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

This is actually more complicated than most people think. You CAN apply for both, but there are some contradictions between the two programs. For unemployment, you have to certify that you're able and available for work each week. For disability, you're essentially saying you CAN'T work. Washington ESD will likely question your availability if they find out about a disability claim.

I went through this exact situation last year. You can file for both but you need to be very careful about how you answer the weekly claim questions. When Washington ESD asks if you're able and available for work, you need to honestly say yes only if you truly are available for SOME type of work, even if not your previous job.

honestly this sounds like a mess waiting to happen. if you're disabled enough to file for disability why would you be looking for work? the systems don't really work together

I had similar confusion when I was trying to reach Washington ESD about a complex situation like this. The phone lines are always busy and it's nearly impossible to get through to an actual person who can explain these nuances. I ended up using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an ESD agent who could walk me through the specifics. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than spending hours on hold.

The key thing to understand is that these are two different agencies with different rules. Social Security Disability looks at your medical condition and whether you can work at ALL. Washington ESD looks at whether you're available for work each week. You might be able to do light desk work but not heavy warehouse work, for example.

this is why the system is broken. you shouldn't have to jump through hoops like this just to survive while waiting for disability approval. it's ridiculous

One important thing - if you do get approved for both and receive overlapping payments, you'll likely have to pay back one of them. Social Security will want to know about any unemployment benefits you received during the same period as your disability claim.

I'm in almost the exact same boat right now. Hurt my shoulder at work and can't do my construction job anymore. Filed for both about 6 weeks ago. UI got approved pretty quickly but I'm still waiting on disability. The weekly certifications are tricky - I have to explain that I can work but not construction.

Has anyone actually gotten in trouble for this? Like has Washington ESD ever denied someone's claim because they found out about a disability application?

Whatever you do, don't lie on your weekly claims. If you're not truly available for work, don't certify that you are. The penalties for UI fraud are serious and not worth the risk.

Another option is to talk to a Washington ESD representative about your specific situation. I know I mentioned Claimyr earlier, but seriously, when you have complex questions like this, it's worth getting through to an actual person who can give you guidance based on your exact circumstances rather than general advice from forums.

just wanted to say good luck with everything. dealing with injuries and benefit applications is stressful enough without having to navigate all these bureaucratic complications.

One more thing to consider - if your doctor has given you work restrictions, make sure you have those documented. That can help support your case that you're available for work within your limitations but genuinely disabled for your previous job.

this thread has been really helpful. i'm dealing with a similar situation with a knee injury and wasn't sure about applying for both. sounds like it's possible but requires careful handling

Final thought - consider timing too. Some people wait to see if they get approved for disability before filing for unemployment, while others file for UI immediately to bridge the gap. There's no right answer, it depends on your financial situation and how confident you are in your disability claim.

Make sure you understand Washington ESD's work search requirements too. You'll need to log your job search activities each week, so keep track of where you're applying and when.

I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier when I had questions about my standby claim. Really did save me hours of trying to get through on the phone. When you're dealing with something this complex, getting official guidance is probably worth it.

thanks everyone for all the advice. this has been way more helpful than the generic info on the washington esd website. going to file for UI this week and be very careful about documenting everything

One last resource - the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has some information about how different benefit programs interact. Might be worth checking their website too for official guidance on this topic.