Can you collect disability and unemployment at the same time in Washington?

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 implies you have limitations. However, if you're on SSDI and were working part-time, it shows you have some work capacity. You'll need to demonstrate to Washington ESD that you can perform suitable work despite your disability.

I went through this exact situation last year! Yes, you can collect both, but you need to be very careful about how you file your unemployment claim. When you register for work search requirements, make sure to specify your limitations and the type of work you can do. The job search requirement still applies, but they should accommodate your disability.

You might want to try Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD directly about this. I used them when I had a complex situation and couldn't get anyone on the phone. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how they help you actually reach an agent. For something this specific, talking to a real person at Washington ESD would be worth it.

be very careful with this!! my friend tried to collect both and they made her pay back thousands in overpayments. the rules are really strict about being available for work

I'm in a similar boat but with different disability benefits. Does it matter if you're getting SSI versus SSDI? I'm on SSI and was working under their substantial gainful activity limits before I lost my job.

The Washington ESD website has some information about this under their eligibility requirements. Look for the section on 'able and available' - it explains how they handle cases where people have limitations but can still work. You'll probably need to complete their work search activities but they should make reasonable accommodations.

honestly the whole system is a mess. they want you to be disabled enough for benefits but not too disabled to work. makes no sense

One important thing to remember is that you'll need to report your disability benefits as income when you file your weekly claims. Washington ESD needs to know about all income sources to calculate your benefit amount correctly.

I tried to do this a few years ago and gave up because it was too confusing. Ended up just sticking with my disability benefits and not filing for unemployment. Probably missed out on money I was entitled to.

Definitely use that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier if you decide to move forward. For complex cases like yours where you need to explain your specific disability and work capacity, having an actual conversation with Washington ESD staff is crucial. The automated system just isn't set up for nuanced situations.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. You'll still need to do the weekly work search activities, but Washington ESD should work with you on accommodations. Don't skip this part or you could lose your benefits.

just wanted to say thanks for asking this question - i've been wondering the same thing but was too scared to file for unemployment while on disability

One more thing - if you do get approved for unemployment, make sure you understand how it might affect your annual SSDI review. Social Security looks at your work activity when they do continuing disability reviews.

The bottom line is yes, you can collect both, but you need to be very careful about meeting the requirements for each program. They have different definitions of disability and work capacity.

my brother is on disability and works part time, never tried unemployment though. this thread is making me think he should have when he got laid off last year

IMPORTANT: Make sure you report your unemployment benefits to Social Security too! They need to know about any changes in your income or work situation. Don't risk problems with your SSDI by not reporting properly.

this whole thread has been really informative. i had no idea you could potentially collect both types of benefits. the system is more flexible than i thought

If anyone else is reading this thread with similar questions, I'd recommend contacting a disability advocate or attorney if the situation gets complicated. Sometimes professional help is worth it for these overlapping benefit situations.

Thanks for this thread OP. I'm bookmarking it in case I ever need this information. Really appreciate everyone who shared their experiences and knowledge.

Final update from my experience: yes it's possible, yes it's complicated, but don't let that stop you from pursuing benefits you're legally entitled to. Just be prepared for extra scrutiny during the application process and keep detailed records of everything.

I'm actually going through a similar situation right now, though I'm on SSDI for a different condition. One thing I learned from my caseworker is that Washington ESD will likely ask for a detailed explanation of your work capacity during the adjudication process. They might even request documentation from your doctor about what types of work you can perform and for how many hours. The key is being able to demonstrate that while you have limitations, you're still capable of and actively seeking suitable employment within those limitations. My advice would be to gather any documentation about your previous work accommodations and be prepared to explain exactly what type of part-time work you can realistically do. It sounds like you have a good case since you were already working before the layoff.