What number do I call to file weekly FMLA claim with ESD? First-timer confused

I think you might be confusing two different things. FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) is job protection, not unemployment benefits. You don't file weekly claims for FMLA with ESD. ESD handles unemployment claims. Are you trying to file for Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML)? That's different from FMLA and is handled through the state, while regular FMLA is just unpaid job protection.

The previous commenter is right - there's some confusion here. Here's the breakdown: FMLA = Federal program that protects your job for up to 12 weeks but doesn't provide payment PFML = Washington state program that provides paid leave for medical/family reasons UI = Regular unemployment for people who lost jobs For PFML claims, you don't need to call weekly. You apply once online at paidleave.wa.gov or call 833-717-2273. You'll submit medical certification and then receive payments for your approved leave period. Regular unemployment weekly claims can be filed at 800-318-6022, but that doesn't sound like what you need.

I went through this last year after my accident. Sounds like you need PFML (Paid Family Medical Leave), NOT regular unemployment. For PFML you apply once and then get paid automatically during your approved period - no weekly calls needed! The application is at paidleave.wa.gov and customer service is 833-717-2273 if you have questions. Just make sure your doctor fills out their portion of the medical certification completely. Mine got delayed because my doctor left some fields blank and it was super frustrating to fix.

My sister tried calling the regular ESD unemployment number for her PFML claim last month and wasted 2 hours on hold before being told she called the wrong department. So frustrating!!! Make sure you're contacting the right program from the start!

If you're struggling to get through to any ESD department (whether unemployment or PFML), you might want to try Claimyr. It helped me get through to an agent when I was stuck on hold forever. Just go to claimyr.com and watch their demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ?si=26TzE_zGms-DODN3 to see how it works. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to talk to someone about my claim issues.

OMG the washington state benefit systems are so CONFUSING!!!! I got denied regular unemployment when what I actually needed was PFML too. Nobody tells you this stuff until AFTER you waste weeks applying for the wrong thing! Make sure you apply for PFML not regular UI if you're on medical leave. The websites look similar but they're totally different programs!!!

when i had surgery in January i applied for pfml online didnt have to call weekly just had to do the initial application and upload my medical documents from my doctor then it pays automatically every week once approved good luck with your recovery

To summarize for you and anyone else who might be searching for this info in the future: 1. FMLA = Unpaid job protection (federal), no weekly claims needed 2. PFML = Paid Family & Medical Leave (WA state), apply once at paidleave.wa.gov or call 833-717-2273 3. UI = Regular unemployment (job loss), weekly claims at 800-318-6022 For your situation (surgery recovery), PFML is almost certainly what you need. The benefit can be up to 90% of your weekly wage depending on your income. Hope your recovery goes smoothly!

Just wanted to add that if you're worried about timing, you can actually apply for PFML up to 30 days before your leave starts OR up to 60 days after it begins. So even if you've already started your medical leave, you're not too late to apply! I made the mistake of waiting too long thinking I had missed the window, but the 60-day rule saved me. Also, make sure to keep all your medical documentation organized - you'll need it for the application and sometimes they ask for additional info later. The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be once I actually started it.