Transitioning from FMLA back to ESD unemployment benefits - do I just restart weekly claims?

You'll need to reopen your claim if it's been more than 4 weeks since you last filed. Go to your eServices account and look for the 'reopen claim' option. Make sure to explain that you were on FMLA when asked why you stopped filing. They might ask for documentation showing your FMLA has ended.

You'll need to reopen your claim, not file a new one. As long as you're still in the same benefit year (usually 12 months from when you first applied), your previous weekly benefit amount should remain the same. However, you might need to provide medical certification that you're able and available for work, since you're coming off FMLA. The "able and available" requirement is a big deal for ESD.

Just to clarify some important points: when reopening a claim after FMLA, you need to be prepared to show: 1) Your FMLA period has ended, 2) You're able and available for work, and 3) You're actively seeking work (meeting the 3 job search activities per week requirement). If you have any medical restrictions that limit the type of work you can do, you should document those when you reopen your claim. Also, be aware that if your previous employer contests your eligibility (saying you could return to your previous position), you might face adjudication.

YES upload the doctor's note!!! I was in a similar situation in 2023 and ended up in ADJUDICATION HELL for 8 weeks because I didn't provide enough medical documentation!!! They kept saying I wasn't "able and available" for work because I had restrictions. Make sure your doctor clearly states what type of work you CAN do, not just what you can't do. ESD is really strict about this!!!

My brother works at a call center and says if u have fmla u shouldnt be able to get unemployment at all cause ur not able to work? But not sure if thats true

If you're going to reopen your claim, prepare for difficulty reaching ESD if there are any issues. I had to reopen mine last year and got stuck in pending status for weeks because of a system flag. I called literally 30+ times without getting through. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent and they fixed it in 5 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 - saved me so much frustration. Just be ready with all your FMLA paperwork when you do get through.

One more thing to prepare for: when you reopen your claim, ESD will contact your most recent employer to verify your work separation reason. Since you're transitioning from FMLA to unemployment, make sure you're clear about why you can't return to your previous position. If you voluntarily chose not to return without medical necessity, it could potentially disqualify you. But if you have medical documentation showing you cannot return to that specific job but can work elsewhere, you should be covered.

ppl are making this way more complicated then it is lol!! just reopen ur claim, check the box that says u were on medical leave, provide the dates, done! ive done this twice no problems