ESD benefits for leave of absence between school years? Medical leave expired

From my expeeirnce, school employees usally DONT qualify for unemployment during summer breaks or between school years because its considered a "reasonable assurance" of continued employment. BUT your situation seems different since your on medical leave. Have you talked to the ESD directly? They can tell you if your eligibe or not.

This is a unique situation that combines several different aspects of unemployment eligibility. Here's what you need to know: 1. School employees with "reasonable assurance" of returning to work typically don't qualify for benefits during scheduled breaks (summer, winter, spring breaks). 2. However, if you're on a medical leave of absence that extends beyond your typical contract, you might qualify during that period because it's not a standard break period. 3. The key issue is whether your leave of absence is voluntary or involuntary. If the school is essentially forcing you to take leave because they can't accommodate your medical restrictions, that's different from voluntarily taking time off. 4. You should apply for UI and explain your specific situation in detail. Make sure to note that your PMLA benefits have expired, your doctor has a specific return date, and that the school is requiring you to either resign or take leave. 5. Be prepared for an adjudication process where ESD will likely contact your employer to confirm the details. I would recommend applying as soon as possible, as the determination process can take several weeks.

I went thru something similar last year but with a different school district. Ended up in a horrible limbo where I couldnt get UI because the school said I had "reasonable assurance" but I had no income for months!!! The ESD phone lines were impossible - I would be on hold for 3+ hours then get disconnected. It was a NIGHTMARE trying to get someone to actually review my claim.

THE SCHOOLS ALWAYS TRY TO PULL THIS CRAP!! They force you into a "leave of absence" so they don't have to pay unemployment!! They did the exact same thing to my sister who was a para-educator. They know exactly what they're doing. If they wanted to keep you they could find light duty work but instead they're pushing you out until they decide if they want you back next year. APPLY FOR UI AND FIGHT FOR IT!!!

I think you might qualfy for UI but here's what will happen - they'll probably deny you initially and then you have to appeal. Thats what happened to me. Make sure you save ALL emails and documents from your school showing they're making you take leave. Also get something in writing from your doctor about when you can return to work. You'll need everything documented for the appeal.

wait im confused about somethng... is PMLA the same as Paid Family Medical Leave? or is that a different program? i thought PFML could last up to 12 weeks?

Here's what I recommend you do: 1. Apply for UI benefits right away online at esd.wa.gov 2. In your application, clearly explain that you were on medical leave, that your benefits expired, and that your employer is requiring you to take a leave of absence or resign because they cannot accommodate your temporary restrictions 3. Gather documentation: doctor's note with return date, communications from your school about the leave of absence requirement, any written policies about returning to work 4. If you get denied initially (which is common in complex cases), immediately file an appeal - you'll have 30 days to do so 5. While waiting for UI, also apply for PFML if you haven't already to see if you qualify for that program 6. Consider requesting a determination interview with ESD where you can explain your situation in detail The key issue is demonstrating that your unemployment is not your fault and that despite having "reasonable assurance" for next school year, you're being forced into this gap in employment.

did u check if ur eligible for disabillity benefits? might be easier than dealing with ESD and all their rules about school employees...