Trying to update my Paid Family Leave claim duration but can't file weekly claims - ESD website nightmare

You're correct that you can't file weekly claims until your application is approved. Once approved, you'll get an email notification and then the weekly claim option will appear in your PFML portal. As for extending your leave, there should be a "Request to Modify" option that appears in your dashboard after approval. The doctor who certified your initial claim will need to provide documentation for the extension. The PFML system is completely separate from regular unemployment, and honestly it's much harder to navigate. The key dates to remember are your claim effective date and your certification period - make sure those align with your actual leave needs.

i had same trouble last month!! the whole pfml thing is sooooo confusing. my approval took like 3 weeks but then evrything backdated so i got paid for all the weeks at once. keep good records of your leave dates cuz theyll ask for it when u do weekly claims

The Paid Family Leave system is a complete DISASTER. I tried for TWO MONTHS to get my claim approved last year. Emails disappear into the void. Can't get anyone on the phone. Finally got approved after filing a complaint with my state rep's office! The weekly claims part is actually easier once you're approved - it'll suddenly appear in your account. But the extension process is another nightmare waiting to happen. They'll make you submit practically the same paperwork AGAIN and wait AGAIN. ESD is chronically understaffed and the PFML program was designed by people who apparently never tested the user experience. You got lucky with that 8am call!

I went through this exact situation in January. Here's what I learned: 1. Yes, weekly claims only become available after approval. It's frustrating but that's how their system works. 2. For extending leave: After approval, you'll see an option called "Request to Modify" in your dashboard. Your healthcare provider needs to submit updated certification for the additional time. Pro tip: Document EVERYTHING. Every call, email, and submission. Take screenshots of confirmations. The system occasionally "loses" information and having proof helps tremendously. If you need to speak with someone again and can't get through using the regular channels, try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was skeptical but they actually helped me get through to an ESD agent without the hours of redial frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 Hope this helps!

anyone know the differense between PFML and the regular paid family leave? i think i applied for the wrong one cause mine says something about employment security department but i thought it was supposed to be through my work??

When I used PFML last year my approval took 14 days exactly. Once approved, backpay for the waiting period was included in my first payment. For weekly claims - they actually weren't too difficult. The system asks simple questions about whether you worked during the claim period. The extension process wasn't clear to me either until I was already approved. There's definitely a gap in their instructions about this! My doctor had to complete another certification form specifically for the extension period.

hey just wondering did you try the live chat on the esd website? sometimes thats faster than calling but u gotta catch it when its available

One thing to be aware of - make sure you're using the correct portal for PFML. ESD handles both regular unemployment and Paid Family Medical Leave, but they're completely different systems with different websites and logins. For PFML, you should be using: paidleave.wa.gov/login Not the regular unemployment SecureAccess Washington portal. I made this mistake initially and was looking for claim options in the wrong system altogether.

I'm new to this whole PFML process too and your post gives me hope that I might actually get through to someone! I've been trying to call for days with no luck. Quick question - when you called at 8am, did you use the general ESD number or is there a specific PFML phone line? Also, for anyone else reading this - I found that if you create an account on the paidleave.wa.gov site, there's a section called "Messages" where you can send questions directly to ESD. It's supposed to be faster than email but I haven't gotten a response yet (submitted 3 days ago). Worth trying though since calling seems to be such a nightmare for most of us. Really hoping my application gets approved soon. The financial stress while waiting is no joke!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through the PFML process last fall - everything you're experiencing is unfortunately totally normal! The system is definitely not user-friendly. A few things that might help while you wait for approval: 1. Keep checking your email AND the messages section in your paidleave.wa.gov account. Sometimes they send updates through one but not the other. 2. If you haven't already, make sure all your documentation is complete. Missing or unclear medical certification is the #1 reason for delays from what I've seen. 3. The waiting is the worst part, but once you're approved everything moves much faster. I got my first payment (including backpay) within 5 business days of approval. 4. Start preparing now for weekly claims - keep a simple log of any work/income during your leave period, even if it's zero. Makes filing much easier later. Hang in there! The system is broken but it does eventually work. Your early morning call success gives me hope that maybe they're finally getting better at answering phones.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just submitted my PFML application last week and the waiting is killing me. Reading through all these responses is actually really reassuring though - at least I know I'm not alone in finding this system completely confusing. Quick question for everyone who's been through this - did any of you have issues with your employer's HR department not knowing how PFML works? Mine keeps asking me questions I can't answer because I'm still waiting for approval, and they seem just as lost as I am about how this all coordinates with their own policies. Also @Jessica Nguyen - thanks for sharing your success story about getting through at 8am! I'm definitely going to try that strategy tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed I get as lucky as you did!