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

This is actually more common than you'd think. The key is whether you're able and available for work, which is a Washington ESD requirement. If your doctor cleared you for light work and you're actively seeking employment, you may qualify for unemployment benefits even while receiving disability. You'll need to report the disability income when filing your weekly claims.

I was in a similar spot last year with workers comp and unemployment. Washington ESD will want to verify that you meet the able and available requirement. The tricky part is proving you can work while receiving disability - they might flag your claim for adjudication to review the medical evidence.

You definitely need to be upfront about both benefits when you file. Washington ESD has specific questions about other income sources during the application process. Don't try to hide the disability payments - they'll find out anyway and it could cause problems with your claim.

Had a friend go through this mess trying to reach Washington ESD to clarify his situation. Spent weeks calling and getting nowhere. Finally used Claimyr to get through to an actual agent who explained everything in detail. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

wait what?? i thought if you get disability you cant work at all? this is confusing

The Washington ESD will look at your specific situation case by case. If you're receiving Social Security Disability, that's different from state disability or workers compensation. Each has different rules about working and receiving unemployment benefits simultaneously.

This whole system is such a nightmare to navigate! I've been dealing with something similar and Washington ESD makes it impossible to get straight answers. Every time I call I get a different story from different agents.

From what I understand, Washington ESD requires you to report ALL income sources on your weekly claims, including disability payments. They'll then determine how it affects your unemployment benefit amount. Some disability income might reduce your weekly benefit but not eliminate it entirely.

Make sure you keep detailed records of everything - your medical clearance, disability payments, job applications, everything. If Washington ESD questions your eligibility later, you'll need documentation to support your case.

I went through this exact situation two years ago. The key is being completely honest with Washington ESD about your work limitations. I had to submit a form from my doctor detailing what type of work I could and couldn't do.

The job search requirement is another thing to consider. Can you realistically search for and accept work given your disability restrictions? Washington ESD requires you to be actively seeking employment that you can actually perform.

honestly the whole system is set up to confuse people and make them give up. i spent 2 months trying to figure out my benefits situation and got nowhere until someone told me about claimyr. finally got answers in one phone call

One thing to watch out for - Washington ESD might require you to register with WorkSource for job placement services. With your work restrictions, they might want to connect you with vocational rehabilitation resources.

Check with your disability caseworker too. They might have specific requirements about reporting unemployment benefits that could affect your disability payments. Some disability programs have income limits.

The bottom line is that it's possible to receive both, but you need to meet Washington ESD's eligibility requirements and be transparent about all income sources. Each case is evaluated individually based on your specific circumstances.

Just wanted to add - if you do get approved for both benefits, make sure you understand the tax implications. Both unemployment and disability income are generally taxable, so you might want to have taxes withheld or set money aside.

My sister was in this situation and Washington ESD initially denied her claim because they said she wasn't able and available for work. She had to appeal and provide additional medical documentation showing she could perform certain types of work. Eventually got approved but it took months.

If you're having trouble reaching Washington ESD to discuss your specific situation, I had success with Claimyr recently. They helped me get through to an agent who could answer my questions about benefit interactions. Worth checking out their demo video to see how it works.

The most important thing is to be completely honest and provide all requested documentation promptly. Washington ESD deals with these situations regularly, so as long as you meet their requirements, you should be fine receiving both benefits.

good luck with everything! this thread has been really helpful for me too since i might be in a similar situation soon