Can you collect unemployment while on maternity leave in Washington?

That's such a relief to hear! What does 'able and available' mean exactly when you're on maternity leave? Do I need to be actively job searching right after giving birth?

You can claim you're unable to work due to medical reasons (childbirth recovery) for a certain period. After that, you'd need to show you're able and available for work to continue receiving benefits.

Did you have to provide medical documentation to Washington ESD about your recovery period?

Yes, I had to submit a doctor's note stating when I was medically cleared to return to work. Washington ESD was pretty reasonable about it though.

This is really helpful info! I'm in a similar situation and wasn't sure if I should even bother applying.

Oh no, 3 hours?! I was dreading having to call them. Is there any way to get through to an actual person?

I had the same problem trying to reach Washington ESD. Actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Saved me so much time and frustration.

Never heard of that before but honestly anything is better than sitting on hold for hours. I'll definitely check it out.

That's a common misconception. Being on maternity leave doesn't automatically disqualify you IF you were laid off or fired through no fault of your own. The issue is more about being physically able to work and actively seeking employment.

So you could theoretically be looking for jobs that start after your maternity leave ends?

Exactly! I was job searching for positions with start dates after my maternity leave. Washington ESD was fine with that arrangement.

Oh wow, I didn't even know about PFML. Can you collect both unemployment and PFML at the same time?

No, you can't collect both simultaneously. But in your situation, you might be able to use PFML for your maternity leave period and then transition to unemployment benefits when you're ready to return to work.

Good point about PFML! That might actually be a better option for the immediate post-birth period since it's specifically designed for family leave.

Right? It's overwhelming trying to figure out all these different programs and requirements when you're already stressed about everything else.

Totally agree. And trying to get answers from Washington ESD directly is nearly impossible with their phone system.

That's good to know! I was worried they might reduce the amount somehow.

Nope, as long as you meet the earnings requirements in your base period, you should get the full amount you're entitled to.

Good luck getting through to them! Like I mentioned, I spent 3 hours on hold yesterday. That Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier might be worth trying.

Yeah, I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr thing. I can't afford to spend all day on hold, especially with everything else I need to prepare for.

Good point! I'll file my claim as soon as I get my layoff notice officially.

Definitely agree. The sooner you file, the sooner you can start receiving benefits. The process can take a few weeks to get everything sorted out.

I had to provide documentation showing I was actively job searching and available for work starting after my maternity leave ended. They were pretty reasonable about it though.

That's reassuring. I guess as long as you can show you're genuinely looking for work and available to start after your leave, they should approve it.

They haven't mentioned severance yet, but I should ask about that. Would severance pay affect my unemployment benefits?

It can, depending on how it's structured. Lump sum severance usually doesn't affect UI benefits, but severance paid out over time might. Definitely something to clarify with Washington ESD.

Completely agree! It's stressful enough without having to worry about whether you'll qualify for benefits you've paid into.

Seriously! I feel like I need a law degree just to understand all the different programs and requirements.

That's true, I should be grateful for that. It's just overwhelming trying to figure out which program is best for my situation.

Definitely worth researching both options. PFML might be better for the immediate postpartum period, then UI benefits when you're ready to return to work.

Good advice! I'll start keeping a log of everything. Better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

Yes, documentation is key with any government benefit program. Keep copies of everything!

I'm sorry you went through that! Hopefully this information helps other people in similar situations.

That's exactly why I wanted to share my experience. These programs exist to help us, but they're not always easy to navigate.

You need to be making genuine work search efforts, which could include online applications, networking, attending virtual job fairs, etc. Actual interviews would depend on your availability and the employer's timeline.

Makes sense. I guess you could schedule interviews for after your maternity leave ends if an employer is flexible.

Yes! Someone mentioned that earlier. I'm definitely going to try it. What kind of questions were you able to get answered?

They helped clarify the able and available requirements and explained how the job search works when you're planning to return after maternity leave. Really helpful to talk to an actual person who knew the rules.

Right, in my case I was laid off due to restructuring, not because I chose to leave for maternity leave. That's an important distinction.

Exactly. The reason for job separation is crucial for unemployment eligibility. Sounds like you should be fine since it was an involuntary layoff.

Good luck with everything! Don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. This community is really helpful.

Wishing you all the best with your pregnancy and job search. You've got this!

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely try both approaches if needed. Really appreciate everyone's help here.

I wish I had known about calling during lunch hours before I spent 3 hours on hold! Live and learn I guess.