Can I get ESD benefits after work injury if I can't drive far due to medication?

Unfortunately, you probably won't qualify for regular unemployment. To get UI benefits, you need to be able and available for work, which includes being able to commute to available positions. Since your medication restriction is temporary (I assume), you don't meet the "able to work" requirement right now. Have you talked to your L&I case manager about temporary total disability benefits instead? They should pay more than partial L&I payments if you're unable to work due to the medication restrictions.

this happnd to my cousin last year...he got workmens comp not unemployment. they dont give u unemployment if ur injurd, its a different program. have u filed the L&I claim properly? thats wat u need

Have you tried reaching out to the ESD directly? I was in a similar situation (though mine was pregnancy complications, not an injury) and I spent WEEKS trying to get a clear answer. I finally got through to an actual ESD agent who explained everything clearly. They'll probably tell you the same thing others here have said, but at least you'll have an official answer. The problem is their phone lines are always jammed.

ESD is probably gonna deny you because of the "able and available" requirement. BUT have you asked your doctor about possible alternatives to your current medication that might not cause the drowsiness? I had a similar issue with pain meds after surgery and my doctor was able to switch me to something that didn't make me so out of it. Might be worth asking!

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!! I went through something similar and got DENIED for everything. L&I said I could work "modified duties" but my job had NOTHING available that met my restrictions. Then unemployment said I wasn't eligible because I had "job attached" status with my employer. CATCH-22 from HELL!!! You need to FIGHT both systems and get a lawyer involved ASAP!!!

There's actually a specific situation called a "shared claim" that might apply here, though it's not common. If you are receiving partial L&I benefits and are able to work part-time or with specific restrictions, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits to supplement your income. However, this requires very specific documentation from both your healthcare provider and employer confirming that: 1) You can work with specific restrictions 2) Your employer cannot accommodate those restrictions 3) You are actively seeking work that meets your restrictions When you apply, make sure to accurately report your L&I benefits as this will affect your UI benefit calculation. I recommend having detailed documentation of your driving restriction from your doctor and confirmation from your employer that they cannot provide suitable work within that restriction before applying.

Just checking back - were you able to get through to ESD or L&I? Any updates on your situation?