Transitioning from ESD unemployment to PFML - how is wage calculation different?

Yes, you can transition from unemployment to PFML, but the wage calculations work differently. PFML uses the same base year as your unemployment claim (the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you filed). The big difference is that PFML pays 90% of wages up to a certain amount, then 50% after that, up to a maximum weekly benefit. So your benefit could be higher or lower than your current UI. You'll need to file a separate application on the PFML website (paidleave.wa.gov) and have your doctor complete medical certification. Just be aware that once you start PFML, your UI stops - you can't collect both at the same time.

i went from ui to pfml last year and it was a mess tbh. esd and pfml dont talk to each other AT ALL even tho there both state programs!!! my ui got messed up and they tried to say i was claiming both at same time which i wasnt. took like 6 weeks to fix and i had no income. make sure u tell ui ur stopping when u start pfml!!

The wage calculation for PFML is based on your wages in the qualifying period, which is typically the same base year that ESD used for your unemployment claim. They look at your total wages during that period, not just your recent unemployed months. However, PFML benefits are calculated differently than UI benefits. PFML pays: - 90% of your average weekly wage (AWW) that is less than 50% of the state average weekly wage - 50% of your AWW that is more than 50% of the state average weekly wage - Maximum benefit is currently capped at $1,450 per week There is a one-week waiting period for PFML benefits that isn't paid unless you're using it for bonding with a new child. Important: You need to officially stop claiming UI benefits before your PFML begins. There's no automatic transition process.

PFML and UI use the same base period for calculating wages, so that part is consistent. But when I went from UI to PFML, my benefit was actually higher under PFML because of how they calculate it (the 90%/50% formula someone mentioned above). BUT WATCH OUT!! Make absolutely sure you stop filing weekly UI claims before your PFML start date. I made the mistake of filing one more UI weekly claim that overlapped with my PFML start date, and ended up with an overpayment notice from both agencies! It was a huge headache to resolve. Also, PFML usually takes 2-3 weeks to process your application, so apply early if you can.

Yes, there was about a 3 week gap between my last UI payment and first PFML payment. PFML has that one week waiting period that isn't paid (unlike UI which pays from day one now), and then it took about 2 weeks for them to process my claim and make the first payment. Definitely have some savings ready if possible. Also, for your doctor visit - make sure they complete the PFML medical certification completely. My first application was delayed because my doctor didn't fill out one section about the expected duration of treatment.

anybody know if you can go BACK to ui after pfml ends if ur still not able to work full time but ur doctor says ur ok for light duty?? my pfml runs out next month but employer doesnt have light duty for me

I thought PFML paid more!! I got $825/week on PFML but was only getting $680 on unemployment for same base year. The calculations are definitely different even if they use the same time period for wages.

Thank you all for the helpful information! I'm going to apply for PFML this week and make sure to notify ESD when I stop my UI claim. I'll also prepare for a potential 3-week gap between benefits by setting aside some money. I'll have my doctor complete all the paperwork thoroughly to avoid delays. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!