Transitioning from ESD unemployment to WA Paid Sick Leave after knee injury - help needed

I went thru this last year with a back injury. The most important thing is to make sure you've got separate claims - your UI claim with ESD ends completely, and then the PFML (paid family medical leave) is a totally different program even though the state runs both. You don't need to tell ESD anything about switching to sick leave.

Quick thing to clarify - when you say "WA Sick Leave" are you referring to Washington's Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) program? Or are you talking about the employer-provided paid sick leave? These are two completely different programs with different application processes and benefit amounts. For PFML, you apply through the state at paidleave.wa.gov, not through your employer. Based on your situation with the knee replacement, PFML sounds more appropriate since it's for longer-term medical issues.

I successfully transitioned from UI to PFML last year. Here's what you need to know: 1. They are completely separate programs, so one ending doesn't automatically start the other 2. PFML typically takes 2-3 weeks to process applications once ALL documentation is received 3. Make sure your healthcare provider submitted their certification correctly - this is the #1 delay cause 4. PFML is retroactive to your filing date if approved, so you won't lose any eligible weeks 5. Keep checking your PFML account for any notices requesting additional information 6. Continue your job search requirements for UI until your last eligible week The most important thing is making sure your medical documentation clearly supports why you cannot work. The employer contesting the work-relatedness doesn't matter for PFML (that's L&I territory), but you do need medical documentation showing you can't work.

Yes, there was about a 3-week gap between my last UI payment and first PFML deposit. Budget for at least a month gap to be safe. The good news is that PFML will pay retroactively to your eligible start date once approved, so you'll eventually get all the money you're entitled to. Also, if your PFML application has been "under review" for more than 3 weeks, you should definitely try calling them. Their customer service is actually much better than ESD's, but they're still overwhelmed with applications.

I had a similar situation with a shoulder surgery last year. I was on UI, then switched to PFML for the surgery and recovery. One thing nobody told me - PFML only pays a percentage of your wages (up to 90% depending on your income level), not the full amount like UI sometimes does. So be prepared for potentially getting less money per week. Also, they're super backlogged right now from what my sister told me (she just applied last month). Took her almost 5 weeks to get approved and get her first payment.

When I tried to get info from PFML about my application status I could NEVER reach anyone by phone. It was so frustrating I was about to give up. Then I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a PFML agent in about 25 minutes when I had been trying for weeks on my own. Worth every penny for the peace of mind of talking to an actual person who could look up my claim. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 and the website is claimyr.com if you get desperate like I was.

ur mixing up TWO TOTALLY different things!! UI is when ur unemployed. PFML is for when ur unable to work due to medical. theyre totally seperate and PFML is WAAAAAY HARDER to get approved for because u need all this medical proof. also u need to have worked 820 hours in the qualifying period to get PFML so make sure u qualify. not everyone does!

Just a heads-up that while waiting for PFML approval you should still do your weekly UI claims if you have any weeks left. If your PFML gets backdated to overlap with UI weeks, you'd have to pay back the UI for those weeks, but at least you'd have something coming in during the gap. Better safe than sorry. And document EVERYTHING – save confirmation numbers, take screenshots of submitted forms, etc. These systems are so broken it's crazy.

I just got off the phone with my doctor's office and they confirmed they submitted all the required medical certification forms for PFML. They said it's not unusual for it to take 3-4 weeks for processing right now. I guess I just need to be patient and budget carefully for the gap. Thanks everyone for your advice and sharing your experiences. I'll stop my UI claims after my last eligible week and hope the PFML kicks in quickly after that.