Can you collect Washington ESD unemployment after being on short term disability?

That's a relief to hear! Do I need to provide any documentation from my doctor proving I'm cleared to work?

It's not required upfront, but Washington ESD might request medical documentation if they have questions about your ability to work. I'd keep that clearance letter handy just in case.

Did you have any issues with the application process? I'm worried they might think I quit my job or something.

Nope, it was pretty straightforward. Just be clear on your application that you were on approved medical leave and your position was eliminated due to restructuring, not performance issues.

This is good info. I'm dealing with something similar but haven't been cleared by my doctor yet.

Good point. My disability ended last Friday and I got medical clearance on Monday, so there shouldn't be any overlap.

I had this exact situation happen and had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to explain the timeline. Spent hours on hold trying to reach someone who could help sort it out. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ. Made the whole process way less stressful.

That's a good distinction. It would technically be a layoff, but the timing matters for when you can start collecting benefits. You can't collect UI while on disability, so even if you were laid off during that time, your benefits would start when you became able and available for work.

So I should mention on my application that I was laid off while on medical leave? I want to make sure I explain this correctly.

Exactly. Be transparent about the timeline - you were on approved medical leave, your position was eliminated during that time, and now you're able to work but have no job to return to.

Wow that's terrible! At least my company was decent about it and it was just restructuring, not retaliation.

Companies can be such jerks about this stuff. Glad yours handled it properly.

That's actually really helpful to know. I was worried my benefits would be calculated based on the lower disability payments.

Nope, Washington ESD looks at your base period earnings from actual employment, not disability or other non-work income.

This is really useful information. I had no idea how they calculated the benefit amounts.

What exactly is adjudication? I keep seeing that term but don't really understand what it means.

Adjudication is just when Washington ESD needs to investigate your claim more thoroughly to determine eligibility. It can add a few weeks to the process, but it's pretty routine for situations involving medical leave or job separations that aren't straightforward.

I've been stuck in adjudication for over a month on a much simpler case! The wait times are brutal right now.

Yeah, I'm definitely ready to get back to work. Been going stir crazy sitting at home for months!

The job search requirements are pretty specific too. Make sure you understand what counts as a valid job search activity.

I'll definitely look into those requirements before I start filing weekly claims.

Good advice. I'll make sure to include all the relevant details about the medical leave and position elimination.

Documentation is key with these kinds of cases. Keep copies of everything!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I feel much more confident about applying now.

Good luck with your claim! Hope it goes smoothly for you.

Keep us posted on how it goes!

I'll definitely keep that in mind if I need to speak with someone directly. Thanks for the tip!

Yeah, trying to get through on your own can be a nightmare with their phone system.

Good point. I should probably start my claim from the week I got medical clearance, not when disability ended.

Exactly. The effective date should be when you were both able and available to work, which sounds like it was after your doctor's appointment.

This is really detailed helpful stuff. Thanks for sharing your experience OP!