Can you apply for disability while on unemployment in Washington ESD?

You can apply for disability while receiving unemployment, but there are some important things to consider. The key issue is that unemployment benefits require you to be able and available for work, while disability benefits are for when you can't work. Washington ESD doesn't automatically cut you off when you apply for disability, but your eligibility could be reviewed.

I did this exact same thing last year. Applied for SSDI while on unemployment. The key is being honest about your work limitations when you do your weekly claims. If your condition prevents you from doing certain types of work but you can still do others, you might still qualify for unemployment.

The main thing Washington ESD cares about is whether you're able and available for suitable work. If your back pain limits what jobs you can do but doesn't completely prevent you from working, you should still be eligible for unemployment while your disability application is pending.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD when I had questions about this exact situation. Spent hours trying to call and either got busy signals or was hung up on. Finally found out about Claimyr at claimyr.com - they helped me get through to an actual agent who explained my options. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

be careful because if disability approves you they usually backdate the payments and you might have to pay back unemployment for those months

The Social Security Administration and Washington ESD have different criteria. SSA looks at whether you can do any substantial gainful activity, while Washington ESD looks at whether you're able and available for suitable work. You might be unable to do your previous job due to disability but still able to do other types of work.

Whatever you do, don't lie on either application or your weekly claims. I know someone who got in trouble for not disclosing their disability application to unemployment. Just be upfront about everything.

The disability application process takes forever anyway - mine took 18 months to get approved. So you'll probably need unemployment benefits while you're waiting either way.

Make sure you keep detailed records of all your medical appointments and treatments. Both unemployment and disability will want documentation if there are any questions about your work capacity.

I tried applying for both at the same time and it was so confusing. The paperwork for disability asks if you think you can work and unemployment requires you to say you can work. Felt like I was contradicting myself.

Also remember that if you're approved for disability and receive backpay, you might need to report that income to Washington ESD. The rules can be complex so it's worth talking to both agencies about your specific situation.

my experience was different - unemployment told me i had to stop filing claims once i applied for disability because i was saying i couldnt work

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Seems like the consensus is that I can apply for both but I need to be honest about my limitations and keep good records. I think I'll start the disability application and continue with my weekly unemployment claims unless something changes.

One more thing - if you end up needing to appeal a disability denial, you can usually continue unemployment benefits during the appeal process as long as you're still able to do some type of work.

Just want to emphasize again - document everything and be consistent in what you tell both agencies. The worst thing you can do is give conflicting information about your work capacity.

Also consider talking to a disability attorney if the process gets complicated. Many work on contingency so you don't pay unless you win.

Final thought - if you do need to talk to Washington ESD about this situation, definitely consider using a service like Claimyr instead of trying to call directly. I wasted so much time getting busy signals and dropped calls before I found that option.

Good luck with everything! Having health problems while unemployed is really stressful but it sounds like you're handling it the right way by researching your options.

Hope your back gets better and that whichever benefit you end up with works out well for you.

Keep us updated on how it goes! Your situation is pretty common so your experience might help other people in similar circumstances.