Denied ESD benefits due to broken foot - was on standby but claim rejected?

There's actually a really important distinction here that ESD doesn't explain well. Regular unemployment requires you to be 'able and available' for work - meaning you could start a new job immediately if offered one. A medical condition that prevents you from working disqualifies you from regular UI benefits. What you probably need is a Medical Leave claim, not regular unemployment. Standby status doesn't override the basic eligibility requirement of being able to work. Your employer approved standby, but ESD still reviews if you meet all other eligibility requirements.

This happened to me too!!! Mine was for a back injury and they denied me even tho my boss wanted me back after recovery. So annoying!

You need to file for Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), not regular unemployment. It's a completely different program specifically designed for medical situations like yours. You apply through paidleave.wa.gov, not the regular ESD unemployment site. You can potentially receive up to 90% of your weekly wage (up to a maximum) while you're recovering. The medical documentation requirements are different too - you'll need certification from your healthcare provider about your inability to work and expected recovery time. I would start a new PFML application right away since there's a waiting period before benefits begin.

I think the system is so stupid... they make everything confusing on purpose. why have standby if it doesnt cover medical things? their whole website is a mess and the letters they send dont explain anything clearly. good luck trying to call them too, i spent LITERALLY 3 days getting hung up on trying to resolve my issue last month!!

wait dont u qualify for L&I if u got hurt at work? thats what my cousin did when he broke his arm at the construction site

To clarify some confusion in this thread: Standby status means your employer is planning to recall you to your job within a set timeframe (usually 8 weeks), but it doesn't waive the basic UI requirement that you must be medically able to work. Here are your options: 1. File for Paid Family & Medical Leave as others suggested - this is specifically for medical conditions 2. Appeal the UI decision if you believe you actually were able to perform some type of work despite your injury 3. Wait until you're medically cleared and then reapply for regular unemployment (if your job isn't available at that point) The appeal deadline is 30 days from the date on your determination letter, so don't delay if you choose that route.

Just to add some important details: For PFML, you can apply retroactively for benefits going back several weeks, so you might be able to cover the time you've already been out of work. You'll need medical certification from your doctor confirming your condition and inability to work. For your specific situation with a broken foot, you should qualify for medical leave benefits. The current maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is around $1,475, though most people receive less based on their income. Once you're approved, payments are typically deposited weekly. The process is generally faster than UI adjudication.

my sister got denyed for unemployment too but she found out she could get food stamps at least while she was unable to work. maybe look into that too?