Can I get Washington ESD unemployment if I get injured outside of work?

So it depends on how severe the injury is? Like if I could still do desk work but not my current physical job?

Exactly. You'd need to be able to accept suitable work offers. If you can only do limited types of work, you'd need to show you're actively searching for jobs within your physical limitations.

How long did it take to get approved? Did they make you jump through a lot of hoops?

About 6 weeks total. The hardest part was actually reaching someone at Washington ESD to explain my situation. I must have called hundreds of times.

Both can potentially apply depending on the situation. Short-term disability is for when you can't work at all due to medical reasons. Unemployment is for when you're able to work but don't have a job. If someone loses their job due to an injury but can still work in some capacity, they might qualify for UI.

This is why it's so confusing! I've been trying to figure out the same thing for weeks.

That sounds too good to be true. How does it actually work? Do they charge a lot?

It's legit - basically they handle all the calling and waiting for you. When they get an agent on the line, they conference you in. I was skeptical too but it actually worked. Much better than sitting on hold for hours.

I used them too when my claim was stuck in adjudication. Got through to someone the same day I signed up.

What kind of medical documentation do they typically want? Just a doctor's note?

Usually they want something more detailed than just a basic note. They need to understand your specific limitations and what types of work you can still do. A functional capacity evaluation from your doctor would be ideal.

That's why it's important to document everything with your doctor and be very clear about what you can and can't do. Don't assume you won't qualify - many people with temporary restrictions do get approved for UI.

Yeah don't panic about it. Cross that bridge if you come to it. Most injuries aren't that severe anyway.

It's not that simple though. Being unable to perform your job duties due to a medical condition could be considered a voluntary quit in some cases, especially if reasonable accommodations were offered.

That seems really unfair. So if I get hurt in a car accident and my employer can't accommodate me, I'm just screwed?

Not screwed, but you'd need to prove you're still able to work in some capacity. The system is designed to help people who are ready, willing, and able to work but just don't have a job.

8 weeks?! That's a long time to go without income. Did she have to do anything special to prove she was job searching?

She had to keep detailed records of all her job applications and show that she was only applying for jobs that matched her physical limitations. WorkSource helped her with that part.

Have you actually looked at their website recently? I tried to find info about this and it was pretty confusing.

Yeah their website isn't great for specific situations like this. That's why so many people end up having to call and talk to someone directly.

That makes sense. How many jobs do you have to apply for each week?

I think it's 3 job search activities per week, but some of those can be things like attending job fairs or training programs, not just applications.

Good point. I definitely wouldn't want to risk getting in trouble for fraud or something.

Exactly. They take that stuff seriously. Just be honest and work with them to figure out what types of jobs you can do.

Did they help you figure out if you qualified or just connect you to Washington ESD?

They just handle the calling part - once you're connected, you talk directly to the Washington ESD agent. But that's exactly what I needed since I couldn't get through on my own.

That's a helpful way to think about it. So the key is proving I'm still able to work in some capacity.

Right. And being able to prove you're actively looking for work within your physical limitations. It's not automatic but it's definitely possible.

I don't think my employer offers short-term disability. Is that something you can buy on your own?

You can buy individual disability insurance but it's pretty expensive and usually has waiting periods. Better to look into it before you need it.

That's exactly why I mentioned Claimyr earlier. Trying to call Washington ESD directly is basically impossible. I tried for weeks before I found that service.

I might have to check that out. This is too important to just guess about.

Good reminder. I assume you still have to report any part-time work or gig work too?

Yep, anything you earn has to be reported. They'll reduce your benefits accordingly but you can usually still get partial unemployment.

That's a good summary. Every situation is different so it's worth talking to Washington ESD directly if you find yourself in this position.

Definitely helpful to know it's at least possible. Hopefully I never have to deal with this but good to understand the process just in case.