PFMLA benefit calculation using old employer wages instead of current job - why?

This is because PFMLA uses what they call your "qualifying period" - it's the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. So right now they're looking at income from late 2023/early 2024, not your most recent paychecks. It's a weird system but that's how it works. Your newer, higher wages might not all be counted yet depending on exactly when you started the new job.

I went through this same EXACT situation last year! It's because PFMLA has a weird lag in how they calculate benefits. They use what's called a "base year" - which is basically the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you apply. So they're ignoring your most recent 3-5 months of wages completely. It sucks but that's how the system works. If you can afford to, you might consider delaying your leave by a quarter so more of your higher wages fall into the calculation period.

they do this with regular unemployment too its so stupid. its like the system is designed to pay u as little as possible lol

It's frustrating, but this is how all wage-replacement programs work in Washington (UI, PFMLA, L&I). The qualifying period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before your claim. This lag exists because employers report wages quarterly, and the system needs time to process all reported wages. If you just started your higher-paying job 8 months ago, only part of those wages are in your qualifying period. The system isn't designed to be unfair - it's just that they need verified wage data, which has this built-in delay. One thing to check: make sure all your wages are actually showing in your determination letter. Sometimes employers fail to properly report wages, which can affect your benefit amount.

If you're having trouble reaching ESD about this, I'd recommend using Claimyr. I was in the same boat with a question about my PFMLA benefits and couldn't get through on the phones for DAYS. Claimyr got me connected to an actual human at ESD in about 20 minutes. It costs a little but it was so worth it for me. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and their website is claimyr.com

Unfortunately, there's no appeal process for this specific issue because ESD is correctly following the law as written. The wage calculation method is defined in the statute. They can't make exceptions even if your situation seems unfair. You can request a redetermination if you believe there's an error in your wage record (like missing wages that should be counted), but they won't change the time period they're looking at. Your best option might be to see if your employer offers supplemental benefits. Some employers have policies that allow them to "top up" your PFMLA benefits to bring them closer to your regular pay.

FYI this wage calculation method is actually better for some people - like if you recently had your hours cut or took a lower-paying job. Then you'd get benefits based on your previous higher wages. It works both ways.

My sister just went through this with her PFMLA claim. She ended up having to use some saved PTO to supplement her leave because the benefit amount was so much lower than expected. It really does feel like the system is designed to confuse people and pay out less. The same thing happened when I was on unemployment in 2024 - they used my 2023 wages even though I had a raise right before being laid off.

Thanks everyone for all the explanations. Still feels unfair but at least I understand why it's happening now. I've checked with my HR and they don't offer any supplemental benefits, so I'll use some of my PTO to help cover the gap. Really appreciate all the insights!