Can you get Washington ESD unemployment after disability ends?

Yes, you can generally apply for unemployment benefits after your disability ends, but there are some specific requirements you'll need to meet. You have to be able and available for work, which sounds like you are since your doctor cleared you. The key thing is proving you're actively seeking employment and physically capable of working.

That's reassuring to hear. Do I need to provide medical documentation proving I'm cleared to work when I apply?

It's a good idea to have that documentation ready. Washington ESD might ask for it during the application process or if there are any questions about your ability to work.

I went through this exact situation 3 years ago! The transition from disability to unemployment was smoother than I expected. Just make sure you file your application as soon as possible after your disability ends. There's no waiting period specifically for former disability recipients.

Did you have any issues with Washington ESD questioning your work history since you were on disability for a while?

They did ask about my work history, but as long as you have qualifying wages in your base period before the disability started, you should be fine. They look at your work history from before you became disabled.

I tried calling Washington ESD about this same question last week and couldn't get through to anyone! The phone system is impossible. Has anyone found a way to actually talk to a real person there?

I had the same problem trying to reach them. I actually found this service called Claimyr that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. It saved me hours of calling.

Interesting, I'll check that out. Anything is better than hitting redial for 3 hours straight.

Wait, you have to pay for that service? Why should we have to pay extra just to reach the agency we're supposed to be able to contact for free?

The main thing to remember is that you need to have worked enough quarters before your disability to qualify for benefits. If you were disabled for a long time, you might not have recent enough work history. Check your base period carefully.

How do I figure out what my base period would be? I worked full-time for about 5 years before going on disability.

Your base period is typically the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. Since you worked for 5 years before disability, you should have plenty of qualifying wages.

been there done that, its not as hard as people make it sound. just apply online and answer the questions honestly about your medical clearance

Did you have to do anything special during your weekly claims since you were previously disabled?

nope just the regular weekly claim stuff, job search requirements and all that

One important thing to note - if you were receiving Social Security Disability, make sure you report the end of those benefits when you file your unemployment claim. Washington ESD needs to know about any other benefits you've been receiving.

Good point, I'll make sure to have all my disability end dates and documentation ready when I apply.

This is crucial! I forgot to mention my disability benefits ended and it caused a whole mess with my claim. They had to do an adjudication review that took weeks to resolve.

THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN! Why should someone who's been disabled have to jump through hoops to get help finding work? The whole unemployment system in this state is a joke. They make it impossible to reach anyone and then question everything you tell them.

I understand the frustration, but the requirements are there to prevent fraud. Most people transitioning from disability to unemployment don't have major issues if they're honest about their situation.

Maybe so, but they could make the process a lot clearer and their phone system actually functional.

My sister went through this transition last year. The key thing she learned was to apply immediately after her disability ended, not waiting around wondering if she qualified. She got approved without any problems.

That's encouraging to hear. Did she have to do anything special for job search requirements given her previous disability?

As far as I know, she had to follow the same job search requirements as everyone else - 3 job search activities per week and keeping a log.

I'm in a similar boat - my disability benefits are ending next month and I'm nervous about the transition. Has anyone dealt with Washington ESD questioning whether you're truly able to work after being on disability?

They might ask for medical documentation proving you're cleared to work, but if your doctor has released you and you're actively job searching, that should be sufficient proof of your ability and availability for work.

Thanks, I'll make sure to get a letter from my doctor stating I'm cleared for work.

If you end up needing to speak with Washington ESD about your specific situation, I had good luck using Claimyr to get through their phone system. Much better than trying to call on your own and getting disconnected constantly.

How does that work exactly? Do they just call for you?

They handle the calling and waiting, then connect you when they reach an agent. Worth it to avoid spending your whole day on hold.

Quick question - does it matter what type of disability you were receiving? I was on state disability, not federal Social Security Disability.

The process should be similar regardless of whether you were on state or federal disability. The main requirement is that you're now able and available for work, and that you have qualifying wages in your base period.

Good to know, thanks for clarifying that.

Make sure you understand the work search requirements before you start claiming. They're pretty strict about the 3 activities per week and keeping detailed records. Since you've been out of the job market, you might want to brush up on current job search methods too.

That's a good point about being out of the job market. I'll probably need to update my resume and learn about online job applications that I missed while on disability.

Exactly! WorkSourceWA has some good resources for people returning to work after time away. Might be worth checking out their services.

One thing I learned - if your claim gets held up in adjudication because of the disability history, don't panic. It's pretty routine for them to review these cases, but most get approved once they verify your medical clearance and work history.

How long does adjudication usually take for these types of cases?

Mine took about 3 weeks, but I've heard it can vary. Having all your documentation ready upfront can speed things up.

Don't let anyone tell you that you can't get unemployment after disability - that's completely wrong! As long as you meet the basic requirements (able, available, actively seeking work, and qualifying wages), your previous disability status shouldn't disqualify you.

Absolutely right. I think some people get confused and think disability automatically disqualifies you forever, but that's not how it works.

Thanks for that clarification - I was worried there might be some permanent restriction.

Has anyone dealt with the situation where your old job is no longer available when you come off disability? I'm worried Washington ESD will question why I'm not returning to my previous employer.

That's actually a valid reason for unemployment benefits. If your job was eliminated or no longer available when you became able to return to work, that should qualify you for benefits. Just be honest about the situation when you apply.

That's reassuring to hear. I was worried they'd expect me to go back to a job that doesn't exist anymore.

The whole process was way less complicated than I thought it would be. Applied online, got approved within a week, and started receiving benefits. The key is just being upfront about everything and having your medical clearance documentation ready.

That's great to hear! It sounds like as long as I'm prepared with the right documentation, it should be straightforward.

Exactly. The horror stories you hear are usually from people who weren't prepared or tried to hide something. Be honest and have your paperwork ready and you should be fine.

If you do run into issues with your claim, that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier actually worked for me too. I was able to speak with a Washington ESD representative who helped clear up some confusion about my work history after being on disability.

Good to have that as a backup option if I need to speak with someone directly about my situation.

Yeah, it's nice to know there's a way to actually reach them when you need help. The regular phone system is basically useless.

One last tip - when you file your weekly claims, make sure you're honest about any limitations you might still have from your previous disability. Even if you're cleared to work, if there are certain types of jobs you can't do, that needs to be noted.

That's a good point. I can work but probably not in jobs requiring heavy lifting due to my back injury. I should mention that in my job search activities.

Exactly. They want to see that you're being realistic about what work you can accept while still actively looking for appropriate employment.