Washington ESD maternity leave unemployment benefits - can I apply?

Unfortunately, traditional unemployment benefits through Washington ESD typically require you to be able and available for work, which pregnancy leave doesn't qualify for. However, Washington State has Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) which is separate from unemployment - that's what you'd want to apply for instead.

Yeah regular UI benefits won't work for maternity leave. I learned this the hard way when I was pregnant 2 years ago - kept getting denied because I wasn't available for work. The PFML program is what you need, it covers up to 12 weeks for bonding with a new baby.

Just to clarify - if you're on unpaid FMLA leave, you're still employed, just not working. Washington ESD unemployment is for people who are unemployed and actively seeking work. Since you're not available to work due to childbirth/recovery, you wouldn't qualify for regular UI benefits. PFML is definitely the right program for your situation.

I had such a hard time getting through to Washington ESD when I was trying to figure this out during my pregnancy. Spent hours on hold trying to get clarification. Finally used claimyr.com to get connected to an actual agent who explained the difference between UI and PFML programs. There's even a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

wait so maternity leave isn't unemployment? that seems wrong, we should be able to get benefits when we cant work because of pregnancy

The key difference is that unemployment requires you to be actively seeking work. When you're on maternity leave, you're not seeking work - you're caring for your new baby. That's why PFML exists as a separate program. Both are administered by Washington ESD but they serve different purposes.

I'm going through this exact same thing right now! Due in February and just submitted my PFML application. The process is actually pretty straightforward once you understand it's not the same as unemployment. You can do it all online through the Washington ESD website.

PSA: Don't confuse PFML with unemployment benefits! They're completely different programs with different eligibility requirements. PFML is specifically for family and medical leave situations, while UI is for people who are unemployed and looking for work.

Been through this with two pregnancies in Washington. First time I didn't know about PFML and just took unpaid leave. Second time I used PFML and got 12 weeks at 90% pay. Huge difference! Make sure you understand the program and apply early.

Just want to echo what others have said - you definitely want PFML, not unemployment. If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask questions about PFML, that claimyr service someone mentioned earlier really does help. I used it when I had questions about my PFML claim and got connected to an agent within minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours.

One thing to keep in mind - if you're planning to return to work after your maternity leave, make sure you coordinate with your employer about your FMLA and PFML timing. Sometimes there are overlaps or gaps that can affect your benefits.

washington state really does have good family leave benefits compared to other states. pfml covers not just maternity but also caring for sick family members and your own medical issues. way better than just hoping unemployment would cover it

Final tip: Keep all your documentation organized when you apply for PFML. Medical records, employment verification, etc. The more complete your application, the faster it gets processed. And remember, this is not unemployment - it's paid family leave specifically designed for situations like yours!