Can you be on unemployment and disability benefits at the same time in Washington?

That's what I was worried about. So I'd have to choose one or the other?

Not necessarily - there are some exceptions and gray areas depending on the type of disability and your specific situation.

I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks but can never get through. The phone lines are always busy or I get disconnected after waiting on hold.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. I used it last month when I couldn't reach anyone about my adjudication issue. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Never heard of Claimyr before. Does it actually work for getting through to real people at Washington ESD?

My back problems are ongoing but not necessarily permanent. I just can't do heavy lifting or standing for long periods. Would that count as reasonable restrictions?

That could potentially qualify as reasonable restrictions, but you'd need to document it properly with Washington ESD and make sure your job search reflects those limitations.

I had a similar situation with knee problems. Washington ESD let me continue collecting UI as long as I was actively looking for desk jobs and clerical work. But you have to keep detailed records of your job search activities.

Definitely don't want an overpayment! I've heard those are a nightmare to deal with.

YES! Be transparent about everything. I know someone who got hit with a $8000 overpayment because they weren't upfront about a workers comp claim.

Because most people think of disability as being completely unable to work. But there are different types and levels of disability benefits, and the rules can vary.

Exactly. It's not black and white. The issue comes when you're claiming you cannot work at all (for permanent disability) while also claiming you're available for work (for unemployment).

That's helpful to know. How did you handle the transition back to unemployment? Was there any gap in benefits?

There was about a 2-week gap while Washington ESD processed my restart request. Make sure you notify them immediately when your disability status changes.

Is there a cost for using Claimyr? Seems too good to be true if it's free.

There is a fee but it was worth it for me considering how much time I was wasting trying to call on my own. Way less stressful than the normal calling process.

That makes sense. I guess I need to figure out if my situation qualifies as 'unable to work' or just 'limited in work options'.

Exactly right. And document everything - keep records of all communications with both Washington ESD and any disability agencies.

Because it involves multiple agencies with different rules and purposes. Unemployment is about temporary support while job searching, disability is about long-term inability to work.

still frustrating when you're just trying to survive and pay bills

Good idea. I hadn't thought about getting legal advice but this is complicated enough that it might be worth it.

Most disability lawyers work on contingency so you don't pay unless you win your case. Definitely worth exploring.

I was thinking about SSDI since my condition is ongoing. But maybe I should look into temporary state options first?

SSDI has a very strict definition of disability - unable to work at any job. If you're still job searching for UI, that might conflict with an SSDI application.

Definitely planning to be completely transparent. Better to get less money legally than get in trouble later.

Smart approach. Washington ESD has gotten much better at cross-checking with other agencies in recent years.

That's the contradiction I'm worried about. I can work, just not at physically demanding jobs.

That distinction might be key to your situation. Document your limitations clearly and make sure your job search reflects realistic opportunities given your restrictions.

I did the reverse - disability back to unemployment. Key was immediate communication with Washington ESD about status changes.

My sister went from UI to SSDI but there was a gap of several months with no benefits during the application process. Plan accordingly.

You're absolutely right. I'm going to contact both a disability attorney and try to reach Washington ESD before doing anything else.

And remember Claimyr can help you actually get through to Washington ESD when you need to discuss this with them directly. Much better than spending hours on hold.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. This has been really helpful in understanding my options.

That's a really good point about PFML! I hadn't even thought about that option. Since my back condition might improve with proper treatment, PFML could be a better fit than permanent disability benefits. Do you know if there are any conflicts between PFML and unemployment benefits, or would I need to stop my UI claim to apply for PFML?