Can I file for unemployment while pregnant in Washington state?

Yes, you can absolutely file for unemployment while pregnant! Being pregnant doesn't disqualify you from UI benefits in Washington. The key requirement is that you have to be able and available for work. As long as you can work now, you should be fine to file your claim.

I filed while pregnant last year and had no issues. Washington ESD doesn't discriminate based on pregnancy status. Just make sure you're actively looking for work and documenting your job search activities.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to ask questions about your specific situation, I'd recommend checking out Claimyr at claimyr.com. They help people get through to ESD agents when the phone lines are jammed. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really helpful when you need to speak to someone directly about pregnancy-related questions.

The main thing is you have to be able and available for work each week you claim benefits. Once you're on maternity leave or can't work due to pregnancy complications, you'd need to stop claiming until you're available again.

wait can you even work while pregnant?? i thought there were laws about that

I'm dealing with something similar right now. Filed my claim 2 weeks ago and it's been smooth so far. Just answer the weekly questions honestly about your work availability. The Washington ESD system doesn't ask specifically about pregnancy status.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You'll need to do 3 job search activities per week and keep records. WorkSourceWA has good resources for pregnant job seekers.

The system is actually pretty accommodating. I know someone who filed while pregnant and even got approved for some job training programs through WorkSource. Don't let pregnancy discourage you from applying for benefits you've earned.

ugh the washington esd system is so confusing though. took me forever to figure out how to file my weekly claim the first time

File as soon as possible! There's a waiting week before benefits start, and you want to get that clock ticking. Don't wait until after the baby comes - file now while you're still able to work.

One thing to watch out for - if you have any pregnancy-related medical restrictions that limit the type of work you can do, that might affect your 'available for work' status. But most pregnant women can continue working in some capacity.

I had to call Washington ESD about this exact question last month. The agent confirmed that pregnancy alone doesn't disqualify you - it's all about whether you're able and available for work each week you claim.

Just remember that your benefit amount is based on your earnings from the base period, not your current situation. So being pregnant won't affect how much you receive - that's all calculated from your previous work history.

i think there might be some special programs for pregnant women too but not sure. worth asking about when you call

The bottom line is don't let pregnancy stop you from filing if you're otherwise eligible. You lost your job through no fault of your own, you've worked and paid into the system, and you're currently able to work. File that claim!

Make sure you have a plan for when the baby comes though. You'll need to stop claiming benefits during any time you're not available for work, but you can potentially restart later if you have benefit weeks remaining.

Pro tip: keep really good records of your job search activities. Being pregnant might make some employers hesitant (even though it's illegal), so you want to show you're making genuine efforts to find work.

I went through this exact situation 3 years ago. Filed at 7 months pregnant, collected benefits until I went on maternity leave, then restarted my claim when I was ready to work again. The system worked exactly as it should.

One last thing - if you end up needing to talk to Washington ESD about anything specific to your situation, Claimyr really does help with getting through. I used it when I had questions about restarting my claim after maternity leave and got connected right away.

Congratulations on your pregnancy! As someone who works with unemployment claims, I can confirm that pregnancy absolutely does not disqualify you from benefits in Washington. The state follows federal anti-discrimination laws, so as long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements (lost job through no fault of your own, earned enough wages, able and available for work), you're good to go. The "able and available" part just means you can work right now - which it sounds like you can at 6 months. When you eventually can't work due to childbirth or medical reasons, you'll just pause your weekly claims and can potentially restart them later if you have benefit weeks remaining. Don't let pregnancy stop you from claiming benefits you've rightfully earned!