Can I apply for Washington ESD unemployment while on short term disability?

This is tricky territory. Generally you need to be able and available for work to qualify for unemployment. If you're still on disability that usually means you're not available for work.

You need to be very careful here because Washington ESD has strict able and available requirements. If you file while unable to work due to disability, you could end up with an overpayment situation later. However, if your doctor says you can do some types of work but not your previous job, that might be different. You'd need to document everything properly.

I was in a similar spot last year. Couldn't get through to Washington ESD on the phone to get clarification on my situation. Kept getting disconnected after waiting hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual agent. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Really saved me from making a costly mistake with my claim.

whatever you do dont lie on your application about being able to work if you're still on disability. thats fraud and they will catch you eventually

The key issue is the 'able and available' requirement. You need to be physically able to work and available to accept suitable work. If your disability prevents you from working entirely, you wouldn't qualify. But if you can work in some capacity - like light duty or different type of work - you might still be eligible. The timing of when your STD ends versus when you apply for UI also matters.

Been through this exact situation. You absolutely cannot collect unemployment while receiving disability benefits - that's double dipping and Washington ESD will flag it. Wait until your STD period officially ends, then apply for UI if you meet the able and available requirements.

This whole system is so confusing! Why can't they just have clear answers for these situations?

One thing to consider - if your employer is holding your job open while you're on disability, you might not qualify for unemployment anyway since you technically still have employment. UI is for people who are unemployed through no fault of their own.

My cousin used that Claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier when she couldn't get through to Washington ESD about her claim status. Said it was worth it just to avoid the hours of hold time. Might be worth looking into if you need to talk to someone there directly about your specific situation.

Have you looked into Washington State's Paid Family and Medical Leave program? Might be another option to bridge the gap between your STD ending and being able to return to work.

Whatever you decide make sure you keep detailed records of everything - medical appointments, correspondence with your employer, benefit applications, etc. If there are any issues later you'll want documentation.

Just to add another perspective - I had a friend who tried to file for unemployment while still technically on disability and it created a huge mess. Took months to sort out and she almost had to pay back benefits. Really recommend getting everything sorted with your medical situation first.

Bottom line - you can't collect unemployment if you're not able and available for work. If your doctor hasn't cleared you to work, you're probably not eligible yet. Wait until you have medical clearance or at least documentation that you can perform some types of work.