Temporary Disability Benefits Through Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)

Washington does not have a traditional state-run short-term disability insurance program like some other states. However, residents may be eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML), a state program that provides temporary income replacement during times of medical need.

You may qualify for PFML if:

• You have a serious health condition that prevents you from working
• You’ve worked at least 820 hours in Washington over the past year
• You are taking time off to care for yourself, a new child, or a family member with a serious health issue

The PFML program is run by the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD), and the benefits are completely separate from SSDI.

How PFML Works for Temporary Disabilities

If you qualify for PFML due to your own medical condition, you can typically receive:

• Up to 12 weeks of paid leave (or more in certain situations)
• Weekly benefit payments based on a percentage of your wages, up to a state-set maximum
• Job protection if you’ve worked for your employer long enough

You’ll need to submit medical certification from a healthcare provider and complete an application through the ESD’s online portal. Processing usually takes a few weeks, so it’s best to apply as soon as you know you’ll need time off.

What If You Don’t Qualify for PFML?

If you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for PFML, your options may include:

• Employer-provided short-term disability insurance: Some companies offer private short-term disability policies as part of employee benefits.
• Workers' Compensation: If your disability was caused by a work-related injury or illness, you may qualify for temporary total disability benefits through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).
• FMLA (unpaid): The federal Family and Medical Leave Act allows eligible workers to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected, unpaid leave.

When to Consider SSDI Instead

If your medical condition is expected to last longer than 12 months or is terminal, then you may want to explore applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) instead. SSDI offers long-term financial support, but it involves a different application process and a higher burden of medical proof.



You cannot receive PFML and SSDI at the same time for the same condition, but you may start with PFML and transition to SSDI if your recovery does not go as planned.