TWICE and waited 4 MONTHS for benefits. They don't care about people taking care of family members. The whole thing is designed to force you to choose between income and your loved ones!!!!

Have you tried getting through to ESD to discuss your specific situation? I strongly recommend speaking with them directly. I know their phone lines are almost impossible to get through on, but there's a service called Claimyr that can help you reach an ESD agent. It basically keeps dialing for you and calls you back when it gets through. I used it when I had issues with my claim earlier this year and actually got through in about 30 minutes instead of spending days trying. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Given the complexity of transitioning from PFML to UI, getting definitive answers from an actual ESD agent would be really valuable.

One more important thing to consider: if your separation is processed as you described, make sure you indicate on your application that your employer ended the relationship because they couldn't accommodate your need for additional leave. Don't say you quit or it could complicate things. Also, be prepared to provide documentation about your caregiving responsibilities if requested. This could help if you need to establish good cause for any availability limitations.

random question but did u use all 16 weeks of PFML at once? i thought the max was 12 weeks? just curious cause ill need to do this soon myself