Medical leave vs. ESD unemployment for health reasons - which should I apply for?

These are two completely different programs with different eligibility requirements and benefit amounts. PFML is specifically designed for medical/family leave and pays up to 90% of your wages depending on your income level. Regular unemployment with a medical good cause quit is much harder to qualify for - you'd need to prove you couldn't continue working AND that your employer couldn't accommodate your condition with modified duties or leave. For your situation, PFML is almost definitely the better option. You won't have to do job searches weekly like with unemployment, and the benefit amount is usually higher.

i got UI for similar reason last yr but it was a NIGHTMARE!!! took forver to get approved because they kept wanting more medical docs. had to do 3 jobs searchs every wk even tho i was sick. went thru all my savings b4 they paid me.

I've been through both systems and they're totally different. Here's what you need to know: PFML: - Designed specifically for medical leave - Can be used while still employed (don't have to quit) - Higher benefit amount (up to 90% of wages) - No job search requirements - Need certification from healthcare provider - 12 weeks standard duration (up to 16-18 in certain cases) UI with medical good cause: - Last resort option - Must prove you HAD to quit (no accommodation possible) - Lower benefit amount - Weekly job search requirements (3 activities) - Harder to get approved - Need to be "able and available" for work Go with PFML if your doctor is supporting it. The application process is straightforward through paidleave.wa.gov.

I recommend looking into Claimyr if you need to talk to an actual ESD agent about which program is right for your situation. The PFML and UI phone lines are impossible to get through on your own. I used their service to get connected to a representative in under 20 minutes after spending days trying to reach someone. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 that shows how it works. Their site is claimyr.com - saved me a ton of stress when navigating benefit options.

WAIT WAIT WAIT are you saying you already QUIT?? or are you just planning to? this makes a HUGE difference for both programs!!!! if you already quit you might be screwed for PFML and have to try for the UI route which is wayyyy harder.

Since you're still employed, here's what I recommend: 1. Talk to your HR department about taking a medical leave of absence rather than quitting 2. Apply for PFML through paidleave.wa.gov with your doctor's certification 3. Do NOT quit your job - PFML protects your position if your company has 50+ employees If your company is small (under 50 employees), they don't have to hold your job, but you still qualify for PFML benefits. The benefit calculation is more generous than UI in most cases. Also, there's a waiting week for PFML - the first week isn't paid unless it's for bonding with a new child. Plan accordingly with any sick leave you might have available.

Just b careful cuz theyll deny u if ur paperwork isnt perfect!!! my friend got denied cuz her dr didnt fill out one section right and it took like 6wks to fix!!

One last thing to be aware of: PFML and unemployment have different impacts on your employer. PFML claims don't raise your employer's tax rates like unemployment claims do. So that's another reason to go the PFML route - less potential blowback when you're ready to return to work.