Can you file for unemployment while on short term disability Washington ESD?

That makes sense, but what about when my disability ends? Should I wait until then to file or can I file now for benefits to start later?

You'd need to wait until your disability period ends and you're actually able to return to work. The benefit year starts when you file, so filing early would just waste part of your benefit year.

Did you have any trouble when you refiled after your disability ended?

No, it was pretty straightforward once I was cleared to return to work. Just had to provide documentation from my doctor.

The rules vary by state, but in Washington the able and available requirement is pretty strict. Being on disability typically means you're not available for work.

Actually, I had to use Claimyr.com to get through to someone at Washington ESD about this exact situation. The phone lines are impossible otherwise. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. The agent I spoke with confirmed that disability and unemployment don't mix.

So basically I need to wait until my doctor clears me to return to work before I can even think about filing?

Exactly. And make sure you have that medical clearance documented because Washington ESD will likely ask for it during the application process.

The phone system is absolutely terrible. I've been trying to get through for different reasons and it's nearly impossible.

yeah someone mentioned claimyr earlier, might have to try that if i need to call again

That's really helpful, thank you! Do you know if there's any waiting period after the disability ends?

No waiting period beyond the normal one-week waiting period for unemployment. Just make sure you have your medical clearance documentation ready.

Quick question - does this apply even if your employer terminated you while you were on disability?

Yes, the able and available requirement still applies regardless of how your employment ended. You need to be cleared to work first.

That's a more complex situation. You might be eligible for partial unemployment benefits if you're able to work part-time but can't find suitable part-time work. You'd need to discuss your specific limitations with Washington ESD.

Definitely something you'd want to call and clarify. I used Claimyr to get through when I had questions about my claim. Much easier than trying to call directly.

Oh no! How did they find out?

They cross-reference with insurance companies and employers. Don't try to hide it - they will find out and you'll owe penalties on top of repayment.

Yikes, that sounds like a nightmare. Good warning for everyone here.

Yes, same principle applies. Workers comp benefits also conflict with the able and available requirement for unemployment.

Workers comp is actually stricter because you're specifically unable to work due to a work-related injury. Definitely can't collect both.

Right? I spent hours reading through their website and still wasn't sure about my situation.

That's exactly why I ended up using Claimyr - needed to talk to an actual person who could explain my specific situation. Worth it to avoid making expensive mistakes.

Good point! Do you know what the deadline is?

I believe it's within 4 weeks of when you became unemployed, but you should verify that with Washington ESD directly.

That's the smart approach. Use this time to gather any documentation you might need and maybe start thinking about your job search strategy for when you're ready.

And don't forget to keep records of everything - medical clearance, termination paperwork, etc. Washington ESD loves documentation.