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Just want to say thanks to everyone who answered questions in this thread. I was really confused about whether I could get both benefits but now I understand the rules better. Going to file my unemployment claim this week!
This is such a helpful thread! I'm in a similar situation - got injured at my construction job 3 weeks ago and my doctor says I can do desk work but no heavy lifting or standing for long periods. I've been hesitant to apply for unemployment because I wasn't sure if it was allowed while getting workers comp. Reading everyone's experiences here gives me confidence to file my claim. One question though - should I wait until my L&I case is fully established or can I apply for UI benefits right away as long as I have my work restrictions documented?
You don't need to wait for your L&I case to be fully established - you can apply for unemployment benefits as soon as you have documented work restrictions that allow you to perform some type of work. The key is having that medical documentation from your doctor showing you're cleared for desk work. Washington ESD will want to see that you're able and available for work within those restrictions. Just make sure you're honest about your situation when you file and mention that you're receiving workers comp. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can start receiving benefits while you're job searching!
The whole system is designed to make you give up. Stay persistent and keep filing weekly claims. Document everything in case you need to appeal later.
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! My claim has been in adjudication for about 10 days and I'm starting to panic about bills. Reading through everyone's experiences here is actually really helpful - at least I know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare. The lack of communication from Washington ESD is the most frustrating part. I've been continuing to file my weekly claims like others suggested, but the uncertainty is really getting to me. Has anyone found any patterns in how long different types of adjudication issues take to resolve?
I feel you on the panic about bills - that's exactly where I'm at too. From what I'm seeing in this thread, it seems like employer verification issues (like what Noah went through) can take 4-6 weeks, while routine stuff might be closer to 2-3 weeks. The really frustrating thing is there's no way to know which category you fall into without actually talking to someone. Keep hanging in there and definitely keep filing those weekly claims!
UPDATE: Wanted to let everyone know my situation got resolved! I called ESD this morning (got through after 35 minutes on hold) and the agent explained they were doing a random quarterly check on my claim. She said the doctor's appointment wasn't an issue as long as I was available to work the rest of the week. She approved my claim while I was on the phone and said the payment should process tonight. So relieved! Thanks everyone for your help and advice. Seems like this really is just a random thing they do occasionally.
Glad to hear you got it resolved! This thread is super helpful for understanding these random availability checks. I'm new to unemployment benefits and had no idea ESD did these periodic reviews. Good to know it's not necessarily a sign that something's wrong with your claim. Bookmarking this for reference in case it happens to me down the road!
u should file a complaint with the state attorney generals office too. they take this stuff seriously cuz its actually illegal for esd to take ur refund without sending a tops notice first. my cousin got her $ back that way after esd ignored her for months
UPDATE: Following everyone's advice, I compiled all my documentation (verification documents, record of all contact attempts, appeal confirmation, etc.) into a single PDF. Wrote a formal demand letter citing the Bureau of Fiscal Service requirements and CC'd my state rep and the Commissioner's office. Shockingly, I got an email response within 3 days saying my case was being expedited for review. Just checked my ESD portal today and all the disqualified weeks have been switched back to PAID status and my overpayment balance is now $0! They haven't mentioned when I'll get my tax refund portion back, but at least the overpayment is cleared. Thank you all for your advice - especially about including state officials in the communications. That seems to have been the key to getting attention on my case.
This gives me hope!! I'm going to do exactly the same thing. Could you possibly share a template of your demand letter (without personal info of course)?
Wow, this is amazing! I'm so glad you got it resolved. I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - ESD took $2,100 from my refund with zero notification. Would you mind sharing which state rep you contacted and how you formatted that demand letter? I've been spinning my wheels for weeks trying to get through to someone who can actually help. Your success story gives me hope that there's a way out of this nightmare!
Fatima Al-Qasimi
After you get through to someone, ask them to flag your account for expedited processing due to financial hardship. I did this and mentioned I was facing possible eviction (which was true). The agent added notes to my claim and it was resolved within 48 hours after weeks of waiting. They don't advertise this option but it exists for emergency situations.
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GalaxyGlider
•Thanks for this tip! When I finally manage to speak with someone, I'll definitely ask about expedited processing. I am genuinely in a hardship situation now.
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AstroAce
I'm going through the exact same thing right now - 6 weeks in adjudication with the same "employment verification" and "able and available" pending issues. It's absolutely maddening! I've also uploaded everything they asked for multiple times and can't get through to anyone. What's really frustrating is that there's no transparency about what's actually happening or how long it might take. I've been keeping a spreadsheet of every call attempt, every document uploaded, every weekly claim filed - just in case I need to escalate this somehow. The stress of not knowing when (or if) this will get resolved while bills keep piling up is honestly worse than being unemployed itself. Thanks for posting this - at least now I know I'm not the only one stuck in this nightmare.
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