Can you file unemployment while on workers comp in Washington?

That makes sense, but what if I'm cleared for light duty work but my employer doesn't have any available?

That's a different situation - if you're cleared for work but employer has no suitable positions, you might qualify for UI. You'd need to check with Washington ESD about your specific circumstances.

Did you appeal the denial or just accept it? I'm wondering if there's any way around this restriction.

I didn't appeal because my doctor confirmed I wasn't ready to work yet. But if you disagree with the medical assessment, you might have grounds for appeal.

But what about partial disability? I can do some types of work but not my regular job. Doesn't that change things?

Partial disability is tricky - you'd need to be released for some type of work and actively job searching. The key is getting proper medical documentation about your work capabilities.

I had the same problem with getting through to Washington ESD. I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get connected to ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

Thanks, I'll check that out. The regular phone system is basically useless when you have complicated questions like this.

That's interesting - so timing matters a lot. I should probably talk to my doctor about what types of work I might be cleared for.

Exactly. The medical documentation is crucial because Washington ESD will want proof that you're able to work in some capacity before approving UI benefits.

I wouldn't recommend filing if you know you don't qualify. If you get benefits you're not entitled to, you'll have to pay them back plus penalties.

Good point, I don't want to deal with an overpayment situation on top of everything else.

Right, but what if I'm able to do different work than what I was doing when I got injured? The able and available requirement seems pretty strict.

If you can prove you're able to do other types of work and you're actively looking for those jobs, you might have a case. But you'd need solid medical documentation.

There's no automatic waiting period, but you'd need to file a new UI claim and prove you meet all the eligibility requirements at that time.

Makes sense. I guess it really depends on your specific medical situation and what kind of work you can do.

I feel you on the financial stress. That's why I'm trying to get clear answers from Washington ESD, but their phone system is impossible. Going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier.

Let me know how that works out for you. I'm desperate for some actual help navigating this mess.

I haven't personally seen anyone get approved for both simultaneously. The closest I've seen is people getting UI after their workers comp ended and they were cleared for light duty work.

That's what I was afraid of. Looks like I need to focus on getting my medical situation sorted out first.

That's encouraging to hear it's at least theoretically possible. Did your lawyer say what kind of documentation would be needed?

Medical clearance for specific types of work, documentation that employer has no suitable positions, and proof you're actively job searching for work you can do.

That's helpful insight. Sounds like I need to have a detailed conversation with my doctor about specific work capabilities.

Exactly. Vague statements like 'light duty' aren't enough. You need specifics about lifting limits, standing time, etc.

Same experience here. That's why I'm going to try Claimyr to actually get through to someone who can give me real answers about my situation.

Good luck with that. I'm at the point where I might just have to wait until my workers comp case is resolved.

That's a good point about the transition period. I should probably start planning for that possibility now.

Definitely. The key is having all your medical documentation ready and understanding exactly what types of work you're cleared for.

That matches what I've found too. The only potential exception might be very specific circumstances with partial disability and job search requirements.

Right, and even then it would require extensive documentation and probably involve an appeal process.

You might look into temporary assistance programs or disability benefits, but those have their own eligibility requirements and waiting periods.

I'll check into those options. The financial pressure is really getting to me.

Yeah, I've heard similar stories that don't hold up when you get the full details. Seems like true simultaneous benefits aren't really possible.

Exactly. The timing and medical clearance requirements are really strict.

That's encouraging to hear. I'm definitely going to give it a try since the regular phone system is useless.

Yeah, it's frustrating that you have to use a third-party service to reach your own state agency, but at least it works.

Thanks everyone for all the input. Sounds like I need to focus on my medical recovery first and then plan for the transition to job searching when I'm cleared for work.

That's probably the smart approach. Make sure you have all your documentation ready for when you do transition.