Can I apply for Washington ESD unemployment if I'm pregnant?

Yes, you can absolutely apply for unemployment while pregnant! Being pregnant doesn't disqualify you from receiving Washington ESD benefits. The key requirements are that you're able and available for work, actively seeking employment, and meet the earnings requirements. Your pregnancy status doesn't factor into eligibility.

You should definitely apply right away. The longer you wait, the more benefits you might lose. When you file your initial claim on the Washington ESD website, you don't need to specifically mention your pregnancy unless it affects your ability to work. Just make sure you can honestly answer yes to being able and available for work.

I was in a similar situation last year. Filed for unemployment at 7 months pregnant and had no problems. The only thing is you still have to do your job search requirements and be available for work. If you can't work due to medical reasons related to pregnancy, that's when it gets complicated.

Just to add - if you have trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about your specific situation, I recently discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help you get connected to actual ESD agents without waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be helpful if you need to speak to someone directly about your pregnancy situation.

Make sure you're honest about your availability when you file your weekly claims. If you have prenatal appointments or other pregnancy-related commitments, you still need to be available for work the majority of the time.

What about after the baby is born? Can you still get unemployment if you're taking care of a newborn?

I'm dealing with Washington ESD right now for a different issue and their customer service is AWFUL. Been trying to get through for weeks. Maybe I should try that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't get benefits because you're pregnant. That's discrimination and it's illegal. Washington ESD can't deny you benefits just because you're expecting.

Quick question - do you need to have worked a certain amount before the pregnancy to qualify? I'm asking because my sister might be in a similar situation.

File ASAP! I made the mistake of waiting a few weeks after I lost my job and missed out on benefits. Pregnancy has nothing to do with it - you earned those benefits by working.

When I was pregnant and on unemployment, I just made sure to keep good records of my job search activities. Washington ESD doesn't care that you're pregnant as long as you're meeting all the regular requirements.

The most important thing is being honest on your weekly claims about your ability to work. If your pregnancy doesn't prevent you from working, then you're fine. If it does, you need to report that change immediately.

Has anyone had issues with employers not wanting to hire pregnant women during interviews? I know it's illegal but it still happens.

I used Claimyr when I had questions about my unemployment claim and it was a game changer. Actually got to talk to a human at Washington ESD instead of getting the runaround. Worth every penny.

Don't overthink it - just apply like anyone else would. Being pregnant doesn't change the process at all.

Good luck with everything! Hope your claim goes through smoothly and you find something good before the baby comes.