Can I get UI benefits after PFML ends if I'm still employed but medically unable to work?

Unfortunately, you probably won't qualify for unemployment in this situation. UI benefits require that you're able and available to work and actively seeking employment. Since you're medically unable to work (based on your doctor's assessment), you don't meet the basic eligibility requirements for unemployment. Your situation falls into what's sometimes called the "benefits gap" - too recovered for disability/PFML but not recovered enough to return to work. Have you looked into: 1. Extending your PFML? Sometimes with additional medical documentation you can get an extension. 2. Short-term disability insurance through your employer? 3. Using any remaining sick leave or PTO? 4. Talking with your doctor about a partial return-to-work plan with reduced hours?

This happened to me last year!! The ESD system is SO FRUSTRATING. I applied for UI anyway after my PFML ran out and got denied for exactly the reason the other person mentioned - you have to be "able and available" for work. I appealed it and still lost becuz my doctor's note said I couldn't work. Total waste of time. HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR STATE DISABILITY??? Thats different from unemployment and is made for people who cant work!!! Sorry for the caps but this is important!!

As others mentioned, the "able and available" requirement is going to be your biggest hurdle for UI. Here's what I would suggest: 1. Contact the PFML office directly about an extension. For 2025, you're entitled to up to 12 weeks of medical leave per year, or up to 16 weeks combined if you took both family and medical leave. In some cases, they can approve up to 18 weeks for pregnancy/childbirth complications. Make sure you've used all entitled weeks. 2. Ask your doctor about a "Work Assessment Form" that outlines any accommodations or part-time schedule you might be able to handle. Even if you can only work very limited hours, this might help you qualify for partial unemployment while working reduced hours. 3. Call ESD directly to explain your situation - sometimes there are exceptions or programs for special circumstances that aren't well-advertised on their website. BTW, if you're having trouble getting through to ESD (which is very common), I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3. It was really helpful in my situation when I needed clarification on my benefits.

just fyi i tried to do this exact thing in january and got denied unemployment. they said since i still had a job i wasnt unemployed and since i couldnt work i wasnt eligible anyway. double whammy lol. good luck tho maybe youll have better luck than me

The key issue is that unemployment insurance and medical leave programs are designed for completely different situations, and unfortunately there's this gap between them that people fall into. One thing to consider - have you asked your employer about an ADA accommodation for additional unpaid leave? Since you have a documented medical condition and a specific timeframe (6 weeks), your employer might be legally required to provide unpaid leave as a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, even beyond what PFML covers. This wouldn't solve your income problem, but it would protect your job for those additional weeks. I'd also recommend reaching out to the Washington Law Help website or a similar resource - they sometimes offer free consultations for exactly these types of benefits questions.

i was in a similar situation in 2025 and my PFML case manager actually suggested applying for unemployment even though they knew I'd probably get denied. They said sometimes people get approved if they can prove they're able to do SOME type of work even if not their regular job. Like if you can't do physical labor but could do a desk job. It's worth trying! Worst they can say is no.

has anyone mentioned SSDI (Social Security Disability)? if your condition might last longer then you should apply now bc it takes FOREVER to get approved.