Can I get Washington ESD unemployment while on disability?

That's what I was worried about. Do you know if part-time availability counts?

Yes, you can register for part-time work with WorkSource if that's all you can handle. But you still need to meet the able and available requirements each week.

It's state disability through L&I, not Social Security. Does that make a difference?

Oh L&I is different! That's workers comp disability. You might have more options there but still need to check with Washington ESD directly.

Thanks! How much does Claimyr cost? I'm already tight on money with the disability situation.

I don't remember the exact price but it was reasonable for finally getting real answers. Way better than wasting days trying to call.

I've heard good things about Claimyr too. Might be worth it for something this important where you need official guidance.

What kind of documentation do they usually want for this?

Usually a doctor's note stating your work limitations and that you're cleared for the type of work you're seeking. Plus you'd register with WorkSource showing your availability.

Have you tried the live chat on the Washington ESD website? Sometimes that's faster than calling.

Tried that too, they just told me to call the main number which never works.

So it's not worth applying for unemployment then?

Not necessarily. If your disability is temporary or partial, you might still benefit from UI when you're able to return to work.

Yeah, my cousin was on partial disability and got some unemployment when his hours got cut. But he had to report everything to both agencies.

How do job search requirements work if you can only do certain types of work?

You'd focus your searches on jobs that fit your restrictions. WorkSource can help match you with appropriate positions.

Good point. I definitely don't want any fraud issues on top of everything else.

Exactly. Always better to be upfront and get proper guidance than risk problems later.

That sounds exactly like what I need. I'll check out their website.

I'm skeptical of paying for something that should be free, but if it actually works...

I was skeptical too but after wasting so much time on hold, it was worth every penny to get real answers.

My doctor said probably another 2-3 months before I'm cleared for more hours. Should I wait?

That's really a personal decision based on your financial situation. But getting proper guidance from Washington ESD first is definitely smart.

That's really helpful! What did your doctor include in the documentation?

Specific work restrictions (like lifting limits, hours per day, etc.) and a statement that I was cleared to seek work within those limitations.

This is great advice. I should probably get updated documentation from my doctor too.

So if I have a bad week health-wise, I'd need to report that I wasn't available for work that week?

Exactly. And that week you wouldn't qualify for benefits. But that's normal - the system is designed to pay only when you're truly available.

Yeah, when I registered with WorkSource I brought my medical restrictions with me. They helped me set up my profile to only show appropriate job matches.

That's smart. I was worried they'd just give me the same generic job search requirements.

WorkSource is actually pretty good about accommodating restrictions. They want to help you find work you can actually do.

Have you tried reaching out to any disability advocacy groups? They sometimes have people who understand both systems.

That's not a bad idea. I didn't think about that approach.

Ugh, so it might not even be worth it financially?

Depends on your specific situation and benefit amounts. That's another reason why getting professional guidance is so important.

Yeah, the math gets complicated fast. Definitely worth understanding before you commit to anything.

Okay, I'm convinced. I'll try Claimyr rather than keep banging my head against the wall trying to get through on my own.

Smart choice. For complex eligibility questions like this, you really need to talk to someone who knows the rules inside and out.

Good advice. I'm already keeping track of medical stuff but I'll be more thorough about job search documentation too.

Yeah, documentation is key with any government benefits. Better to have too much than too little.

Thanks everyone! This thread has been super helpful. I feel like I have a much better understanding of what I need to do.

Glad we could help! Come back and update us on how it goes.