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

That's exactly what I was worried about - the contradiction between being available for work vs unable to work. How do they handle that during the review process?

They'll evaluate your specific circumstances. Some people have partial disabilities or conditions that affect certain types of work but not others. You'll need to be very clear about your limitations and what work you can still perform.

How long did it take for your unemployment claim to get approved? Did they question you about the disability application?

My UI claim took about 6 weeks to process because it went into adjudication. They did ask about my work restrictions during the interview. Having documentation from my doctor helped a lot.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work? I've been trying to call Washington ESD for weeks.

Yeah it worked for me. Saved me hours of redialing and getting hung up on. Worth trying if you need to actually talk to someone about complex situations like this.

I understand the frustration, but the different programs serve different purposes. Unemployment is for people temporarily out of work, while disability is for longer-term inability to work.

still confusing though when you dont know which one applies to your situation

That's a good point about timing. Should I wait to file one or the other, or go ahead with both now?

I'd say file for unemployment first since that can provide income faster. You can always file for disability later if your condition worsens or you realize you truly can't work.

Did Washington ESD give you any trouble during your weekly claim certifications about the work search requirements?

Not really, I just made sure to only apply for jobs that matched my restrictions. Kept good records of my job search activities too.

What kind of questions specifically? I want to make sure I answer correctly.

The main one is 'were you able and available for work during this week' - you have to answer honestly based on your actual capabilities, not your disability application.

That's why talking to an actual person is so important for complex situations like this. The general information doesn't cover all the nuances.

Yeah exactly, which is why I'm probably going to try that claimyr thing someone mentioned earlier.

Good point. I'll make sure to mention the UI claim on my disability application if I go that route.

Exactly. Both programs can see your other benefit applications anyway, so honesty upfront saves you trouble later.

How long did your disability approval take? And did you have to pay back any of the unemployment benefits?

disability took forever like 8 months total but no payback issues since i was legitimately looking for work i could do at the time

How many job contacts do you need to make each week if you have work restrictions?

Same as everyone else - 3 per week minimum. But they need to be for jobs that match your stated abilities and restrictions.

How much does that service cost? I'm already strapped for cash which is why I need benefits in the first place.

I don't remember the exact cost but it was worth it to avoid spending days trying to get through. Time is money when you're waiting for benefits.

That makes sense. I really need income soon so unemployment is probably the priority.

Exactly. You can always reassess later if your health situation changes. Better to have some income coming in than wait around for disability approval.

That's helpful clarification. So I could be available for desk jobs but not physical labor and still qualify?

Right, as long as you're genuinely looking for and available for the types of work you can actually perform.

What kind of documentation did they want to see? Just a doctor's note or something more detailed?

more detailed than just a note. they wanted specific functional limitations like can sit for x hours, can lift x pounds, that kind of thing

That's exactly my situation - some days I feel okay, other days I can barely function. Hard to know which program fits.

Document everything - good days and bad days. That kind of variability is actually pretty common with chronic conditions.

Good point about the timing. I'll probably file the UI claim this week and then see how things go.

Smart choice. Better to have it in the system and potentially get benefits than wait and definitely get nothing.

Yeah definitely try it. I was in the same boat with the endless hold times. Claimyr got me through to someone in like 20 minutes.

Alright I'll check out that video demo and see if it's worth it. Thanks for the rec.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. Sounds like unemployment first is the way to go, with the option to pursue disability later if needed.

Exactly. Take it one step at a time and keep good records of everything. Good luck with your claim!