Can I get unemployment and disability at the same time in Washington?

That's encouraging to hear! My disability is physical but I can definitely work desk jobs or positions that don't require heavy lifting. Do I need to disclose my disability status when filing my UI claim?

You should be honest about your work limitations, but you don't necessarily need to volunteer detailed medical information unless specifically asked. Focus on what types of work you CAN do rather than what you can't.

How did you handle the job search requirements? Did you have to apply to jobs that might not accommodate your disability?

No, you only need to apply for suitable work that matches your abilities and restrictions. Keep good records of your job search activities and any accommodations you've requested from potential employers.

Wait, how does that work? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks about my own claim issues.

It basically handles the calling process for you and gets you connected when an agent is available. Saved me hours of frustration and I got my questions answered the same day.

This is a common misconception. SSDI and SSI have different rules, and many people successfully receive both without issues. The key is consistent documentation about your work capacity and limitations.

maybe but i've heard horror stories about people losing their disability benefits

Those stories usually involve people who weren't properly documenting their work limitations or were inconsistent in their statements to different agencies.

I'm receiving SSDI based on my work history before my condition worsened. So the unemployment shouldn't affect that as much?

Right, SSDI allows you to work and earn up to a certain amount (substantial gainful activity level) without losing benefits. Unemployment benefits might count toward that limit though, so keep track of the amounts.

That's really reassuring! Did you have any problems during the adjudication process?

No adjudication issues at all. I think being upfront about my limitations from the start helped. I also made sure to document all my job search activities thoroughly.

The guidelines do exist, but they're scattered across different sections of the website and aren't always written in plain English. Each situation is also somewhat unique.

I've spent hours on their website and still can't find clear answers about my specific situation. It's so frustrating.

I might give that a try. I really want to make sure I'm doing everything correctly from the start.

Definitely get it in writing or take notes during your call. Having documentation of what ESD tells you can be helpful if questions come up later.

Good point. I should probably review what I've told Social Security about my work limitations before filing with ESD.

Exactly. Your work capacity assessment should be the same for both agencies, just make sure you're being honest about what you can actually do.

That's great to hear! Did you have to provide any medical documentation to Washington ESD?

They never asked for medical docs from me, but I had a letter from my doctor ready just in case explaining what work I could and couldn't do.

How many jobs do I need to apply for each week? Is it still the standard three job contacts?

Yes, still three job contacts per week minimum. But they should be for positions that match your abilities and any work restrictions you have.

I understand the frustration, but disability doesn't always mean unable to work. Many people have conditions that limit certain activities but don't prevent all work.

i guess but it's still confusing as hell to navigate

You're right, I should just apply and let them make the decision rather than trying to guess whether I qualify.

Exactly. The worst they can do is say no, but you might be pleasantly surprised. Many people in your situation do qualify for both benefits.

I'll definitely keep detailed records. Should I notify Social Security if I start receiving unemployment benefits?

For SSI yes, you need to report it immediately. For SSDI it depends on the amount, but it's usually better to be proactive and report it anyway.

I keep hearing about Claimyr in these threads. Is it worth trying?

For me it was. I got connected within 20 minutes instead of spending weeks trying to get through on my own. Having an actual conversation with ESD made all the difference.

My condition doesn't prevent me from working entirely, just limits certain physical activities. I think I should be okay based on what everyone is saying.

That sounds like you'd meet the availability requirement. Just document everything and be consistent in your communications with both agencies.

Thank you, that gives me confidence to move forward with filing my claim.

You're welcome. Feel free to ask if you have more questions as you go through the process.

I definitely will. Planning to file my claim this week and I'll share how the process goes.

Looking forward to your update. Real experiences like yours help others navigate these complex situations.