Can you collect Washington ESD unemployment while on disability benefits?

This is actually a complex situation that depends on what type of disability benefits you're receiving. If you're getting Social Security Disability (SSDI), you generally can't collect unemployment at the same time because unemployment requires you to be able and available for full-time work. However, if you're on partial disability or workers' comp, the rules might be different.

I tried this last year and got denied initially. Washington ESD said I wasn't available for full-time work. But then I appealed and explained my medical restrictions and they approved me for part-time benefits. You have to be really clear about what work you CAN do, not what you can't.

You need to contact Washington ESD directly about this because every situation is different. I'd recommend using Claimyr.com to actually get through to speak with someone - they help you navigate the phone system and get connected to an agent. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. This is exactly the kind of complex question that needs a real person to review your specific circumstances.

The main thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you're 'able and available' for work. If your disability prevents you from working full-time, that could be a problem for regular UI benefits. BUT - and this is important - they do have provisions for people with disabilities who can work part-time. You might qualify for what they call 'suitable work' provisions.

This is so frustrating! The system seems designed to keep people from getting help. I'm in a similar boat - can work but not full-time due to health issues. Why make it so complicated?

One thing to consider - if you're working part-time and your hours got reduced, you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits rather than trying to navigate the disability angle. If you were working 30 hours and now you're only working 15, Washington ESD can pay you partial benefits for the lost hours.

Whatever you do, be completely honest on your application. Don't hide the disability benefits - Washington ESD will find out anyway and then you could be charged with fraud. Better to be upfront and let them determine if you qualify.

I work in HR and deal with this occasionally. The key is documentation. You need a clear statement from your doctor about your work capacity, not just your limitations. Can you work 20 hours? 30 hours? What type of work environment? Washington ESD needs specific information to make a determination.

Has anyone dealt with Social Security getting upset about collecting unemployment? I heard they can review your disability case if you're also getting UI benefits.

The whole system is so confusing. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for three weeks to ask about this exact situation and can never get through. The automated system just hangs up on me after an hour on hold.

Don't forget about the job search requirements too. Even if you qualify for benefits, you'll still need to do your weekly job searches. But they should be for jobs that fit within your medical restrictions.

I went through something similar two years ago. The trick is to frame it as 'I am able and available for part-time work within my medical restrictions' rather than focusing on what you can't do. Washington ESD approved me for partial benefits.

Just a heads up - if you do get approved for both, you'll need to report your unemployment benefits to Social Security. They need to know about all income sources, even if it doesn't affect your disability payment.

The timing matters too. If you file for unemployment and then apply for disability later, it could hurt your disability case because you're saying you can work. But if you're already on disability and then need unemployment due to reduced hours, that's different.

Whatever you decide, make sure you understand the tax implications. Both unemployment and disability benefits can be taxable depending on your total income for the year.

I'd also suggest documenting everything - every phone call, every form you submit, every decision they make. If there are any issues later, you'll want a paper trail.

One more thing - if Washington ESD denies your initial application, don't give up. The appeals process exists for complex situations like yours. Many people get approved on appeal even if they're denied initially.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I feel much more prepared to tackle this now. I'm going to gather my medical documentation and give it a shot. If I can't get through to Washington ESD on my own, I'll try that Claimyr service someone mentioned.

I went through a similar situation last year and wanted to share what I learned. The key is understanding that Washington ESD has specific provisions for people with disabilities who can work within restrictions. When I applied, I made sure to emphasize that I was "able and available for suitable work" rather than focusing on my limitations. I provided a detailed letter from my doctor outlining exactly what I could do (hours per week, physical restrictions, etc.) rather than just listing what I couldn't do. The process took about 8 weeks total, including an initial denial and successful appeal. During the appeal, I had a phone hearing where I explained how my medical restrictions didn't prevent me from seeking and accepting appropriate part-time work. The hearing officer was actually quite understanding once I had all my documentation organized. One tip: keep detailed records of every job you apply for and note how each position fits within your medical restrictions. This shows ESD that you're genuinely seeking work, just within your limitations. Also, be prepared to report your unemployment benefits to Social Security - they need to know about all income sources even if it doesn't affect your disability payments.