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random question but did u use all 16 weeks of PFML at once? i thought the max was 12 weeks? just curious cause ill need to do this soon myself
The standard is 12 weeks, but you can get up to 16 weeks if you have a combination of family and medical leave reasons in a year, and up to 18 weeks for certain pregnancy-related complications. In my case, I had my own medical issue earlier in the year (4 weeks) and then 12 weeks for family care. Check the PFML website for details!
I went through something very similar in 2023 when my father needed extended care after his heart surgery. Here's what I learned: You CAN transition from PFML to unemployment, but timing and how you frame your availability is crucial. When you file, be very specific that you're available for part-time work (at least 20 hours/week is what they typically look for) and can work around your caregiving schedule. Since your employer is ending the relationship due to inability to accommodate continued leave, that should qualify as a valid separation. The key is being honest but strategic - you're not unavailable for work, you just have scheduling constraints. Also, keep detailed records of your job search efforts and consider reaching out to WorkSource about accommodations for caregivers. The transition can work, but expect some back-and-forth with ESD initially. Don't get discouraged if there are delays or initial questions about your availability!
Congrats and good luck with the new job! You're handling this the right way by asking questions and being proactive about stopping benefits properly.
Great advice from everyone here! I went through this exact same process last year and can confirm - just stop filing your weekly claims and you're all set. One additional tip: keep a record of your last claim date and the reason you stopped (new employment) in case you ever need to reference it later. Washington ESD's system will show your claim as inactive, but having your own records never hurts. Best of luck with the new position!
Final update from the OP: My claim was approved! I'm now collecting both Social Security ($1,247/month) and unemployment ($467/week). No issues whatsoever. Thanks everyone for the advice and reassurance!
This is such valuable information! I'm 62 and was just laid off from my manufacturing job after 15 years. I've been collecting Social Security early retirement for about 4 months now and was really worried that it would disqualify me from unemployment benefits. Reading through everyone's experiences here gives me confidence to file my claim. It's reassuring to know that Washington state treats these as separate benefits and that so many people have successfully collected both. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it really helps those of us navigating this for the first time!
I went through something similar last year. The appeal process was stressful but I ultimately won. Make sure you're keeping detailed records of everything right now - save emails, texts, and write down your recollection of conversations while they're fresh. In my hearing, the judge asked very detailed questions about dates and times. Also, I was able to get a former coworker to provide a statement confirming the company handbook policy, which really helped my case. Do you have anyone who could corroborate your understanding of the policy?
That's a great idea. I have a good relationship with my former team lead who was always fair with me. I could ask if she'd be willing to confirm the policy was applied inconsistently. I'm a bit nervous about the hearing process - did you have representation or did you handle it yourself? I'm worried about saying the wrong thing.
I represented myself, but I prepared a LOT. The judges are used to people without lawyers. They'll guide you through the process. Just stick to the facts, answer questions directly, and don't get emotional (even if your employer says things that aren't true). Having that team lead's testimony could be huge - even a written statement from them about the policy would help.
I'm new to this whole unemployment appeal process but your situation sounds really unfair. From what I'm reading here, it seems like you have a strong case since they didn't follow their own written policy. I'm dealing with my own ESD issues (different reasons) and it's so frustrating how employers can just change their story after the fact. The advice about citing that specific regulation (WAC 192-150-200) sounds really smart. I hope you get this resolved quickly - the stress of not knowing when benefits might come through is awful. Good luck with your appeal!
Zoe Christodoulou
One more thing to check - make sure your address is current in the Washington ESD system. Sometimes payment delays happen when they need to send you mail about something but your address isn't updated, so they put a hold on everything.
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Isabella Costa
•My address has been the same for over a year and I haven't moved. Should still be current.
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Zoe Christodoulou
•Worth double-checking in your profile just to be sure. Sometimes system glitches can corrupt address information even if you haven't changed anything.
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Natasha Ivanova
I had a very similar situation last month where my payment showed "paid" in the system but didn't hit my account for 5 days. Turned out Chase had flagged it for manual review because the amount was slightly different than usual (I had reported some part-time earnings). The frustrating part is that neither Washington ESD nor Chase initially told me there was an issue - I had to call both to figure it out. Definitely start with your bank since Washington ESD shows the payment as issued. Ask them specifically if any recent ACH deposits have been flagged or are pending review. If they say everything looks normal on their end, that's when I'd contact Washington ESD or use one of those callback services people mentioned to avoid the phone queue nightmare.
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