Can you collect unemployment after workers comp in Washington?

That's a relief! My doctor cleared me for light duty work, so I should be okay there. Do I need any special documentation from L&I when I apply?

Yes, get a copy of your final medical report and the work restriction documentation. Washington ESD may also want to see your L&I claim closure letter to verify the timeline.

Three weeks isn't too bad. Did you have any issues with the job search requirements given your restrictions?

Washington ESD adjusted my job search requirements to only include positions I could physically perform. I had to document that I was looking for work within my restrictions, which actually made the search more focused.

This is good to know. I'm dealing with a similar situation but haven't filed yet because I wasn't sure about the restrictions thing.

Should I wait until I have all my paperwork from L&I before filing, or can I start the application process now?

You can start the application process now. Washington ESD will request the specific documents they need during the review process. Don't delay filing because you're waiting for paperwork.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already strapped for cash after being on workers comp.

It was worth it for me because I got my questions answered quickly instead of spending weeks trying to get through on the phone. The peace of mind was valuable when I was already stressed about the transition.

I've heard good things about Claimyr from other people dealing with complicated Washington ESD situations. Sometimes paying for help is cheaper than making mistakes on your claim.

That makes sense. I was making good money before the injury, so hopefully my benefits will be decent.

Yeah, as long as you had steady work before the injury, you should be fine. Just make sure to have your pay stubs or tax information ready if they ask for wage verification.

No, if your employer can't accommodate your work restrictions, that's not considered voluntary unemployment. You're essentially being laid off due to lack of suitable work. Washington ESD understands this distinction.

That's a huge relief. I was really worried about that aspect of it.

Make sure to document that your employer couldn't provide suitable work within your restrictions. Get that in writing if possible - it helps with your UI application.

Two weeks in adjudication doesn't sound too bad. I've heard some people wait much longer for other types of claims.

Yeah, I'm trying to be patient. The adjudicator I spoke with said workers comp cases usually take 2-4 weeks to review because they have to coordinate with L&I.

If you need to check on your adjudication status, I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to someone. Much easier than trying to call Washington ESD directly during busy periods.

I'm not getting any ongoing benefits, just had my final medical exam. Should be clear on that front.

That's good. Clean closure makes the unemployment application much more straightforward.

Can you explain that difference a bit more? I want to make sure I answer the questions correctly on my application.

Able to' work means'you re physically/mentally capable of working within your 'restrictions. Available for' work means'you re actively seeking employment and can accept suitable job offers. You need both for UIeligibility.

Good explanation. The key is demonstrating that your restrictions don't prevent you from finding reasonable employment in your area.

How long did you wait before filing? Did it cause any problems with your claim?

I waited about a month thinking I needed more paperwork. Washington ESD said I could have filed earlier and just provided documents as they requested them. Lost out on some benefits due to the delay.

That's encouraging. I was worried it would be a bureaucratic nightmare.

It's definitely more straightforward than I thought it would be. Just be honest about your restrictions and provide the documents they ask for.

No, workers comp payments don't count as wages for unemployment benefit calculation purposes. Only actual wages from employment count toward your base period earnings.

Thanks for clarifying that. So it's really just about what I earned before the injury.

They adjust your job search requirements to match your restrictions. You're only expected to apply for jobs you can actually perform. Much more reasonable than I expected.

That makes sense. I was worried they'd expect me to apply for jobs I physically can't do.

Not automatically, but they might refer you to WorkSource for specialized job search assistance if your restrictions significantly limit your employment options. It's usually optional, not required.

Good to know. I wasn't sure if it was mandatory or just a resource they offer.

What medical documentation did you need besides the work restrictions letter?

I provided the final medical report, work capacity evaluation, and the official case closure letter from L&I. Washington ESD didn't ask for anything beyond that.

I might look into that if I run into issues during my application process. Thanks for the suggestion.

No problem. I used them for a different issue and found it really helpful when I needed specific answers quickly.

Good point. I moved while I was on workers comp, so I'll need to update my address.

Definitely do that before you file. Washington ESD sends important notices by mail, and you don't want to miss anything.

Same here! I feel much more confident about filing my claim now. Good luck with your application.

Thanks, you too! It's nice to know others have been through this successfully.

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm going to start my application today.

Great! You've got this. The hardest part is just getting started.

I definitely will. This community has been so helpful - I want to pay it forward once I get through the process.

That's the spirit! We're all in this together.

You're so welcome! It's great to see how this community comes together to help each other navigate these tricky situations. Your situation sounds very similar to what several others have described - being cleared for light duty but having an employer who can't accommodate restrictions is actually pretty common. You're absolutely doing the right thing by filing this week rather than waiting longer. Two weeks since your L&I case closed is perfect timing. Make sure you have that closure letter and your work restriction documentation ready, and don't stress too much about having every single piece of paperwork perfect before you start - Washington ESD will let you know what else they need during the review process. Best of luck with your application!

That's exactly the kind of positive outcome we love to hear about! Your timeline sounds perfect - filing within a couple weeks of your L&I case closing shows you're being proactive. The lifting restriction situation is so common in warehouse work, and from what everyone's shared here, Washington ESD really does understand that employers sometimes just can't accommodate those limitations. It's not your fault that suitable work isn't available. One small addition to the great advice already given - when you're documenting your job search activities, make sure to note when you skip applying for positions that exceed your lifting restrictions. Washington ESD appreciates seeing that you're being realistic about what you can and can't do. You've got all the right information now, so go get those benefits you've earned!

This thread has been incredibly helpful for me too! I'm in a similar boat - just finished up a 4-month workers comp claim for a shoulder injury and my employer says they can't offer me anything within my 20-pound lifting restriction. I was so worried about whether I'd qualify for unemployment benefits, but seeing everyone's experiences here has really put my mind at ease. The fact that Washington ESD adjusts job search requirements to match your restrictions makes so much sense - I was stressed about having to apply for jobs I physically can't perform. Planning to file my claim next week once I get my final paperwork from L&I. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories, especially about the timeline and documentation needed. This community is amazing!