Can you collect Washington ESD unemployment and disability at the same time?
I'm getting conflicting information about whether I can receive both unemployment benefits and disability payments simultaneously in Washington state. I've been on temporary disability for a back injury from my warehouse job, but my doctor says I might be able to do some light desk work soon. My disability payments don't cover all my bills and I'm wondering if I could file for unemployment while still getting partial disability. Has anyone dealt with this situation? I don't want to mess up either benefit by doing something wrong.
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Amina Diop
This is actually more complicated than most people think. The key issue is that unemployment requires you to be 'able and available' for work, while disability typically means you can't work. However, there are some situations where you might qualify for both - like if you're on partial disability or if your disability is temporary and you're cleared for certain types of work.
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Paolo Romano
•That makes sense. My disability is specifically for heavy lifting restrictions, but I could probably do office work. Do I need to report the disability payments to Washington ESD if I apply for unemployment?
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Amina Diop
•Yes, you absolutely need to report all income including disability payments. Washington ESD will need to determine if your restrictions allow you to meet the work search requirements.
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Oliver Schmidt
i think you can get both but they might reduce your unemployment amount. i know someone who got workers comp and unemployment at the same time but not sure if regular disability is different
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Natasha Volkov
•Workers' compensation is different from regular disability benefits. The rules vary depending on whether it's Social Security Disability, state disability, or private disability insurance.
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Paolo Romano
•Mine is through state disability insurance from my previous employer. I should probably call Washington ESD to ask about the specific rules for my situation.
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Javier Torres
Good luck getting through to someone at Washington ESD by phone! I've been trying for weeks to get answers about my claim. The hold times are insane and half the time I get disconnected. If you do manage to reach someone, definitely get everything in writing because I've gotten different answers from different agents.
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Emma Wilson
•I had the same problem until I found this service called Claimyr that actually gets you through to Washington ESD agents. You can check it out at claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. It's been a lifesaver for getting my questions answered.
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Paolo Romano
•Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into that if I can't get through the regular way.
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Natasha Volkov
The Washington ESD has specific guidelines about concurrent benefits. Generally, if you're receiving disability benefits that are based on your inability to work, you may not qualify for unemployment. However, if your disability is partial or if you're cleared for modified work duties, you might still be eligible for unemployment benefits. The key factors are: 1) Your physical ability to perform some type of work, 2) Your availability for work within your restrictions, 3) Your active job search efforts within your capabilities.
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Paolo Romano
•This is really helpful. My doctor did say I could do sedentary work with no lifting over 10 pounds. Would that count as being 'able and available' for Washington ESD purposes?
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Natasha Volkov
•That could potentially qualify you, but you'd need to be actively searching for jobs that fit your restrictions and be genuinely available to accept suitable work offers. Document everything your doctor says about your work capabilities.
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QuantumLeap
•Make sure you're honest about your limitations when you apply. Washington ESD can verify medical information and you don't want to get caught in a lie.
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Malik Johnson
I'm in a similar boat - getting workers comp for a shoulder injury but my lawyer says I might be able to work with restrictions. The whole system is so confusing! Why can't they just give straight answers about what you can and can't do?
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Isabella Santos
•Workers' comp is actually different from regular disability. You might have better luck since workers' comp often includes vocational rehabilitation services that could help with your unemployment claim.
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Paolo Romano
•Yeah, the whole system is way too complicated. I just want to make sure I'm following all the rules correctly.
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Ravi Sharma
Been there! I collected both unemployment and Social Security Disability for about 6 months while waiting for my SSDI determination. The trick is being completely transparent with both agencies. Washington ESD reduced my weekly benefit amount because of the disability payments, but I was still eligible because I could do limited work.
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Paolo Romano
•How much did they reduce your unemployment benefits? Was it dollar-for-dollar or a percentage?
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Ravi Sharma
•It wasn't dollar-for-dollar. They have a formula they use but I can't remember the exact details. The important thing is that I was still getting some unemployment benefits while my disability case was pending.
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Freya Larsen
•This gives me hope! I'm in a similar situation and was told I couldn't get anything while on disability.
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Omar Hassan
Whatever you do, don't try to hide the disability payments. Washington ESD will find out eventually and you could end up with an overpayment that you have to pay back. I've seen people get in serious trouble for not reporting other income.
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Paolo Romano
•Definitely planning to be completely honest about everything. I'd rather get less money than get in trouble later.
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Chloe Taylor
•Smart approach. The penalties for benefit fraud are no joke.
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ShadowHunter
Check if your state has any specific programs for people transitioning back to work from disability. Some states have 'return to work' programs that make it easier to collect benefits while you're testing your ability to work again.
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Paolo Romano
•That's a great idea. I'll look into what Washington state offers for people in my situation.
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Diego Ramirez
•The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation might have resources too. They help people with disabilities find work.
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Anastasia Sokolov
I hate how complicated they make everything. You're already dealing with a disability and then they pile on all these confusing rules and requirements. The system should be helping people, not making their lives harder!
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Sean O'Connor
•I feel you. The bureaucracy is the worst part of dealing with any government benefits.
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Paolo Romano
•Yeah, it's definitely stressful trying to figure out all the rules when you're already dealing with health issues and financial stress.
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Zara Ahmed
I used Claimyr recently to get through to Washington ESD about a different issue and they were super helpful. The agent I spoke with was really knowledgeable about concurrent benefits and special situations. Might be worth using their service to get a definitive answer about your specific case.
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Paolo Romano
•I'm definitely considering it. How long did it take them to get you connected to an agent?
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Zara Ahmed
•It was pretty quick - they handle all the waiting and calling back until they reach someone. Way better than sitting on hold for hours myself.
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Luca Conti
Make sure you understand the job search requirements if you do qualify for unemployment. With work restrictions, you might need to document that you're only applying for jobs within your physical limitations.
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Paolo Romano
•Good point. I should probably keep detailed records of what jobs I apply for and why I'm qualified despite my restrictions.
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Nia Johnson
•Yes, and make sure the jobs you're applying for actually exist and are reasonable for your skill set. Washington ESD can be picky about job search activities.
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CyberNinja
The bottom line is that it's possible to get both, but you need to meet all the requirements for unemployment while being honest about your disability. The 'able and available' requirement is key - you have to genuinely be able to work within your restrictions.
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Paolo Romano
•That makes sense. I think my situation might qualify since I can do desk work. I'll gather all my medical documentation and apply carefully.
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Mateo Lopez
•Definitely get everything from your doctor in writing about what you can and can't do workwise.
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Aisha Abdullah
One more thing - if you do get approved for both benefits, the unemployment office might periodically review your case to make sure you're still meeting the requirements. Don't be surprised if they ask for updated medical documentation.
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Paolo Romano
•Thanks for the heads up. I'll make sure to keep my medical records updated and stay in touch with my doctor about my work capabilities.
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