Can you get Washington ESD unemployment if you're out of work due to surgery?
I've been working at a manufacturing plant for 2 years and need to have knee surgery next month. My doctor says I'll be out for at least 6-8 weeks for recovery. My employer doesn't offer paid medical leave and I can't afford to go without income for that long. I'm wondering if I can file for unemployment benefits through Washington ESD while I'm recovering from surgery? I've never filed for unemployment before so I'm not sure how this works. Has anyone been in a similar situation?
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Zane Gray
Unfortunately, you typically can't get regular unemployment benefits if you're unable to work due to medical reasons. Washington ESD requires you to be able and available for work to qualify for UI benefits. However, you might want to look into Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) through the state instead.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•I didn't know about PFML. Is that different from unemployment? How do I apply for that?
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Zane Gray
•Yes, PFML is totally separate from unemployment. It's specifically for medical leave situations like yours. You apply through the state's paid leave website, not through Washington ESD.
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Maggie Martinez
Wait, I'm confused about this too. I thought if you lost work hours due to medical issues you could still get some benefits? My friend got something when she had surgery last year.
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Alejandro Castro
•Your friend probably got PFML benefits, not unemployment. They're completely different programs with different eligibility requirements.
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Maggie Martinez
•Oh okay that makes sense. So unemployment is only if you lose your job, not if you can't work temporarily?
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Monique Byrd
I had a similar situation when I needed back surgery. I tried calling Washington ESD to ask about my options but couldn't get through to anyone. The phone lines are always busy and I kept getting disconnected. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to actually reach an agent who explained that I needed to apply for PFML instead of unemployment. There's a good video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Thanks for the tip about Claimyr! I was dreading trying to call Washington ESD. How much did that service cost?
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Monique Byrd
•It was worth it to actually talk to someone who could give me the right information instead of guessing. The agent was really helpful in explaining the difference between the programs.
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Jackie Martinez
THE SYSTEM IS SO CONFUSING!!! Why can't they just have one program for when people can't work? I spent hours on the Washington ESD website trying to figure this out when I had my surgery and it was useless.
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Lia Quinn
•I feel you on the confusion. The websites don't make it clear at all.
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Haley Stokes
•Yeah it's really frustrating when you're already stressed about surgery and then have to navigate all this bureaucracy.
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Alejandro Castro
Just to clarify the requirements: For regular unemployment benefits, you must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking work. If you're recovering from surgery, you wouldn't meet the 'able and available' requirement. PFML is designed for temporary medical situations where you can't work.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•That makes sense. So I definitely need to look into PFML instead of unemployment. Do you know if there's a waiting period?
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Alejandro Castro
•PFML has different waiting periods depending on your situation. You should apply as soon as you know about your surgery date.
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Maggie Martinez
What if your employer fires you while you're out for surgery? Could you get unemployment then?
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Zane Gray
•That would depend on the circumstances of the termination. If you're fired for legitimate medical leave, that could be wrongful termination.
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Asher Levin
•Definitely talk to an employment lawyer if that happens. Companies can't just fire you for taking medical leave.
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Lia Quinn
I had surgery last year and my employer held my job for me. Make sure you understand your company's medical leave policy before assuming you'll lose your job.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Good point. I should check with HR about their medical leave policy. I haven't asked yet because I was worried about job security.
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Lia Quinn
•Don't be afraid to ask! If you've been there 2 years you might be covered under FMLA too.
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Haley Stokes
Just went through this myself. Couldn't get anyone at Washington ESD on the phone for weeks. Finally used that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through immediately. The agent confirmed I needed PFML not unemployment for my medical leave.
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Serene Snow
•How long did it take to get through with Claimyr?
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Haley Stokes
•They got me connected to an agent the same day I submitted my request. Way better than trying to call directly.
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Asher Levin
Just want to add that PFML requires you to have worked a certain number of hours in the past year to qualify. Make sure you check the eligibility requirements on the paid leave website.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•I've been full-time for 2 years so I should qualify. Thanks for the heads up though!
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Issac Nightingale
The key thing is don't file for unemployment if you know you can't work. Washington ESD will deny your claim and you'll have to go through the whole appeal process. PFML is really the right program for medical leave.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Good to know. I definitely don't want to file the wrong thing and create more problems for myself.
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Issac Nightingale
•Exactly. It's better to get the right information upfront than deal with denials and appeals later.
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Romeo Barrett
Does anyone know if you can use vacation time first and then apply for PFML? I have some PTO saved up.
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Alejandro Castro
•You can usually coordinate PFML with other benefits like vacation time. Check with your HR department about how they handle it.
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Marina Hendrix
•My company made me use up all my vacation first before PFML kicked in. Every employer is different.
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Justin Trejo
I'm dealing with the same thing for gallbladder surgery next month. The PFML website is confusing too but at least it's the right program. Good luck with your surgery!
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Thanks! Good luck with your surgery too. At least we know we're looking at the right program now.
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Alana Willis
Another option might be short-term disability if your employer offers it. Some companies have that as an additional benefit.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•I'll check on that too. I don't think we have it but worth asking HR about all the options.
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Tyler Murphy
Just to be clear - Washington ESD handles unemployment insurance, not medical leave. You want the Department of Labor & Industries for PFML applications. Totally different agencies.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Thank you for clarifying that! I was getting confused about which agency handles what.
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Sara Unger
I tried calling Washington ESD about this same question and spent 3 hours on hold before giving up. Ended up using Claimyr and got connected to someone who explained everything clearly. Definitely worth it if you need to actually talk to someone.
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Butch Sledgehammer
•The wait times are ridiculous. I don't know how they expect people to get help.
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Sara Unger
•Right? That's why services like Claimyr exist - because the regular system is so hard to navigate.
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Freya Ross
Make sure you apply for PFML before your surgery if possible. There can be processing delays and you want to make sure everything is set up.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Good advice. I'll start the PFML application process this week.
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Leslie Parker
Hope your surgery goes well! At least now you know you're looking at the right program for income replacement during recovery.
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Aileen Rodriguez
•Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I feel much better about my options now.
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