Can you collect Washington ESD unemployment if you are on workers comp?

Unfortunately, you generally cannot collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits while receiving workers compensation. The state considers workers comp as temporary wage replacement, so you're not considered 'unemployed' in the traditional sense. You'd need to be able and available for work to qualify for UI benefits, which you're not if you're medically restricted.

Wait, I think there might be some exceptions to this rule. If your workers comp case gets closed or if you're cleared for light duty work but your employer can't accommodate that, you might be able to file then. It's complicated though and you'd probably need to talk to someone at Washington ESD directly.

I had a similar situation two years ago with a shoulder injury. Couldn't get UI while on workers comp, but once my case was settled and I was released to look for new work, I was able to file then. The key is you have to be able and available for work to get unemployment benefits.

You know what might help you get through to Washington ESD faster to ask about your specific situation? I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you actually reach a live agent without waiting on hold forever. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Might be worth checking out since these workers comp/UI overlap questions can be really complex.

this is frustrating because workers comp doesn't pay enough to live on!! why can't we get both when we're hurt because of work?? seems unfair

The timing matters a lot here. If your workers comp benefits end before you're cleared to return to your old job, then you might be able to file for unemployment at that point. But you'd still need to be medically cleared to work in general, not just your specific job.

I went through something similar with a knee injury. The overlap period is tricky - you basically can't get UI while getting workers comp payments, but there might be a window when workers comp ends and you're still looking for work. Definitely worth talking to ESD about your specific timeline.

Another thing to consider - if your injury prevents you from doing your regular type of work permanently, you might qualify for vocational rehabilitation services through the state. That's different from regular unemployment but could provide some support while you retrain.

just want to say this whole system is confusing as hell. why can't they make it simple - if you're hurt and can't work, you should get help period

I used to work in HR and dealt with these situations. The key question Washington ESD will ask is whether you're 'able and available' for work. If you're medically restricted from any work, the answer is no. If you're cleared for some types of work but not others, it gets more complicated and you'd need to prove you're actively seeking suitable employment.

Has anyone tried that Claimyr thing the other person mentioned? I've been trying to reach Washington ESD for weeks about a different issue and getting nowhere with their regular phone system.

One more consideration - some people think they can file for UI immediately after a work injury, but you usually need to wait until there's a determination about whether you'll return to your job or not. If your employer is holding your position open, that affects your eligibility too.

this happened to my brother in law. he couldn't get unemployment while on workers comp but once his case closed he was able to file. took about 3 months total

Don't forget about the job search requirements if you do become eligible for UI later. Even if you're looking for work within your medical restrictions, you still need to log your job search activities and meet the weekly requirements.

The bottom line is this is complicated enough that you really need to speak with Washington ESD directly about your specific situation. Every workers comp case is different and the timing of benefits can vary a lot.

Just remember if you do eventually qualify for UI, you'll need to report any workers comp settlement or ongoing payments. Washington ESD takes those into account when calculating benefits.

I know someone who managed to get UI after their workers comp ended but before they were fully healed. They were cleared for light duty work and actively looking for jobs they could physically handle. Took some documentation but it worked out.

Final thought - consider talking to a workers comp attorney if your case is complex. They often know the ins and outs of how these benefits interact and can advise you on timing your UI application for the best outcome.