Can I collect PFML and unemployment benefits at the same time in WA state?
I'm trying to figure out my options after getting laid off last month. I have a medical condition that might qualify me for Paid Family & Medical Leave, but I'm already receiving unemployment benefits. Does anyone know if I can collect both PFML and unemployment at the same time? Or are they completely separate programs where I'd have to choose one or the other? My ESD account doesn't have any clear info about this and I've been on hold for hours trying to get through to someone who knows the answer.
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Ethan Anderson
They're actually separate programs, but you CANNOT collect both at the same time. It's considered double-dipping by the state. If you're receiving unemployment, you're certifying that you're able and available to work. If you're receiving PFML, you're certifying that you're NOT able to work due to a medical condition or family caregiving need. Basically contradictory situations.
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Ava Kim
•Thanks for explaining! That makes sense about the contradictory requirements. Do you know if I could stop my unemployment claim temporarily while I take PFML and then restart it after if I still need it? Or would I have to file a completely new claim?
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Layla Mendes
my sister tried to do both last yr and ended up having to pay back a bunch of $$ to esd. big headache!!!
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Lucas Notre-Dame
•Same thing happened to my neighbor! He got hit with an overpayment notice for the entire period he was collecting both. The system eventually caught up to him even though initially both payments were approved. ESD and the PFML department do cross-check their systems.
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Aria Park
Wait are you sure about this? I thought they were totally different departments? PFML isn't even through ESD directly, isn't it through some other state office?
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Noah Ali
•They are different departments, but they do coordinate. PFML is administered by the Paid Family and Medical Leave division within ESD. While they have separate application processes and different eligibility requirements, the state does cross-reference to prevent people from collecting both benefits simultaneously. It's explicitly stated in both program guidelines that you cannot receive unemployment and PFML for the same time period.
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Chloe Boulanger
I've been through this! You have to choose one or the other for each week - no overlap allowed. In my case, I started on unemployment when I lost my job, then switched to PFML when I needed surgery, then went back to unemployment after recovery until I found a new job. You'll have to stop filing weekly UI claims while you're on PFML.
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Ava Kim
•That's EXACTLY my situation! Did you have any trouble restarting your unemployment after your PFML period ended? I'm worried about delays if I have to reapply completely.
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Chloe Boulanger
When I went back to unemployment after PFML, I didn't have to file a new claim since my benefit year hadn't expired yet. I just started filing weekly claims again. BUT there was about a 3-week delay while they reviewed everything, and I had to upload medical documentation showing I was now able to work again. The review put me in adjudication which was super stressful.
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James Martinez
•I went through the same adjudication nightmare trying to get ESD on the phone about switching between programs. Ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at ESD after days of trying. They have this video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. Seriously saved me from waiting another month to get my issue resolved. The agent was able to clear my adjudication flag right away once I explained everything.
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Noah Ali
To summarize the correct information: 1. PFML and Unemployment are separate programs both administered under the Employment Security Department. 2. You cannot collect both for the same time period - this is explicitly forbidden and will result in overpayment notices. 3. You can transition between programs as your situation changes, but there will likely be a review period when switching back to unemployment. 4. For unemployment, you must be able and available for work. 5. For PFML, you're certifying you cannot work due to a qualifying medical condition or caregiving responsibility. 6. When returning to unemployment from PFML, you'll need medical clearance showing you're able to work again. If you're considering medical leave, make sure you have documentation from your healthcare provider ready before applying for PFML.
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Ava Kim
•Thank you for this detailed explanation! This helps a lot. I think I'll talk to my doctor first before making any decisions about which benefit to pursue based on my situation.
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Olivia Harris
just want to add that PFML usually pays more than unemployment (like 90% of ur wage up to a cap) so if u qualify for both its usually better $$ to go with PFML. then u can save ur unemployment weeks for later if u need them
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Lucas Notre-Dame
•This is an important point! PFML typically replaces a higher percentage of your wages compared to unemployment. For 2025, PFML replaces up to 90% of wages (depending on your income level) up to a maximum of $1,580 per week. Unemployment only replaces about 60-70% of your wages up to a maximum of $975 per week. And as mentioned, you can preserve your unemployment benefit weeks by using PFML when medically necessary.
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Ava Kim
Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! Based on your advice, I'm going to schedule an appointment with my doctor to get the proper documentation first, then make a decision. Since my condition might only need treatment for a couple months, it sounds like PFML might be the better option financially, and then I can switch back to unemployment if needed while job searching. Really appreciate all the insights!
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