Can you collect unemployment on maternity leave in Washington ESD?

Unfortunately, you generally can't collect regular unemployment benefits while on maternity leave in Washington. The key requirement is that you must be able and available for work, which you wouldn't be during recovery time. However, Washington has Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) which is separate from unemployment - that might be what you're looking for.

Wait I'm confused - I thought pregnancy was considered a disability so wouldn't that qualify for some kind of benefits? My sister collected something when she had her baby but that was in California.

I went through this last year and it was so confusing trying to figure out what I qualified for. I spent weeks calling different numbers and getting transferred around. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to someone at Washington ESD who could explain the difference between unemployment and PFML. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works - basically helps you get through to an actual person instead of being on hold forever.

Just to be clear - regular unemployment (UI) requires you to be actively looking for work and available to start immediately. If you're on maternity leave, you obviously can't meet those requirements. PFML is specifically designed for family leave situations and pays a percentage of your wages.

omg this is exactly what i needed to know! im due in january and was freaking out about money during leave. so glad washington has this program now

One important thing to note - you need to have worked a certain number of hours in Washington and paid into the PFML program to qualify. There's also a waiting period before you can take leave. Make sure you check the eligibility requirements early.

This whole system is so confusing. Why can't they just have one program that covers everything? I had to figure this out when my husband was in the hospital and it took forever to understand what I qualified for.

Another thing - if your employer offers any kind of paid leave, that might affect your PFML benefits. Make sure to report any employer-provided benefits when you apply.

Can you apply for PFML before you actually start your leave or do you have to wait until after the baby is born?

So just to summarize for anyone else reading this - unemployment (UI) is for when you lose your job and are looking for work, PFML is for when you need to take family or medical leave but still have a job to return to. Two totally different programs.

I tried to get UI benefits during my maternity leave in 2019 before PFML existed and was denied because I wasn't 'available for work.' Super frustrating at the time but glad they have PFML now.

does anyone know if pfml covers the full 12 weeks of fmla or is it less?

One more tip - start gathering your documentation early. You'll need medical certification from your doctor and possibly employment verification from your employer. Having everything ready makes the application process much smoother.

This thread has been super helpful! I'm not pregnant yet but planning to start trying next year and wanted to understand what benefits would be available. Glad to know Washington has good coverage.

Oh one more thing - if you do need to talk to someone at Washington ESD about the differences between UI and PFML, Claimyr really helped me get through. The regular phone lines are always busy but their service got me connected to someone who could explain everything clearly.

One question - if I'm already on PFML for maternity leave and then get laid off, can I switch to regular unemployment benefits?

Thank you everyone for all this information! I feel so much more prepared now. Going to start the PFML application process this week.

Just wanted to add - make sure your employer knows you're planning to use PFML. Some employers aren't familiar with it yet and might think you're just taking unpaid leave.

This has been such a helpful thread. I wish there was clearer information about this stuff readily available instead of having to piece it together from forum posts.

congrats on the pregnancy! so exciting. and thanks for asking this question because i learned a lot from all the responses too 🙂