Can you get Washington ESD unemployment while on short term disability?

This is actually a complex situation that comes up more often than you'd think. Generally, you can't collect Washington ESD unemployment benefits while receiving short term disability because you have to be able and available for work to qualify for UI. However, if your employer eliminated your position, that changes things once your disability ends.

Been through something similar last year. You definitely can't double dip - can't get both STD and unemployment at the same time. But here's what I learned: if your job is gone when you're cleared to return, you can absolutely file for Washington ESD benefits then. Make sure you document everything about the position elimination.

Word of advice - when you do apply for UI benefits, you might need to talk to someone at Washington ESD to explain your situation since it's not straightforward. I spent weeks trying to get through on the phone when I had a similar issue. Finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual agent. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works.

WAIT HOLD ON. If your employer eliminated your position while you were on disability, isn't that potentially wrongful termination?? You might want to talk to an employment lawyer before worrying about unemployment benefits.

This exact thing happened to my sister in law. She was on STD for pregnancy complications and her company did layoffs while she was out. She couldn't file for unemployment until after her maternity leave ended and she was medically cleared. Then Washington ESD approved her claim without any problems.

Don't forget you'll need to register with WorkSource Washington and do job searches once you start collecting UI. Make sure you're actually ready to work before you apply because they take the able and available requirement seriously.

Just curious - are you getting any severance from your employer since they eliminated your position? That could affect your unemployment timing too.

The whole system is so confusing when you have overlapping situations like this. I had a friend who tried to navigate something similar and it took months to sort out because nobody at Washington ESD could give her straight answers.

Make sure you keep all your medical documentation and any communication about the position elimination. Washington ESD will want to see proof of both the disability period and the job loss when you apply.

One thing nobody mentioned - check if your state has temporary disability insurance that's separate from unemployment. Washington doesn't but some states do and it can bridge the gap.

This is such a stressful situation. I hope everything works out for you. At least it sounds like you have a clear path forward once you're medically cleared.

Just want to emphasize what others said - DO NOT apply for unemployment while still on disability. Washington ESD will deny your claim and it could complicate things later. Wait until you're 100% cleared to work.

Have you considered appealing the position elimination? Sometimes companies have to follow specific procedures when laying people off while they're on medical leave.

When you do file for unemployment, be prepared to explain the whole situation clearly. Write down a timeline of events so you don't forget anything important during the interview.

The good news is that Washington ESD has dealt with situations like this before, especially with all the layoffs that happened during COVID. They should understand your circumstances.

Don't forget to save money from your STD payments if possible. There might be a gap between when disability ends and when unemployment kicks in.

Quick question - when your STD ends, will you be getting any continuation of health insurance? That's another thing to factor into your planning.

I went through something similar and the key is just being honest and upfront with Washington ESD about everything. They're more understanding than people think when you're dealing with legitimate circumstances.

Bottom line - wait until you're medically cleared, document everything, and then file your claim. Washington ESD should approve it once you meet the able and available requirement. Good luck!