Can you collect unemployment while on unpaid medical leave Washington ESD?

That's what I was afraid of. So even though I'm not getting paid, Washington ESD won't approve benefits?

Correct. The key requirement is being able and available to work immediately. Medical leave typically means you can't meet that requirement.

I looked into that but my company doesn't offer STD benefits unfortunately. Just unpaid FMLA.

Some people don't realize Washington State has paid family and medical leave now. Look into WA Cares Act benefits.

Oh really? I haven't heard of that. Is that through Washington ESD too?

That's interesting. So if I get medical clearance before my leave ends but they won't take me back, then I could file?

Exactly. At that point you'd be able and available for work but your employer is the one preventing you from working.

Thanks for the tip! I've been dreading trying to call them. Did they charge you a lot for that service?

It was worth it to actually talk to someone who knew what they were talking about instead of wasting my whole day calling.

Never heard of that service but anything to avoid the Washington ESD phone maze sounds good to me.

No, there are specific eligibility requirements. You have to be unemployed through no fault of your own AND able and available for work.

So being on medical leave counts as your own fault somehow?

It's not about fault, it's about availability. If you're medically unable to work, you don't meet the 'available for work' requirement.

I'll definitely look into that. Do you know if there's a waiting period or if I can apply right away?

I think you need to have paid into it for a certain amount of time first, but I'm not 100% sure on the details.

The Washington ESD website has gotten better but it's still not the most user-friendly system.

Better than what it used to be I guess, but that's not saying much lol

Thank you! That's really helpful to hear from someone who deals with this professionally.

What are those specific circumstances you mentioned? Asking for a friend who might be in a similar situation.

Usually when someone is cleared to return to work but the employer refuses to reinstate them, or if the leave was actually a disguised termination.

Good idea. I'll ask them about any benefits I might have missed.

The rules exist to prevent fraud and ensure benefits go to people who are genuinely looking for work.

I get that but it shouldn't be this complicated for honest people who need help.

Agreed, the system could definitely be more user-friendly while still preventing abuse.

That's exactly what the paid family leave program is supposed to prevent. Too bad more people don't know about it.

That's terrible. I really hope I can find some kind of assistance because going back too early could set back my recovery.

I don't think that's the case here, but good advice to keep in mind.

Better safe than sorry. I've seen too many people get screwed over by employers who use medical issues as an excuse.

That's not a bad idea. Every little bit helps when you're not getting a paycheck.

211 is a good resource for finding local assistance programs. Just dial 2-1-1.

Definitely worth it. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked. Got answers to questions I'd been wondering about for weeks.

Cool, I'll check out their video demo thing first to see how it works.

It's definitely FMLA. HR was very clear about that when they approved it.

Good. That at least protects your job, even if it doesn't help with income replacement.

Thanks. Yeah, it's definitely adding to the stress when I should be focusing on recovery.

Hopefully it doesn't come to that, but good to know there are options if needed.

Even temporary disability benefits can help bridge the gap during recovery.

You're absolutely right. I need to get official answers, not just advice from forums.

That's exactly why I used Claimyr - needed to talk to an actual Washington ESD agent who could give me definitive answers about my situation.

Smart approach. Better to get it right the first time than have to deal with overpayments or other issues later.

Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice. I'll start by looking into the paid family leave program and then contact Washington ESD if I need more specific guidance.