Can I file for Washington ESD unemployment while on maternity leave?

That's what I was worried about. How do they determine if I'm 'able and available' if I just had a baby?

It's based on when your doctor clears you to return to work. Once you have medical clearance, you can demonstrate you're able to work. The 'available' part means you have childcare arrangements and can accept job offers.

How long did it take you to get through to someone at Washington ESD? I've been trying to call for days.

Honestly, weeks. The phone lines are constantly busy. I eventually used Claimyr.com to get through - they have this system that calls Washington ESD for you and connects you when an agent picks up. There's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Paid family leave and unemployment are different programs. Family leave is for bonding with a new baby while you have a job to return to. Unemployment is for when you don't have a job. If her employer can't guarantee her position back, she might not have a job to return to.

Exactly. I already used up my paid family leave, and now my employer is saying they might not have my position available due to budget cuts.

The job search part is what worries me. How many jobs do I need to apply for each week?

It's typically 3 job search activities per week, but it can vary. You'll need to log everything in WorkSourceWA. Make sure you understand what counts as a valid job search activity before you start.

What kind of documentation did they want?

medical clearance forms, proof that i had childcare, evidence that i was actually looking for work. it was exhausting dealing with all of it while taking care of a newborn.

Good point. My 6-week checkup is next week, so I'll wait to see what my doctor says before filing.

Smart move. And when you do file, make sure you have all your employment documentation ready. Washington ESD will want your work history, reason for separation, and contact info for your employer.

I agree it's frustrating, but the requirements exist to prevent fraud. They have to verify that people are actually looking for work.

I get that, but there should be some consideration for people in unique situations like maternity leave.

Is that service legitimate? I'm always skeptical of third-party services for government stuff.

Yeah, it's legit. They don't ask for any personal info or passwords. They just call Washington ESD repeatedly until they get through, then connect you to an actual ESD agent. Saved me probably 20+ hours of calling.

That's a good point. My employer said they 'can't guarantee' my position, but they haven't officially eliminated it yet. How should I handle that?

Document everything in writing. Get your employer to put their position in writing if possible. If they can't guarantee your job back and you're ready to work, that could be considered a constructive dismissal.

Start documenting everything now. Keep records of any communications about layoffs, your employment status, and your expected return date. Being prepared will help if you need to file later.

I wish I had started documenting earlier. Make sure you get everything in writing from HR about your maternity leave and job protection.

6 weeks?! How did you survive financially during that time?

It was really tough. That's why it's so important to file as soon as you know you qualify. The benefits are retroactive to your filing date, but you don't get paid until you're approved.

It's challenging but doable. You can apply online during nap times. The key is finding jobs that match your availability and childcare situation. Don't apply for jobs you couldn't actually accept.

honestly i applied for jobs i knew i wouldnt get just to meet the requirements. felt terrible about it but i needed the benefits.

What happens if I have a week where I can't look for work due to childcare falling through or something?

You report that you weren't available for work that week. You won't get benefits for that week, but it won't disqualify you from future weeks as long as it's temporary.

I understand the frustration, but the requirements serve a purpose. The system is meant to provide temporary support while you're actively seeking work, not long-term assistance.

I get that, but they could make the process more user-friendly without compromising the integrity of the program.

That's great advice. I'll start a folder now so I'm ready when I file.

Absolutely this. I had to appeal an issue with my claim and having all my documentation organized made the process much smoother.

Good to hear another positive review. I think I'll give it a try when I'm ready to file.

How much does it cost? I'm already worried about money with the baby coming.

I don't want to get into specific pricing, but it was worth every penny considering how much time it saved me. Time I could spend with my baby instead of on hold.

Thanks for the summary! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I feel much more prepared now.

Great summary. The key is being prepared and understanding the requirements before you file. Good luck to everyone dealing with this situation!

That's reassuring to know. I was worried if I got bad information the first time, I'd be stuck with it.

Definitely true. I had one agent tell me I wasn't eligible, then spoke to another who helped me file successfully. Persistence pays off.

How long did the whole process take from filing to receiving your first payment?

about 8 weeks total. first few weeks were processing, then they had questions that delayed it another month. but once it was approved, i got all the back pay.

I'll definitely look for that. Every bit of information helps when navigating this system.

The website is helpful but can be confusing. Don't hesitate to call if you have specific questions about your situation. Each case is unique.