Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits while on leave of absence from work?

That's what I was afraid of. So even though I'm not getting paid, I'm still technically employed?

Exactly. The key factor is your employment status, not whether you're receiving pay. You'd need to actually quit or be laid off to qualify.

You might be thinking of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) through Washington State, but that's different from unemployment insurance. PFML provides partial wage replacement during qualifying family or medical leaves.

oh yeah that makes sense, i always get those confused

That's interesting, I hadn't heard of Claimyr before. Did they charge you a lot to get through?

They focus on getting you connected rather than the cost. For me it was worth it to get a definitive answer about my situation instead of guessing.

I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim. Might have to check that out if I can't get through soon.

They don't offer paid leave unfortunately. It's a small company so they don't have a lot of benefits.

Small companies can be the worst for stuff like this. They give you the bare minimum required by law.

That makes sense. So my only option would be to quit my job and then apply for unemployment?

Quitting typically disqualifies you from unemployment benefits unless you quit for good cause. You'd need to research whether your family caregiving situation would qualify as good cause under Washington ESD rules.

This is why the system is broken. People in genuine need can't get help because of technicalities.

I looked into PFML but wasn't sure if caring for a parent qualified. Do you know what the requirements are?

Yes, caring for a parent with a serious health condition qualifies for family leave under PFML. You'd need medical certification and to meet the work history requirements.

PFML is way better than unemployment anyway. You get a higher percentage of your wages replaced.

It is confusing. That's why it's worth talking to someone who knows the system when you're in a complex situation like this.

agree, i wasted so much time trying to figure it out on my own

Like I mentioned earlier, I used Claimyr to get connected. Made a huge difference in actually talking to someone who could answer my questions definitively.

I might have to try that. I'm tired of calling and getting hung up on or waiting on hold for hours.

Same here. The whole system seems designed to frustrate people into giving up.

I get the frustration but some people really do need these programs to survive.

Of course they do, that's why it's so messed up that the system makes it nearly impossible to access.

Yes, completely unpaid. No salary, no benefits, nothing during the leave period.

ok good to clarify. but yeah like others said, still being employed is the main issue

Thanks, I think PFML might be my best option. Did you apply for it during your FMLA leave?

I wish I had known about it then. I found out about PFML after my leave was over unfortunately.

I've been there for about 3 years, working full-time. Should be enough to meet the requirements for either program.

That should definitely be enough. You're well over the minimum work history requirements.

The difference is that unemployment insurance is specifically for people who are unemployed and looking for work. Someone on leave isn't available for work, so they don't meet the basic eligibility requirements.

i get the logic but it still seems unfair to people in tough situations

That's an interesting idea. I hadn't thought about asking if there were other options for how they classify my time off.

Worth asking. Some employers are more flexible than others, especially if they understand your situation.

Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds like several people have had good experiences with them.

I'm definitely going to check them out. I've been trying to reach ESD for weeks with no luck.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful responses. I'm going to look into PFML and see if I can get through to someone to discuss my specific situation.

Good luck! Hope you're able to get the support you need during this difficult time.

This is really helpful! I'm curious about the medical documentation process - how long did it take to get everything together and submitted? I'm worried about delays since my parent's condition is progressing and I need to start the leave soon.