Can you go on Washington ESD unemployment after maternity leave ends?

That's such a relief to hear! Do I need any special documentation about the maternity leave when I file?

Just the usual termination paperwork from your employer. Washington ESD will calculate your benefits based on your earnings from before the leave period.

Good point about being able and available. I do have childcare arranged so I can definitely work full-time.

That's crucial - Washington ESD will ask about your availability during your weekly claims, so make sure you can honestly say yes to looking for work.

Never heard of that service before. Did it actually help you get answers about your specific situation?

Yeah, within a couple days I was able to speak with an actual Washington ESD representative who walked me through everything. Much better than the endless busy signals.

Interesting, might have to check that out. I've been trying to reach someone for weeks about my own claim issues.

No, protected leave like FMLA doesn't break your work history. Washington ESD looks at your base year earnings, which would be from before your leave started.

oh that makes more sense, thanks for clarifying

Yes, they're calling it a layoff due to budget constraints. I have the official notice from HR.

Keep all that documentation! Washington ESD might ask for it during the application process.

I know right? The timing feels really suspicious but I guess there's not much I can do about it now.

Unfortunately it's pretty common. At least unemployment will help bridge the gap while you job search.

Good point. I'm feeling ready to work and have daycare lined up, so I think I'm good on that front.

Exactly right. Being able and available to work is a weekly requirement, so don't file until you can honestly answer yes to those questions.

Shouldn't matter since her eligibility is based on work before the leave. The employer's UI payments are ongoing regardless of individual employee status.

ah ok, wasn't sure how that worked with leave periods

That's good to know about the timing. I'll file right away once I get the paperwork.

Yes, and make sure to do your weekly claims on time every week or you could lose benefits for those weeks.

Oh I forgot about the job search requirements! How many jobs do I need to apply to each week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week, but check the specific requirements when you file. WorkSource can help you figure out what counts.

It's actually pretty flexible - job applications, networking events, skills training, etc. all count toward your job search activities.

How does that work exactly? Do they just help you get through the phone lines?

Yeah, they basically handle the calling for you and get you connected to a Washington ESD agent. Saved me hours of trying to get through myself.

That's encouraging! I was worried about long delays based on stories I heard from 2020-2021.

Yeah those were crazy times. The system is much more stable now for regular UI claims.

Good to know. What should I do if that happens?

If it goes to adjudication, they'll likely request documentation about your employment and termination. Just respond quickly with whatever they ask for.

And if you need to talk to someone about an adjudication issue, those Claimyr folks mentioned earlier might be helpful for getting through to the right department.

That's a great point. I'll make sure to emphasize that it was a layoff, not me choosing not to return.

Exactly. The wording you use can make a big difference in how quickly your claim gets processed.

You can elect to have taxes withheld from your UI benefits, or you can pay quarterly estimated taxes. Definitely something to think about for next year's return.

Good point, I hadn't thought about that aspect yet. I'll look into the tax withholding options when I file.