Can you collect unemployment if you are on light duty in Washington ESD?

Yes, you can potentially collect unemployment while on light duty if your employer can't accommodate your restrictions. The key is that you need to be able and available for work that fits within your medical limitations. When you file with Washington ESD, you'll need to indicate that you're able to work with restrictions.

I was in a similar situation last year. My back injury put me on light duty and my warehouse job couldn't accommodate it. I filed for UI and got approved, but it took about 3 weeks for them to decide.

Getting through to Washington ESD to clarify this stuff is nearly impossible though. I spent weeks trying to call about my own medical restrictions situation. Finally used Claimyr.com to actually reach an agent - they have this system that gets you through the phone lines automatically. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Game changer for getting real answers about complex eligibility questions.

The Washington ESD system is so confusing when it comes to medical stuff! I think you have to be careful about how you answer the able and available questions on your weekly claims.

Wait, are you getting workers comp too? Because that might affect your unemployment eligibility. I know someone who had issues because they were getting workers comp payments while also trying to collect UI.

This whole system is ridiculous. You get hurt at work, can't work full duty, and then have to jump through hoops just to get basic benefits. The Washington ESD website doesn't explain any of this clearly either.

One important thing - make sure you're actively looking for work that you CAN do with your restrictions. You'll need to document your job search activities like any other UI claimant. Look for office jobs, reception work, anything that doesn't require heavy lifting.

Update: I called the UI customer service line this morning and actually got through after only 45 minutes on hold! The agent confirmed I can file for benefits since my employer can't accommodate my restrictions. She said to make sure I answer the weekly claim questions correctly about being able to work with limitations.

just wanted to say good luck with your claim! i went through something similar with a shoulder injury and it all worked out eventually

Just to summarize for anyone else reading this: Yes, you can collect unemployment while on light duty IF your employer cannot provide suitable work within your medical restrictions. You must still be able and available for work that fits your limitations, continue job searching, and report your restrictions honestly on your weekly claims.

For what it's worth, I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I couldn't get through to resolve my adjudication issue. Worked exactly like they said - got connected to an agent quickly instead of spending hours on hold. Worth checking out if you run into problems with your claim.

The most important thing is being honest about your limitations. Don't say you can do something you can't, but also don't undersell what you ARE able to do. Washington ESD needs to understand exactly what work you can perform.

does workers comp affect unemployment? asking for my brother who got hurt at his construction job

I had a friend who collected unemployment while on light duty for months. Her doctor eventually cleared her for full duty but by then she had found a better job that could accommodate her restrictions permanently. Sometimes things work out for the best!

One thing to watch out for - if your employer offers you ANY work, even if it's not ideal, you might have to take it or risk losing benefits. Make sure you understand what constitutes 'suitable work' under Washington ESD rules.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP! I went through this same thing and they made me jump through so many hoops. Document EVERYTHING and don't let them intimidate you!

Quick question - do you have to wait a certain amount of time before filing if you're on light duty? Like is there a waiting period?

I'm dealing with something similar but with mental health restrictions instead of physical. The process seems to be the same - employer can't accommodate, so I can file for UI. Just wanted to mention that it's not just physical limitations that qualify.

Final update from me - filed my claim yesterday and it's showing as pending. The website says it could take 3-4 weeks for a decision since it involves medical restrictions. At least I know I did everything right thanks to all the advice here!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information in this thread! I wasn't the original poster but I'm in a similar situation and this answered all my questions. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to explain things clearly.