Can I collect unemployment and SSI at the same time in Washington state?

This is actually a complex situation that depends on your specific circumstances. Generally, to qualify for unemployment you need to be able and available for work, which can conflict with SSI disability determinations. However, if your doctor has cleared you for part-time work, you might have options. I'd recommend contacting both Washington ESD and Social Security to discuss your specific case.

I was in a similar situation last year. The main issue is that unemployment requires you to actively search for work and be available for full-time employment, while SSI is based on your inability to work. It's a catch-22. I ended up not applying for UI because I was afraid of losing my SSI benefits.

If you're having trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about this directly, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They help people get through to ESD agents on the phone when the lines are busy. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. For something this important, you really need to speak with an actual ESD representative who can look at your specific situation.

From what I understand, if you're on SSI and want to work, there are work incentive programs through Social Security that might be better than unemployment. SSDI recipients have different rules than SSI, but for SSI there's the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program and other options.

Be really careful here. I know someone who applied for unemployment while on disability and it triggered a review of their disability benefits. They ended up losing both for a while until they could straighten everything out. The systems don't talk to each other well.

The fundamental issue is the 'able and available' requirement for unemployment. When you're on SSI, Social Security has determined you're disabled and unable to work. But if your condition has improved and you can work part-time, you need to report that to Social Security anyway. They have specific rules about how much you can earn while on SSI.

Another thing to consider is that unemployment benefits might count as income that could affect your SSI payment amount. SSI has strict income limits, so even if you could get both, the unemployment might reduce your SSI payment.

I would definitely recommend speaking with a disability attorney or advocate before making any moves. This kind of situation requires someone who understands both systems. Many offer free consultations for disability-related issues.

Just wanted to add that if you do decide to pursue this, document everything. Keep records of all your communications with both agencies, any medical documentation about your ability to work, and dates of all phone calls or meetings.

Since you mentioned having trouble reaching Washington ESD, I'll mention again that Claimyr really helped me get through when I needed to discuss a complex situation like yours. When you have questions that require speaking to an actual person rather than getting generic information, it's worth trying.

One more thought - if your doctor has cleared you for part-time work, make sure you get that in writing. You'll likely need medical documentation for both agencies showing your current work capacity.

To summarize the key points: 1) Report any changes in your condition to Social Security first, 2) Get medical documentation of your work capacity, 3) Speak with both agencies about your specific situation, 4) Consider consulting with a disability attorney, and 5) Be aware that unemployment benefits might affect your SSI payment amount.

I just want to echo what others have said about being careful. The rules around disability benefits and work are really complex, and mistakes can be costly. Take your time and get proper advice.

Also remember that even if you can't collect both benefits simultaneously, understanding your work capacity might open up other opportunities. Washington state has vocational rehabilitation services that might be helpful in your job search.

Good luck with everything. It's frustrating how complicated these systems are, but it sounds like you're approaching it the right way by asking questions first.

Hope it works out for you. Just remember to keep good records of everything and don't be afraid to ask questions if something doesn't seem right.

One last thing - if you end up needing to appeal any decisions or deal with complex issues with Washington ESD, that's another situation where Claimyr might be useful for getting through to speak with supervisors or appeals coordinators.

This has been a really informative thread. I learned a lot just from reading everyone's responses. Shows how complex these benefit interactions can be.

Best of luck with your job search once you get everything sorted out. It's great that your condition has improved to the point where you can consider working again.

Feel free to update this thread once you get some official answers from the agencies. It would be helpful for others in similar situations.