Can I apply for Washington ESD unemployment after my disability benefits end?

That's a relief! Do I need any special documentation from my doctor saying I'm cleared to work?

It wouldn't hurt to have that documentation ready in case Washington ESD asks for it during the application process.

How long did the approval process take for you? I'm worried about the gap between my disability ending and getting unemployment.

Mine took about 3 weeks but that was because they had to verify my work history. Start the application as soon as possible.

Thanks for the tip! I'll keep that in mind if I can't get through on my own.

Never heard of that service but anything is better than sitting on hold for 2 hours just to get disconnected.

What counts as valid job search activities? I want to make sure I'm doing this right from the start.

Applying for jobs, attending job fairs, networking events, informational interviews. You need to document at least 3 activities per week typically.

You can also use WorkSourceWA to track your job search activities. It integrates with the ESD system.

That's a common misconception. The key is that you have to be able and available for work when you apply for unemployment. If your disability has ended and you're cleared to work, you should qualify.

Oh that makes sense. I was thinking they were mutually exclusive but I guess it's about your current status, not your past status.

I didn't get severance since my position was eliminated while I was out, but I should mention the disability payments ended, right?

Yes, be completely honest about all income sources and dates. They'll find out anyway and it's better to be upfront.

That's what I was hoping. My manager even said they would have had to lay me off anyway due to budget cuts.

Get that in writing if you can! Sometimes Washington ESD wants documentation about why you separated from your employer.

Good to know there are options if I can't get through. How much does something like that cost?

I'd rather not get into specifics about pricing here, but it was worth it for me to get my questions answered quickly instead of spending days trying to call.

I was working full time for about 2 years before my injury so I think I should be covered.

Yeah you should be good then. The minimum earnings requirement isn't that high if you were working consistently.

I'm planning to file as soon as my disability officially ends next week. Should I wait for my final disability payment or file immediately?

File as soon as you're cleared to work. They'll sort out the payment dates during processing.

That's encouraging! I'm hoping my case is straightforward since it's just a transition from disability to unemployment.

It sounds like your situation is pretty clear cut compared to some of the complicated cases they deal with.

Thanks for the warning. I'll make sure to keep detailed records of everything I do.

Exactly. It's better to be overly detailed than to not have enough documentation.

That doesn't sound too bad. I was worried it would be really complicated.

Nah, the initial application is the hardest part. The weekly claims are pretty simple once you get into the routine.

I'll definitely keep that option in mind if I run into any delays. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Yeah adjudication can be nerve wracking but usually it works out fine in the end.

I'll check those out before I file. Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice!

Good luck with your claim! Sounds like you've got a solid case for approval.