Can you file for unemployment while on maternity leave in Washington?

Unfortunately, you typically can't collect unemployment while on maternity leave because you need to be able and available for work to qualify for UI benefits. Being on leave means you're not available to accept work. However, Washington state has the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program that might cover you - that's separate from unemployment though.

Wait I thought if you lost your job while pregnant you could still get unemployment? Or is that different from taking voluntary leave?

I went through this same situation last year. You definitely want to apply for Washington's Paid Family Leave instead of trying to get unemployment. The 'able and available' requirement is pretty strict - they'll ask if you're actively looking for work and can start immediately if offered a job.

I tried calling Washington ESD about this exact question a few months ago and spent HOURS on hold. Their phone system is impossible! Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person who explained that maternity leave doesn't qualify for regular unemployment but confirmed the PFML option. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

The whole system is so confusing! Why can't they just have clear information about this stuff on their website?

Just to be super clear on the unemployment rules - you have to certify each week that you're actively seeking work and available to accept suitable employment. If you're on maternity leave, you can't honestly certify that you're available to start a new job immediately.

I was in a similar boat two years ago. Applied for unemployment first because I didn't know about PFML and got denied pretty quickly. The adjudication process was fast because it's pretty cut and dry - maternity leave = not available for work = no UI benefits.

Can I just say how much I hate that we even have to navigate all this bureaucracy when we're about to have a baby? Other countries just give you paid leave automatically.

OP, definitely check if your workplace has contributed to the PFML fund. Most employers in Washington are required to participate, but there might be some exceptions.

Wait, so if I quit my job to be a stay-at-home mom I can't get unemployment either? Even if I worked for years?

The key thing everyone's mentioning is that 'able and available' requirement. Washington ESD is pretty strict about this. You have to be physically and mentally able to work AND available to accept work if offered.

I remember trying to call Washington ESD about a different issue and it was impossible to get through. Ended up using that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier and it actually worked great. They got me connected to someone who could answer my questions properly.

Just want to emphasize what others have said - DO NOT try to claim unemployment while on maternity leave thinking you won't get caught. Washington ESD has ways of verifying employment status and availability, and fraud charges are serious.

Final thought for OP - since you're planning ahead, make sure you understand both the PFML application timeline and requirements. It's great that you're thinking about this now instead of scrambling after the baby arrives!