Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment while waiting for disability approval?

This is tricky territory with Washington ESD. The main issue is that UI benefits require you to be able and available for work, while disability claims argue you're unable to work. It's not impossible but you need to be very careful about how you handle both applications.

So it's possible but complicated? I really need some income while waiting for the disability decision.

Yes it's possible in certain situations. The key is that your ability to work can change over time, and you might be able to do some work while still qualifying for disability for your regular job.

I went through this exact situation last year. You CAN collect unemployment while waiting for disability but you have to meet all the regular UI requirements. That means actively looking for work you can actually do and being available for suitable work.

How did you handle the job search requirements? Did you actually apply for jobs?

Yeah I had to do the full job search and document it in WorkSourceWA. I focused on part-time or modified duty positions that I could potentially handle given my limitations.

Wait that seems contradictory though. If you're applying for disability saying you can't work, how can you also say you're looking for work?

The phone system at Washington ESD is impossible right now. I've been trying to get through for weeks to ask about this same situation. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to someone there?

I used this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Finally got to talk to someone after months of trying on my own.

Really? That actually works? I'm so frustrated with the busy signals and getting hung up on.

Yeah it was a lifesaver for me. They handle the calling and waiting so you don't have to sit there for hours. Worth trying if you need to get specific answers about your situation.

You need to be very honest with both agencies about your situation. Don't try to hide the disability application from Washington ESD or vice versa. The key is documenting that your condition may fluctuate or that you might be able to do some types of work while not others.

Should I mention the disability application when I file for unemployment?

If they ask about it directly, yes. But the main focus should be on your current ability to work and look for suitable employment. Many people have conditions that limit some work but not all work.

this is why the system is broken, people trying to game it by collecting both disability and unemployment

That's not what's happening here. There's a legitimate gap period where someone might be unable to do their previous job but still able to do some work while waiting for disability processing.

Exactly. I paid into both systems and needed support during a difficult time. There's nothing wrong with using benefits you're entitled to.

fine but seems like double dipping to me

Update: I called Washington ESD this morning (after 47 attempts) and the agent said I can apply for UI as long as I meet the work search requirements and am genuinely available for work I can perform. She said lots of people are in this situation.

That's great news! Did they give you any specific guidance on documenting your job search activities?

She said to focus on jobs that accommodate my limitations and to document everything thoroughly in the WorkSourceWA system.

47 attempts?? That's insane. Glad you finally got through though.

I'm in almost the exact same boat. Filed for disability in August, last day of work was September 20th. Been trying to figure out if I should apply for unemployment too. My savings are running out.

You should definitely look into it. Based on what I learned, as long as you can do some type of work and actively search, you might qualify.

If you need to talk to Washington ESD about your specific situation, that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier really helped me get through without the endless busy signals.

Thanks, I'll check that out. This whole process is so stressful.

For anyone in this situation, here are the key things Washington ESD will look at: 1) Are you able to perform some type of work? 2) Are you available for work that fits your limitations? 3) Are you actively searching for suitable employment? 4) Did you become unemployed through no fault of your own? If you can answer yes to all of these, you likely qualify for UI benefits.

This is super helpful. I think I meet all these criteria.

What about the waiting period for disability? Does that affect anything?

The disability waiting period is separate from UI benefits. They're administered by different agencies with different rules.

Just want to add that if you do get approved for both, there might be some coordination of benefits. Social Security disability can affect your UI benefits in some cases, so keep track of everything.

Good point. I'll make sure to report any changes to both agencies.

Yes, always report changes in income or status to both Washington ESD and Social Security. Transparency is key.

My sister went through this two years ago. She collected unemployment for about 5 months while waiting for her disability approval. No issues as long as she kept up with the job search requirements.

That's encouraging to hear. Did she eventually get approved for disability?

Yes, she got approved about 8 months after applying. The unemployment benefits really helped her get through that waiting period.

Did she have to pay anything back when she got disability?

No, there was no overpayment issue. The periods were handled separately.

The important thing is that 'unable to work' for disability purposes doesn't always mean unable to do ANY work. It usually means unable to do substantial gainful activity or your previous job specifically.

That makes sense. My condition prevents me from doing my old job but I might be able to do lighter work.

Exactly. That's why some people can legitimately qualify for both programs during the transition period.

Has anyone had issues with Washington ESD questioning the disability application during their UI claim review?

They asked me about it during my initial interview but once I explained my situation and limitations, there were no further issues.

As long as you're honest and can demonstrate you're actively looking for appropriate work, it shouldn't be a problem.

One thing to consider is that if your disability gets approved, there might be back pay involved. Make sure you understand how that could affect your UI benefits if there's any overlap in the coverage periods.

I hadn't thought about that. I'll ask about it when I talk to Washington ESD.

Good point. It's worth getting clarification on how they handle retroactive disability payments.

For what it's worth, I tried this approach and Washington ESD denied my claim because they said I wasn't genuinely available for work given my disability application. Had to appeal it.

Oh no, what happened with your appeal?

I won the appeal because I was able to show I was actively looking for modified duty positions and had medical documentation about what I could still do.

That's why documentation is so important. You need to show you're genuinely seeking and available for appropriate work.

The job search requirement is the biggest challenge in this situation. You have to be realistic about what jobs you can actually accept while still showing genuine effort to find work.

I'm planning to focus on part-time desk jobs and remote work opportunities that I could handle.

That sounds like a good approach. Just make sure you're documenting everything in WorkSourceWA.

Another option to consider is seeing if you qualify for any other support programs while you wait. There might be state assistance or charity programs that can help bridge the gap.

I'll look into that too. Every bit helps right now.

DSHS might have some programs available depending on your situation.

Just to follow up on the Claimyr thing - I actually used it again last week to get clarification on a different issue. Really worth it if you're stuck trying to reach Washington ESD and need specific answers about your benefits.

I ended up trying it too after your recommendation. Got through to an agent in like 2 hours instead of weeks of trying on my own.

Good to know it's consistently helpful. I might need to use it if I run into any issues with my claim.

Bottom line - it's possible but you need to be prepared to document everything and be completely honest with both agencies. The transition period between losing work due to disability and getting approved can be financially devastating without some support.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I feel much more confident about moving forward with both applications now.

Good luck with everything. Feel free to update us on how it goes.

You've got this! The waiting is the hardest part but there is light at the end of the tunnel.