Can I collect ESD benefits during unpaid leave? HR says it's complicated

yes u can file! unpaid leave = no income = eligible. did it last yr when my restaurant closed for renovations for 6 wks. just be honest on ur app about the situation

You absolutely qualify for unemployment while on unpaid leave, but there are some important details to get right. When you file, select 'temporary layoff' or 'reduction in hours' (not 'still working'). Make sure you explain in the comments that this is employer-mandated unpaid leave - NOT voluntary time off. You'll need to be available for work during this time, which means you technically could take another job while on leave. I went through something similar in 2025 when my healthcare employer put us on rotational furlough for 8 weeks. ESD approved my claim because I had zero earnings during those weeks. Just be completely transparent about your situation and you should be fine.

CAREFUL!! My company did this exact thing last year and half my coworkers got DENIED because our HR department reported to ESD that we were still employed!!! You need to contact your HR IMMEDIATELY and ask how they will respond when ESD contacts them about your employment status!!! If they say you're still employed with the company but just not working, you could get rejected and have to go through the whole appeal process which took my coworker almost 2 months!!!!!!

I work with unemployment claims and can confirm that in Washington state, you are generally eligible for benefits during a company-mandated unpaid leave period. However, there are some specific requirements: 1. The reduction in hours must be through no fault of your own 2. You must be able and available to work during this time 3. You must be actively seeking work unless you have a definite return date within 8 weeks When you file, be very clear about your situation. If your employer has given you a definite return date within 8 weeks, you may qualify for what's called 'standby' status, which means you wouldn't have to look for other work while collecting benefits. If your return date is beyond 8 weeks or uncertain, you'll need to complete three job search activities each week to maintain eligibility. Document everything carefully, including any communications from your employer about this unpaid leave.

i was in this exact situation in january!!! my company called it "furlough" not unpaid leave but same thing. i called esd like 40 times trying to get through to ask questions and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. super frustrating!!!

When I was put on unpaid leave last year, I made sure to use very specific language in my application. I said I was experiencing a "temporary layoff due to lack of work" even though my employer called it "unpaid administrative leave." ESD approved my claim within a week. I think the key was that I made it very clear I wasn't being paid and had no choice in the matter. I also uploaded the letter from my employer explaining the situation. This might help your application go through more smoothly. And make sure to file right away! Don't wait, as benefits aren't retroactive before your application date.

does anyone know how much they take out for taxes? should i have them withhold or just deal with it next april?

Update: I filed my claim yesterday and made sure to select 'temporary layoff' as suggested here. I also uploaded the official unpaid leave notice from my company and explained everything clearly in the comments section. Now I'm just waiting for it to process. Thank you all for the advice - this has been incredibly helpful for navigating a stressful situation!