Can you file for Washington ESD unemployment while waiting for workers comp decision?

Yes, you can file for unemployment while waiting for workers comp, but there are some important rules to follow. You need to report that you have a pending workers comp claim when you file your initial UI application. If your workers comp gets approved later, you may have to pay back some of the unemployment benefits for overlapping periods.

just went through this exact situation last year. filed for UI while waiting on my L&I claim. took them 3 months to approve my workers comp but i got unemployment payments the whole time. when workers comp finally kicked in i had to pay back about $2800 in UI benefits for the overlapping weeks but it was worth it to have some income during the wait

The key thing is being honest about your situation. When you file your weekly claims, there's a question about whether you received or expect to receive workers compensation benefits. Always answer truthfully. Washington ESD will work with you if there's an overpayment situation later, but they don't like surprises.

I had trouble getting through to Washington ESD to ask about this exact situation a few months ago. Kept getting disconnected after waiting on hold for hours. Finally found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me reach an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works. Made it so much easier to get my questions answered about filing UI while waiting for workers comp.

WAIT - you need to be careful here. If you're not able to work due to your injury, you might not meet the 'able and available' requirement for unemployment benefits. This could cause problems with your UI claim.

Been there! The waiting is the worst part. Just make sure you're documenting everything - all your job search efforts, your medical restrictions, communications with L&I. If any issues come up later you'll want that paper trail.

How long have people been waiting for L&I decisions lately? Mine's been pending for 8 weeks now and I'm starting to panic.

The system is so broken. You shouldn't have to choose between workers comp and unemployment when you're injured and not working. But that's the reality we're dealing with.

Make sure you understand the job search requirements too. Even with restrictions, you'll need to do 3 job search activities per week and register with WorkSourceWA. Don't let that part slip or you could lose benefits.

Just a heads up - if your UI claim goes into adjudication for any reason while you're dealing with the workers comp situation, it can get really complicated. I'd recommend getting help from someone who knows the system if that happens.

I used that Claimyr service too when I had questions about reporting workers comp on my weekly claims. The Washington ESD agent explained exactly how to fill out that section. Definitely worth checking out if you need specific guidance.

Don't forget that if you do get workers comp approved, you'll need to stop filing for UI immediately once those benefits start. The overlap period is what creates the overpayment situation.

The whole thing is stressful but manageable if you stay organized. Keep all your paperwork, be honest on your claims, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You'll get through this.

One more thing - if you end up needing to appeal anything with either workers comp or unemployment, don't wait. The deadlines are strict and you don't want to miss your chance to contest a decision.