Can I file for unemployment during maternity leave in Washington state?

Oh I hadn't heard of PFML! Is that through Washington ESD too or a different agency?

It's administered by the Employment Security Department but it's a separate program from regular unemployment. You should look into it ASAP since there are application deadlines.

90% of wages sounds amazing! Did you have to pay into it beforehand or how does that work?

Yes, it comes out of your paycheck automatically - it's a small deduction. Check your paystub, it should show PFML premiums being taken out.

What if you quit your job right before having the baby? Could you file then?

Quitting without good cause would make you ineligible for unemployment benefits. And pregnancy/childbirth alone isn't considered 'good cause' for leaving work in Washington.

Thanks for mentioning that! The phone situation with ESD is so frustrating. Did Claimyr cost a lot to use?

It was worth it to actually talk to someone who could give me accurate information instead of guessing. Way less stressful than the endless calling.

Different states have different rules. In Washington, you can't collect UI while on approved leave and still employed. Oregon might allow it but Washington doesn't.

oh that sucks! washington needs to fix that

How do I apply for PFML? Is there a website or do I call somewhere?

You can apply online at the Employment Security Department website. Just look for the Paid Family and Medical Leave section, not the unemployment section.

I agree it's confusing at first but once you understand the difference between UI and PFML it makes sense. They serve different purposes.

I guess but when you're pregnant and stressed the last thing you want is to figure out bureaucracy!

Good to know! I still have about 6 weeks so I should be okay timing-wise.

Perfect timing then. Make sure you have all your medical documentation ready when you apply.

That's great that it covers adoption too! Sounds like a really comprehensive program.

Yes, it covers biological birth, adoption, and foster placement for bonding leave. Plus medical leave for yourself or family members.

How do I check if my employer is covered? I work for a mid-sized company so I think we should be.

If you see PFML deductions on your paystub then you're covered. You can also check with your HR department.

This has been so helpful! I was totally on the wrong track thinking about unemployment. Going to look into PFML right away.

Great summary! Wish I had known this distinction when I was pregnant last year.

That's reassuring to hear. I was worried about the financial impact but it sounds like PFML will provide decent coverage.

Much better than trying to make unemployment work for something it wasn't designed for. PFML actually understands you're not looking for work during this time.

How does that service even work? Sounds too good to be true with how impossible it is to reach ESD normally.

They have some system that gets you connected to actual ESD staff. I was skeptical too but it worked when nothing else did. Check out their demo video if you're curious how it works.

Right?! Everything feels so overwhelming when you're trying to plan for a baby. At least now we both know about PFML!

yes! and knowing there's a actual program designed for this instead of trying to hack unemployment makes me feel so much better

That's good to hear! I was feeling stressed about the financial side of maternity leave but this gives me hope.

Yeah, many states still don't have anything like this. Washington was pretty progressive in implementing PFML.

Oh interesting, I didn't realize there were different types of leave. How long can you take for each?

Medical leave can be up to 12 weeks per year for your own serious health condition, and bonding leave can be up to 12 weeks in the first year after your child arrives.

That's a relief! I've heard unemployment applications can be really complicated.

Yeah, with PFML you're not dealing with job search requirements or weekly certifications like you would with UI benefits.

Thanks for sharing! It's good to know I'm not the only one who was confused about this initially.

The names are confusing! Both come from the Employment Security Department but they're totally different programs with different rules.

Good advice! What kind of medical documentation do they typically want?

Usually documentation from your doctor about your due date, expected delivery method, any complications, etc. Your OB should know what's needed.

I might have to try that if I run into issues with my application. The thought of being on hold for hours while pregnant sounds awful.

Exactly! And when you're dealing with time-sensitive stuff like leave applications, you can't afford to waste weeks trying to reach someone.

I completely agree! I'm so glad I asked here instead of just guessing or trying to figure it out on my own.

That's what forums like this are for - helping people navigate these complicated systems. Glad everyone could share their knowledge!