Can I get ESD benefits if I need time off for weekly chemo treatments?

Sorry about ur diagnosis. But unemployment isnt the right benefit for medical stuff. You should look into paid family medical leave (PFML) or short term disability instead. Unemployment is only if ur able to work full time but laid off for business reasons.

I'm sorry you're going through this. The previous commenter is correct - unemployment benefits (UI) wouldn't be appropriate here because one of the core requirements is being "able and available" for full-time work. With weekly chemo treatments affecting your ability to work, you wouldn't meet this requirement. What you want to look into is: 1. Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) - Yes, this covers YOUR medical conditions too, not just caring for family. You can get up to 12 weeks of paid leave at up to 90% of your wages (with a cap). 2. FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) - This federal protection can guarantee your job for up to 12 weeks, though it's unpaid. Your employer must have 50+ employees to qualify. 3. Short-term disability insurance - If you have this through your employer or privately. Don't ask your employer to "lay you off" - that could be seen as UI fraud since the real reason is medical, not lack of work.

When I went thru cancer last year I applied for PFML and it was AWFUL!!! Took FOREVER to get approved and then they kept asking for more medical documents every week it seemed. My doctor was so annoyed with all the paperwork. I ended up calling ESD like 20 times and never got through until I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 It was totally worth it because the agent fixed all my issues at once. The PFML benefits were good once they finally started coming though.

WHY IS NOBODY MENTIONING ADA ACCOMODATIONS?????? Your employer LEGALLY has to make REASONABLE accomodations for your medical condition!!! Dont just give up your job! Talk to HR about reduced hours or different duties during treatment!!! They can't just fire you for having cancer!!!! That's illegal discrimination!!!!

The previous comments contain a mix of good advice, but let me clarify a few things about your options: 1. Unemployment benefits: No, this won't work for your situation. You must be able and available for full-time work and actively seeking employment. Weekly chemo would disqualify you. 2. Washington PFML: This is likely your best option. You can receive up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave (at 90% of wages up to a cap) specifically for your own serious health condition. The application requires certification from your healthcare provider. 3. Job protection: If your employer has 50+ employees and you've worked there 1+ year (1,250+ hours), you're eligible for FMLA which provides 12 weeks of unpaid job-protected leave. Washington PFML provides similar job protection for employers with 50+ employees. 4. ADA accommodations: Yes, as mentioned above, cancer qualifies as a disability under ADA. Your employer must provide reasonable accommodations if they wouldn't cause undue hardship. Start by talking with your HR department about PFML and FMLA. Apply for PFML online through the ESD website as soon as possible as there can be processing delays.

my sister had leukemia last year and what worked for her was using short term disability first (if your company offers it), then PFML. Her job was protected under FMLA the whole time. She ended up being out for 5 months but got to keep her job. Don't try unemployment - they'll deny it for sure since you're not medically able to work full time right now. Wishing you all the best with your treatments!

Has anyone actually gotten PFML in Washington recently? I hear the system is completely broken and payments are super delayed??

To follow up on your question about the PFML application process - it's not overly complicated, but it does require coordination with your healthcare provider. Here's a quick overview: 1. Create an account on the PFML portal through ESD 2. Start your application (you can save and return to it) 3. Your healthcare provider will need to complete a certification form 4. Submit documentation about your employment and wages 5. You'll receive a determination within 2-3 weeks typically Since your treatments start in 2 weeks, start the application immediately. There's a waiting week before benefits begin. Also, PFML can be taken intermittently, which might be helpful for a weekly chemo schedule if you're able to work some days. As others have mentioned, the system can have delays, so persistence is key if you encounter issues.