Can I get Washington ESD unemployment and short term disability at the same time?

Generally you cannot collect both unemployment and short-term disability simultaneously in Washington. UI requires you to be able and available for work, while STD means you're medically unable to work. These are contradictory requirements that Washington ESD takes seriously.

I was in a similar spot last year. Had to stop my weekly claims with Washington ESD when I went on disability. You can't be available for work if you're on medical leave.

I actually used Claimyr to get through to someone at Washington ESD about this exact question when I was dealing with a work injury. The agent explained that you have to be able and available for work to qualify for UI, which conflicts with being on disability. Check out claimyr.com - they helped me get connected without waiting on hold forever. There's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

WAIT - you might be able to do partial disability and still collect UI if you can work part-time. It depends on your specific medical restrictions and what your doctor says you can do.

The key thing is being honest with both agencies. If you're collecting STD, you need to report that you're unable to work. If you're collecting UI, you're certifying that you're able and available. Don't try to game the system.

Have you checked if your state has temporary disability insurance? Some states have their own programs separate from private STD.

ugh the whole system is so confusing! I was in a car accident while unemployed and had no idea what to do about benefits. ended up just suffering through without any income for weeks

One more thing to consider - timing matters. If you were laid off and then became disabled, you might have a stronger case for continuing UI if you can show you were actively seeking work before the injury occurred.

Check your employee handbook from your old job too. Sometimes there are coordination of benefits rules that affect how STD and other benefits work together.

Whatever you do, don't file for both at the same time without talking to someone first. That's asking for trouble with overpayments and potential fraud accusations.

I think you should focus on STD for now since you're medically unable to work. You can always restart your UI claim once you're cleared to work again.

Definitely get on the phone with Washington ESD to discuss your specific situation. Every case is different and they can give you the most accurate guidance. Claimyr really helped me avoid the phone runaround when I had questions about my claim status.

Just wanted to add that if you do go the STD route, make sure you understand the elimination period and how long you have to file the claim after your injury.

Been through this exact situation. Washington ESD was pretty clear that I couldn't collect UI while on medical leave. Had to choose one or the other.

Don't forget about FMLA if you qualify. It won't give you money but it protects your job while you're on leave.

The bottom line is you can't be available for work and unable to work at the same time. Washington ESD and insurance companies know this and will catch any overlap.

might want to consult with a disability attorney if the STD claim gets complicated. some of those insurance companies try to deny everything

Whatever you decide, keep detailed records of everything - medical appointments, communications with insurance, job applications if you continue with UI. Documentation is key.

I'd lean toward STD given your injury timeline. You were laid off, then injured, so you're legitimately unable to work now regardless of the layoff.

Hope everything works out for you! And seriously, if you need to talk to Washington ESD about any of this, Claimyr saved me so much frustration. Worth checking out their demo video to see how it works.