Can you file for unemployment while on disability in Washington state?

It's SSDI, and I can work part-time according to my doctors. Does that make a difference for Washington ESD eligibility?

Yes, that could make a difference. You'd need to show Washington ESD that you're actively seeking and able to accept suitable work within your restrictions.

How did you prove you were available for work? Did you need documentation from your doctor?

Yes, I had to get a letter from my doctor stating what type of work I could do and for how many hours. Washington ESD also wanted proof I was actually looking for jobs that fit my restrictions.

Never heard of that service before. Does it actually work for reaching Washington ESD?

Yeah it worked for me when nothing else would. Finally got to talk to someone who understood the disability/unemployment overlap issue.

I'm definitely going to check that out. I've been trying to call Washington ESD for days with no luck.

ADA doesn't really apply to unemployment benefits though, does it? That's more for employers.

You're right, I was mixing up different laws. For unemployment it's really about whether you meet Washington ESD's able and available requirements.

I agree it's frustrating but there are people who can work part-time even with disabilities.

Then why is it so hard to get clear answers from Washington ESD about the rules?

I'm not sure if I'm in a trial work period. How do you find that out?

You'd need to contact Social Security to check your status. They track your earnings during trial work periods.

Wait, they made her pay it back? Even if she was eligible?

I think she wasn't supposed to be getting both at the same time. There was some rule she didn't know about.

This is why it's crucial to get proper guidance before filing. Overpayments can be really serious.

How much does that service cost?

It's worth it compared to wasting entire days trying to get through on the phone. Check out claimyr.com for the details.

So even if I can get both, the unemployment might be reduced to almost nothing?

Possibly, yeah. It depends on how much your SSDI is compared to your unemployment benefit amount.

That's why it's good to get things in writing when possible.

True, but first you have to actually reach someone who can give you a definitive answer.

I'll try to find that. Their website is so confusing though.

Yeah it's not user-friendly at all. The search function barely works either.

That's exactly what I was worried about. Better to get clear guidance first.

Definitely. The appeals process is a nightmare if they deny your claim or find an overpayment.

Does it work for all types of questions or just certain issues?

From what I can tell it connects you to regular Washington ESD agents, so they should be able to help with any unemployment question.

That's not entirely accurate. It depends on the specific circumstances and type of disability benefits.

Maybe I'm thinking of a different state then. The rules are all different everywhere.

Good point. I don't want to risk losing my disability benefits.

Exactly. Better safe than sorry with something this important.

I get the frustration but there are reasons for these rules, even if they're not perfect.

Maybe, but they make it so complicated that people just give up trying to work at all.

That makes sense. I'll try to get official guidance from both agencies before making any decisions.

That's the smart approach. Make sure to document any conversations you have with them too.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. At least now I know what questions to ask.