Can you apply for unemployment while on maternity leave in Washington state?

That's what I was afraid of. So even though I'm not getting paid, I can't get unemployment because technically I still have a job waiting for me?

Exactly. The key requirement is that you have to be able and available to accept work immediately, which you can't do while on maternity leave.

You're thinking of Washington State's Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which is separate from unemployment insurance. That might be what you want to look into instead.

Oh right! That makes more sense. I always get those mixed up.

I haven't looked into that yet. Is it something I apply for through the same Washington ESD website or is it separate?

It's through the same ESD system but different application. You apply at paidleave.wa.gov. You need to have worked at least 820 hours in the qualifying period and meet other requirements.

Thank you! I'll check that out right away. I definitely worked more than 820 hours last year.

How long did it take for your benefits to start? I'm already 6 weeks into my leave and really need the income.

It took about 3-4 weeks from when I applied to when I got my first payment. You might be able to get some back pay if you apply soon since your leave already started.

I agree it's confusing. The programs serve different purposes though - unemployment is for people who lost their jobs and are looking for work, while family leave is for people who need time off but plan to return to their job.

yeah but they could at least make it clearer on the website which one you need

That sounds helpful. I've tried calling Washington ESD directly but could never get through. Did they charge you a lot to use their service?

They focus more on the value of actually connecting you with an agent rather than the cost. For me it was worth it to get my questions answered directly instead of guessing from the website.

I've heard good things about Claimyr too. Sometimes paying a little to talk to someone who actually knows the system is better than spending weeks trying to figure it out yourself.

Good point. I'm going to apply today. Thanks everyone for clarifying the difference between these programs!

You're welcome! Hope it works out for you. Having a new baby is stressful enough without worrying about money.

It's because they're designed for different situations. Unemployment requires you to be actively looking for work. Family leave assumes you have a job to return to but need temporary income support.

ohh okay that makes more sense when you explain it like that

That's really helpful context. Do you know if there are other situations where people think they can get unemployment but actually can't?

Yes, sick leave, vacation, sabbaticals, or any situation where your job is being held for you typically disqualify you from unemployment benefits.

Definitely start researching it early! I wish I had known about the difference before my leave started.

Will do! Thanks for asking the question and getting all this great info.

That would be a different situation. If you're actually terminated/laid off rather than on approved leave, you might be eligible for unemployment benefits once you're able and available to return to work.

Got it. Hopefully that doesn't happen but good to know just in case.

Totally agree. They should have a simple flowchart or something that tells you which program you need based on your situation.

Or at least make the paid family leave info more prominent on the main unemployment page since people get confused

That seems to be the consensus. I might try that if I have trouble with my paid family leave application.

Definitely worth it if you get stuck. They helped me understand exactly which forms I needed and what documentation to provide.

Perfect summary! Should be pinned at the top of every thread about this topic.

Yes thank you! This thread really cleared up my confusion. Applied for paid family leave this morning.

Thank you so much! This community has been incredibly helpful. I feel much better knowing there's actually a program designed for my situation.