Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment while receiving SSI benefits?

So does that mean I can't get both? I'm really confused about the 'able and available' part since my doctor cleared me for part-time work only.

Washington ESD requires you to be available for full-time work to qualify for regular UI benefits. Part-time availability usually doesn't qualify unless you're in a special program.

Good luck getting through to them! I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about my claim. The phone lines are always busy.

I had the same problem trying to reach Washington ESD until I found Claimyr. They help you get through to an actual agent without waiting on hold for hours. Check out claimyr.com - they have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Did you appeal the decision? Maybe there's a way to show that part-time availability still counts as being available for work.

I didn't appeal because my lawyer said it would be hard to win. The unemployment law is pretty clear about full-time availability.

That's not necessarily true. Some people with disabilities can qualify for unemployment if they can show they're actively seeking work within their limitations.

I haven't worked in over a year because of my disability. I don't think standby applies to my situation.

Yeah, standby is for people who have a definite return-to-work date with their employer. That won't help you.

Let's stay focused on helping with the actual question about SSI and unemployment eligibility.

I agree the system has problems but this person is asking a legitimate question about their benefits.

Good point. I definitely don't want to create an overpayment situation with either agency.

I work for Social Security (not giving official advice) but yes, any income including unemployment must be reported immediately. SSI recipients can work but there are earnings limits.

That's interesting. Did she have to prove she was looking for full-time work or just any work?

I'm not sure about the details. She said Washington ESD asked a lot of questions about her disability and work capacity during the application process.

That sounds unusual. Most people with SSI don't qualify for unemployment because of the conflicting eligibility requirements.

Never heard of Claimyr. Is it legit?

Yeah it's real. They help you navigate the phone system to reach Washington ESD agents. Saved me tons of time when I needed to verify my claim status.

That makes sense. So it sounds like I probably can't get both benefits at the same time.

Not necessarily. Some people with disabilities can qualify for unemployment if their work capacity has improved or if they have specific work restrictions that don't prevent full-time employment.

Yeah it does seem risky. I don't want to jeopardize my SSI benefits.

Smart thinking. Better to be safe with your disability benefits than risk losing them for unemployment that you might not even qualify for.

This sounds like the best approach. I'll start with Social Security since that's my primary benefit.

If you need help reaching Washington ESD, try Claimyr. I used them last month when I couldn't get through the regular phone lines. Really helped me get answers about my adjudication issue.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I think I need to be really careful about this and get official guidance from both agencies before making any decisions.

Good point. Even if I could get both, the SSI reduction might make it not worth the hassle.

Exactly. The interaction between these programs is complex and you really need professional guidance to navigate it properly.