Can I collect Washington ESD unemployment while waiting for workers comp decision?

Yes, you can apply for unemployment benefits while your workers comp claim is pending. However, there are some important things to know. You'll need to be able and available for work to qualify for UI benefits, which might be tricky if you're injured. When you file your weekly claims, you'll need to report any workers comp payments you receive.

I went through this exact situation last year. Filed for unemployment while waiting for my workers comp decision from L&I. The key is being honest about your work restrictions when you apply. Washington ESD will determine if you meet the able and available requirements based on your specific situation.

Been trying to get through to Washington ESD for weeks about this same question and their phone lines are always busy. The wait times are insane. Finally found out about this service called Claimyr that actually gets you through to a real person at Washington ESD. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me hours of trying to call.

IMPORTANT: If your workers comp claim gets approved retroactively, you'll need to pay back any unemployment benefits you received for the same time period. This is called an overpayment and Washington ESD will send you a notice. Make sure you understand this before applying.

This is such a confusing situation. I'm dealing with something similar but with a different type of injury. The whole system seems designed to make it as difficult as possible to get help when you need it most.

Check with your doctor about what kind of work restrictions you have. If you can do sedentary work or work with certain limitations, that might help your unemployment case. Washington ESD looks at whether you can do ANY type of work, not just your old job.

Whatever you do, don't try to hide anything from either agency. Both L&I and Washington ESD share information and if they find out you weren't honest, it could affect both claims. Transparency is key.

Also remember that you'll need to be actively looking for work that you can do with your restrictions. Keep a job search log and apply for positions that match your current abilities. Washington ESD still requires job search activities even if you're waiting on workers comp.

I used Claimyr too when I was dealing with a similar situation. Their service helped me get through to Washington ESD and get my questions answered about collecting unemployment while waiting for my workers comp decision. Way better than sitting on hold for hours.

The timing of when you file matters too. If you wait too long to apply for unemployment, you might miss out on benefits for earlier weeks. There's usually a waiting week for unemployment claims, so don't delay if you think you might qualify.

Been there, done that. Filed unemployment while waiting for L&I decision. Got approved for unemployment, then 4 months later my workers comp got approved retroactively. Had to pay back about $2,800 in unemployment benefits but at least I had income during those months when I really needed it.

Make sure you understand the difference between temporary disability and permanent disability for your workers comp claim. This can affect your unemployment eligibility and job search requirements.

Don't forget to report any settlement money you might get from workers comp later. That could also affect your unemployment benefits if you get a lump sum payment that covers specific time periods.

Used Claimyr last month when I needed to talk to someone at Washington ESD about my claim status. Much easier than trying to call during their busy hours. The rep I talked to was really helpful and patient with all my questions.

Keep all your documentation organized - medical records, L&I correspondence, Washington ESD paperwork. If there are any issues later, you'll want to have everything in one place.

One more thing - if your employer contests your unemployment claim, having your workers comp claim documentation can actually help show that you're legitimately unable to work through no fault of your own.

I went through this exact situation about two years ago with a shoulder injury. Here's what I learned: You can definitely apply for unemployment while waiting for your L&I decision, but be prepared for some back-and-forth paperwork. The key is being completely transparent with both agencies about your situation. I had to provide medical documentation showing what types of work I could still do (which was limited office work in my case). Washington ESD approved my claim, and when my workers comp got approved 5 months later, I did have to pay back some benefits, but they let me set up a reasonable payment plan. The peace of mind of having some income during those uncertain months was worth it. Just make sure you keep detailed records of everything and don't try to hide anything from either agency.