Can I claim UI starting April 28 after FMLA + Amazon layoff?

[u/gab192088]

Hello Everybody,

Trying to figure out my eligibility timeline and would appreciate any input.

My situation:

• Nov 2025: Applied for FMLA and was receiving WA state PFML weekly payments
• Jan 28, 2026: Laid off from Amazon (notification + last day worked). PFML payments stopped
• Jan 28 – Apr 28: Amazon kept me on payroll (salary continuation), plus a lump sum severance
• Apr 28: Official separation date
• Jun 1: New job starts at a different company

What I've done so far:

I've filed weekly claims through the portal covering May 10 – May 23. Tried calling customer care multiple times but can't get through keeps looping in the menu system.

My question:

Can I claim unemployment benefits starting from April 28 (when salary continuation and severance ended), through May 31 (before new job starts)?

Or does the prior PFML claim / salary continuation period affect my eligibility?

Want to make sure I'm filing this correctly given the FMLA history.

Thanks for any guidance.

[u/Curious_Werewolf5881]

Why were you on fmla? Are you currently able to work in your customary occupation without restrictions?

[u/gab192088 → u/Curious_Werewolf5881]

Hi, I was on FMLA due to personal reasons especially related to family which caused me alot of mental stress and yes I am able to work on customary occupation and i have secured a new job offer as well.

[u/ace1062682 → u/gab192088]

You cannot claim unemployment while in FMLA in most caaes, because one of the main requirements for receiving unemployment benefits is to be actively searching for and available to work. Mist certifications for FMLA legally mean that a medical professional is certifying that you ARE UNABLE to work due to whatever the reason for the FMLA certification is. If you have already found new employment it is likely not worth filing for unemployment benefits

[u/gab192088 → u/ace1062682]

I was on FMLA from November to January and I am trying to claim unemployment benefits from May 10 to May 23.

[u/SoThenIThought_ → u/gab192088]

hey I am here now

I am trying to claim unemployment benefits from May 10 to May 23.

The first week of any unemployment claim is unpaid, so your doing this for only 1 weekly benefit claim, and getting to that will require nearly constant attention and finally payment 3-5 weeks out.

You have to decide if that is worth it

[u/gab192088 → u/SoThenIThought_]

Thank you for your response. I was unemployed from April 28 so the first week will be from April 28 to May 9 isnt it? And also what do you mean by constant attention?

[u/ace1062682]

Why were you unemployed during this time? Were you expected to return to work? Did you receive any payment(pto, severance, etc when leaving?

[u/gab192088 → u/ace1062682]

I was laid off in January and Amazon kept us on 3 month payroll. I received the lumpsum severance pay after April 28.

[u/AdIndividual455]

I think you took all the correct steps. Try calling right after the lunch hour to get ahold of unemployment. People have an easier time getting through then. I don’t think that you need to complete a job search since you already have a job aligned with a start date of June 01, 2026 but that’s a good question to ask the claim rep. You should get paid for all the weeks except for the initial one waiting week after your official jobs separation on April’s 28, 2026. So the second week of May through your start date you should be entitled to unemployment compensation during those weeks. I’m not an expert so getting through to unemployment today after 1:00PM will be your best bet of getting your questions answered. Good luck and congratulations on the new role.