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

This is actually a really common question and the answer isn't straightforward. Generally speaking, you can't receive both unemployment and disability benefits simultaneously because they have conflicting requirements. For unemployment, you have to certify that you're able and available to work, actively seeking employment, and ready to accept suitable work. Disability benefits are based on your inability to work due to a medical condition.

I went through something similar last year! I was on UI and then got hurt at my previous job. The key thing is being honest with Washington ESD about your work capacity. If you can still work with restrictions, you might be able to continue unemployment while exploring disability options. But if you're truly unable to work, you can't keep certifying for weekly claims.

You definitely need to speak with someone at Washington ESD about this specific situation. The problem is getting through to them on the phone - I've been trying for weeks about my own adjudication issue. If you're having trouble reaching them, I recently discovered this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helps you get connected to Washington ESD agents. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Might be worth checking out since you need official guidance on this.

OMG this is exactly what I'm dealing with right now!! I hurt my shoulder at work 2 months ago and have been on unemployment since I got laid off. Now the workers comp doctor is saying I might need surgery and could be out for months. I'm so stressed about what to do with my UI claim. Did you figure out what you're supposed to report on your weekly claims?

The Washington ESD handbook is pretty clear about this - you can't receive unemployment benefits if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. However, if you have a partial disability that doesn't prevent you from working entirely, you might still be eligible for UI while looking for work within your restrictions. The key is the 'able and available' requirement for unemployment.

This whole system is ridiculous. People get hurt and then have to choose between benefits that don't even cover their basic needs. I've been fighting with Washington ESD for months over different issues and they make everything so complicated.

Here's what you need to know specifically: If you apply for disability benefits (either Social Security Disability or state disability), you're essentially stating that you cannot work. This directly contradicts the unemployment certification where you state you're able and available for work. Most states, including Washington, will not allow you to collect both simultaneously.

I work with people on disability issues and see this confusion all the time. The timing of when you stop unemployment and when you apply for disability can affect your eligibility for both programs. There are also different types of disability - temporary vs permanent, workers comp vs SSDI, etc. Each has different rules about other benefits.

Been there done that. Had to stop my unemployment when I couldn't work anymore due to my condition. The gap between stopping UI and getting approved for disability was rough financially but it was the right thing to do legally. Don't try to game the system - it will catch up with you.

The real issue here is that Washington ESD doesn't make this stuff clear. I've been trying to get answers about my own claim complications and the phone system is a joke. At least there are services like Claimyr now that can help you actually reach someone when you need official guidance on these complex situations.

Just want to add that if you're receiving workers compensation benefits, that's different from regular disability and has its own rules about unemployment. Workers comp is for workplace injuries and might have different interaction rules with UI benefits. Make sure you're clear about which type of disability you're dealing with.

whatever you do dont lie on your weekly claims about being able to work if you really cant. they will find out eventually and then youll owe back all the money plus penalties. i seen it happen to people

The bottom line is this: unemployment requires you to be able and available for work. Disability benefits are for when you can't work. You generally can't be both simultaneously. However, there can be transition periods and special circumstances, which is why you need to speak directly with Washington ESD about your specific medical situation and work capacity.

I had a similar situation couple years ago. What helped me was getting a detailed statement from my doctor about exactly what I could and couldn't do work-wise. That way I could be specific with Washington ESD about my limitations and whether I could still meet the able and available requirement.

Just remember that Washington ESD takes the 'able and available' requirement seriously. If you can work with restrictions, you might still qualify for UI while looking for suitable work within those restrictions. But if you truly can't work at all, you can't continue filing weekly claims.

From my experience dealing with this exact situation, timing is everything. Don't wait until you're completely unable to work to start exploring disability options, but also don't continue filing unemployment claims if you know you can't work. Be proactive and honest throughout the process.

One more thing to consider - if you do transition from unemployment to disability, make sure you understand the implications for your job search requirements and any work search waivers you might need during the transition period.

This thread has been really helpful. I'm dealing with a similar situation with a different medical condition. It's good to know I'm not the only one confused about how these benefits interact with each other. The key seems to be getting proper medical documentation and being upfront with Washington ESD.