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

This is actually more common than you might think. The key issue is whether you're able and available for work, which is a basic requirement for unemployment benefits. If you're on disability saying you can't work, but then telling Washington ESD you can work, that creates a conflict.

I went through something similar last year. You generally can't collect both at the same time because disability means you're unable to work, while unemployment requires you to be able and available for work. But there can be exceptions for partial disabilities.

I had a nightmare trying to get through to Washington ESD about this exact question. Spent weeks calling and either getting busy signals or being put on hold for hours. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent who could explain my options. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Made the whole process so much easier.

You need to be really careful about this because if Washington ESD finds out you were collecting both benefits when you weren't supposed to, they can make you pay back the unemployment money plus penalties. I've seen people get hit with huge overpayment notices.

been there done that, it's a total mess to figure out. the rules are so confusing and nobody at esd seems to know what they're talking about when you finally get through

Here's what you need to know legally: Washington state law requires that to collect unemployment, you must be able to work and available for work. If you're receiving disability benefits that are based on being unable to work, these are generally incompatible. However, if your disability is partial or temporary, and you can perform some types of work, you might qualify for unemployment benefits while looking for work that accommodates your limitations.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now. My worker's comp is ending but I still have restrictions. Called Washington ESD about 50 times over the past two weeks and keep getting disconnected. It's absolutely ridiculous that you can't get through to ask basic questions about eligibility.

Just want to add that if you do qualify for unemployment while having work restrictions, you'll need to show that you're actively looking for work that fits your limitations. Keep a job search log and document how your restrictions affected your applications.

This whole system is so complicated. Why can't Washington ESD just have clear guidance on their website about this stuff instead of making people jump through hoops to get basic information?

I was in a similar boat last year - had shoulder surgery and was on short-term disability through work. When that ran out, I was cleared for desk work but not my regular job in construction. Washington ESD approved my unemployment claim because I was able and available for the type of work I could physically do. The key was having clear documentation from my doctor about what I could and couldn't do.

Whatever you do, don't try to collect both at the same time without getting approval first. My neighbor got caught doing that and had to pay back like $8,000 plus interest and penalties. It was a nightmare that took years to resolve.

One thing to consider is the timing of when your disability ends versus when you file for unemployment. If there's any overlap, you need to be very careful about how you report that to Washington ESD. Honesty is always the best policy here.

I used to work for a different state's unemployment office (not Washington) but the rules are pretty similar everywhere. The bottom line is that you have to be able to work to get unemployment benefits. If your doctor says you can work with restrictions, document everything and be upfront with Washington ESD about your limitations.

I'm going through something similar but with mental health disability. The rules seem even murkier when it's not a physical injury. Has anyone dealt with psychiatric disabilities and unemployment?

Just want to emphasize what others have said about getting official guidance from Washington ESD. I know their phone system is terrible, but this is too important to guess about. If you can't get through on the phone, try visiting a WorkSource office in person.

Something else to consider - if you're not ready to go back to work when your disability ends, you might qualify for extended disability benefits instead of unemployment. Have you looked into that option?

The important thing is not to let fear of making a mistake prevent you from getting the benefits you're entitled to. If you're genuinely able to work within your restrictions and actively looking for suitable employment, you should qualify for unemployment benefits.

Bottom line: get medical clearance for some type of work, document your restrictions, be honest with Washington ESD about your situation, and keep detailed records of everything. If you follow those steps, you should be able to navigate this successfully.