Can I file for unemployment if I'm pregnant in Washington state?

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment while pregnant! Washington ESD doesn't discriminate based on pregnancy status. As long as you're able and available for work now, you should qualify. The key is that you need to be actively seeking work and able to accept suitable employment.

I went through this exact situation last year. Filed while pregnant, got approved, and when I had my baby I just stopped certifying for the weeks I couldn't work. Once I was ready to return to work, I started certifying again. Washington ESD was actually pretty understanding about it.

Just make sure you're honest about your availability. If you can work now, check yes on the weekly claims. When you get closer to your due date and can't work, you'll need to stop certifying until you're ready to return to work.

One thing that helped me was using Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD when I had questions about my specific situation. I was getting conflicting information online and needed to speak with an actual agent. The service at claimyr.com helped me get connected without waiting on hold for hours. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Don't forget about the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Even though you're unemployed, understanding your rights can help when you do find a new job.

ugh the whole system is so confusing when you're pregnant. i filed and they kept asking if i was available for work and i never knew what to say

I had to deal with this too. The job search requirement was the hardest part because some employers would schedule interviews and then act weird when they saw I was pregnant. Still had to keep applying though.

What about paid family leave? I think Washington state has a program for that now too.

File as soon as possible! Don't wait. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start receiving benefits. Pregnancy shouldn't delay your application at all.

I remember being so stressed about this when I was pregnant. Turns out I was worrying for nothing. Washington ESD was actually really helpful once I got through to them.

Make sure you keep documentation of your job search activities. Washington ESD can ask for proof at any time.

Pregnancy discrimination is real but you still have rights. Don't let anyone make you feel like you don't deserve unemployment benefits.

When you do have the baby, look into WIC and other assistance programs too. There's help available.

The most important thing is being honest on your weekly claims. If you can work that week, say yes. If you can't, say no. Don't try to game the system.

I used Claimyr when I had questions about my availability status during pregnancy. The agent I spoke with was super helpful and explained exactly what I needed to do. Worth every penny to get accurate information directly from Washington ESD.

Don't forget to report any part-time work you might do while pregnant. Even small amounts need to be reported on your weekly claims.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! It's stressful dealing with job loss and pregnancy at the same time, but you'll get through it.

One last thing - start looking for childcare options now if you plan to return to work after the baby. Good childcare fills up fast.

Best of luck with everything! Being pregnant and unemployed is tough, but Washington ESD should approve your claim as long as you meet the basic requirements.

Just want to echo what others have said - pregnancy alone cannot disqualify you from unemployment benefits in Washington. That would be discrimination.