Can you collect Washington ESD unemployment after disability runs out?

Yes, you can typically transition from disability to unemployment benefits in Washington, but there are some important requirements. You'll need to be able and available for work, which means your doctor needs to clear you for some type of employment. Since you mentioned your doctor says you can work with limitations, that should help your case. You'll also need to actively seek work that fits your restrictions.

I went through this exact situation last year! The transition isn't automatic - you have to file a new unemployment claim with Washington ESD. Make sure you have medical documentation showing you're cleared to return to work. Also, be prepared for potential adjudication since they'll want to verify your work availability.

You'll need to file a completely new unemployment claim with Washington ESD. Disability and unemployment are separate systems that don't automatically transfer. The good news is if you're able and available for work now, you should qualify for regular UI benefits.

This is such a stressful situation. I had something similar happen and couldn't get through to Washington ESD for weeks to get answers. The phone lines are always busy and the online system doesn't give clear guidance about disability-to-unemployment transitions. I eventually found this service called Claimyr that helped me get through to an actual person at Washington ESD. They have some kind of system that gets you connected faster - there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Important note: when you file your UI claim, you'll need to report your disability income for the weeks you received it. Washington ESD will ask about any benefits you received during your claim period. Also, make sure you understand the work search requirements - you'll need to look for jobs that accommodate your medical restrictions.

ugh this system is so confusing. why can't they just make it simple to transition between different types of benefits? like if you're already in the system for disability why do you have to jump through all these hoops for unemployment

been through this exact situation last year, the transition was smooth once i got through to someone at washington esd to explain. took forever to get through on the phone though

Make sure you keep all your medical records and any correspondence from your disability provider. Washington ESD might request documentation during the adjudication process. Also, if your previous employer contests your claim saying you quit voluntarily, you'll need to show that your job was eliminated while you were on approved medical leave.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD by phone, I discovered Claimyr recently - it's a service that helps you get through to actual agents. They have a website at claimyr.com and there's a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Saved me tons of frustration when I needed to discuss my claim status.

Important thing to remember is that Washington ESD will look at your work history from BEFORE your disability period to determine your weekly benefit amount. Make sure you have all your employment records ready when you file the new claim.

Been there, done that. The whole process took me about 6 weeks from filing to getting my first payment. The hardest part was proving I was able to work but also explaining why I couldn't return to my previous job. Washington ESD really scrutinizes these disability-to-unemployment transitions.

MAKE SURE you're completely off disability before filing unemployment!!! I know someone who got in trouble for collecting both at the same time. Washington ESD doesn't mess around with overpayments.

One thing to consider is whether you qualify for any vocational rehabilitation services while you're job searching. If your disability affects what type of work you can do, there might be additional resources available to help with retraining or job placement.

curious about this too since my workers comp might be ending soon.. do they consider the disability time as a break in employment or does it matter for the job search requirements?

File online through the Washington ESD website rather than trying to call. The online system is usually faster for new claims and you can upload all your documents digitally.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource WA and start your job search activities right away. Even if you're waiting for adjudication, you still need to meet the work search requirements to maintain eligibility for benefits.

This whole situation sounds really familiar. I was out on workers comp for 4 months and when I tried to file for unemployment after, it was such a nightmare. Washington ESD kept asking for more documentation and I couldn't get anyone on the phone to explain what they needed.

just remember you have to certify that you're able and available for work each week. since you were on disability make sure you can honestly answer yes to that

The waiting week might apply to your new claim even though you were previously working. Washington ESD treats it as a brand new claim since you weren't collecting unemployment before the disability.

had a similar situation with my husband when his disability ended. took about 3 weeks total from filing to first payment but that included the adjudication period

Quick question - did you work enough hours before going on disability to qualify for UI? You need to meet the earnings requirements for the base period, and being on disability doesn't extend those timeframes.

Whatever you do, don't delay filing once your disability ends. UI benefits are only backdated to when you file the claim, not when you actually became unemployed. So if you wait weeks to file, you lose those potential benefit weeks.

I'm dealing with something similar right now. My short-term disability is ending in 2 weeks and I'm terrified about the income gap. Has anyone tried calling Washington ESD recently? I've been trying for days and can't get through.

Make sure you understand the difference between being 'able to work' and being 'available for work' - Washington ESD looks at both. With work restrictions, you need to show you're actively seeking jobs within your limitations.

Just want to add that if Washington ESD denies your claim initially, don't give up. You have appeal rights and many denials for disability-to-unemployment transitions get overturned on appeal when you have proper medical documentation.

If you do need to call Washington ESD during the process, definitely consider using Claimyr. I mentioned it earlier but it really does help cut through the phone line congestion. Much better than the constant busy signals.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington for the job search requirements. They'll want to see you're actively looking for work.

this is exactly my situation too!! been on disability for 6 months and just got cleared to return to work but my position was eliminated. following this thread for advice

Make sure to file your weekly claims on time once you're approved. Missing even one week can cause delays and you might have to call to get it sorted out.

The transition from disability to unemployment is pretty common. Washington ESD sees these cases regularly so they should process it smoothly as long as all your paperwork is in order.

you might want to check if your employer offers any rehire opportunities first. sometimes they have to offer comparable positions to employees returning from disability

When you file make sure to explain the disability situation clearly in your application. Washington ESD needs to understand why there's a gap in your work history.

been collecting unemployment for 2 months now after my disability ended and everything went smoothly. just be patient with the initial processing time

Remember that unemployment benefits are taxable income unlike some disability benefits. You might want to have taxes withheld from your weekly payments.

If you run into any issues during the process, using Claimyr to reach Washington ESD directly can help resolve problems quickly. Sometimes talking to an actual person makes all the difference in getting claims processed.

This thread has been super helpful. I'm in a similar situation with my FMLA ending soon and was worried about how to transition. Sounds like having medical clearance documentation is the key.

One more tip - when you do your weekly claims, be very careful how you answer the questions about being able and available for work. Your answers need to be consistent with your medical documentation and job search activities.

Hope everything works out for you OP. The transition from disability to unemployment can be stressful but it's definitely doable with the right preparation. Just stay organized and keep good records of everything.