Can you get disability and unemployment at the same time in Washington ESD?

This is actually a really common question and the answer is no, you generally cannot receive both unemployment and disability benefits simultaneously. The reason is that unemployment requires you to be available and actively seeking work, while disability benefits are for people who cannot work due to their condition.

This is actually a pretty common question and it's not as black and white as people think. The key thing Washington ESD looks at is whether you're 'able and available' for work. If you're on partial disability but can still work certain jobs, you might qualify for UI benefits. You just need to show you're actively searching for work you can physically do.

I tried to do this last year and Washington ESD made me choose. You have to certify each week that you're able and available for work to get UI benefits. If you're applying for disability, you're basically saying you can't work.

You know what helped me when I was dealing with Washington ESD about complex eligibility questions? I used Claimyr to actually get through to a real person at the unemployment office. Their website is claimyr.com and they have this demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ that shows how it works. Way better than trying to call and getting hung up on constantly.

I went through something similar last year. I was getting Social Security disability but still wanted to work part-time. The thing is, if you're claiming you can't work for disability purposes but then telling unemployment you're available for work, that's a contradiction they'll catch.

You might want to try using Claimyr to get through to a Washington ESD agent about this. I used them when I had questions about my claim status and actually got connected to someone who could give me specific guidance about my situation. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ and their site is claimyr.com. Way better than trying to call Washington ESD directly and getting hung up on.

Be very careful about applying for both. Washington ESD can come after you for overpayment if they find out you were collecting UI while claiming you couldn't work for disability purposes. I've seen people get huge bills they had to pay back.

WAIT A MINUTE. You can't just collect both willy nilly. There are strict rules about this and Washington ESD will absolutely investigate if they think you're trying to double dip. You need to be 100% honest on your weekly claims about any other income including disability payments.

What about if you apply for unemployment first and then your condition gets worse? Like what if you become disabled after you're already on UI?

my friend got both for like 6 months but then they made her pay back the unemployment money because apparently she wasn't supposed to get both? idk the whole system is messed up

The key distinction is between temporary partial disability and permanent total disability. If you're on temporary partial disability, you can potentially qualify for unemployment benefits as long as you meet the 'able and available' requirement. You'll need to demonstrate that you're actively seeking work within your physical limitations.

I tried calling Washington ESD about this exact question last month and spent literally 4 hours on hold before getting disconnected. The automated system just kept telling me to file my weekly claim online but that doesn't answer whether I'm even eligible. So frustrating.

I hate how complicated the system makes everything. You're already dealing with health problems and then they make you jump through all these hoops just to survive.

Have you considered vocational rehabilitation services? Sometimes they can help bridge the gap between unemployment and disability by helping you find work that accommodates your condition.

Just went through this exact situation. I was on unemployment and my condition got worse. Used Claimyr to get through to Washington ESD and they explained that I needed to stop certifying for UI benefits if I was going to pursue disability. At least I got a clear answer instead of guessing.

Been there! The trick is understanding that 'able and available' doesn't mean you have to be able to do ANY job - just that you're able to do SOME work and available for jobs within your restrictions. I collected both for about 8 months while recovering from surgery.

The key thing to understand is that these are two different systems with different requirements. Social Security disability and Washington ESD unemployment have opposite definitions of being able to work.

One thing to watch out for - make sure you report your disability income when you file your weekly claims. Washington ESD will reduce your unemployment benefits based on other income you receive. Don't try to hide it because they will find out.

This whole situation is why I wish Washington ESD had better customer service. These are complicated questions that need real answers from real people, not just automated responses online.

Update: I called Washington ESD this morning and after 2 hours on hold, got disconnected again. I'm definitely going to try that Claimyr service someone mentioned. This is too stressful to keep guessing about.

I'm in a similar boat but with workers comp instead of disability. The rules seem to be different for every type of benefit. It's so confusing!

What if you're waiting for disability approval though? That can take months or even years. Do you just go without any income?

I think some people try to game the system but it always catches up with you. Washington ESD cross-references with Social Security and they will find out if you're double-dipping.

My advice would be to really evaluate your situation honestly. Can you work or can't you? If you can work but just having trouble finding the right job, stick with unemployment. If you truly cannot work due to your condition, pursue disability.

One more thing to consider - if you do apply for disability and get denied, you might be able to go back to unemployment if your condition hasn't worsened. But you'd need to check with Washington ESD about reactivating your claim.

For what it's worth, I also used Claimyr when I had questions about my eligibility. Really helpful to talk to an actual Washington ESD representative who could look at my specific case instead of just reading general information online.

Bottom line is you need to be consistent in your claims. If you're telling one agency you can work and another that you can't, that's where you get into trouble.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful information. I think I have a much better understanding now of how these two systems work and why you can't collect both at the same time.

Just wanted to add that the job search requirement is still in effect even if you're on partial disability. You need to be applying for jobs you can actually do with your restrictions. Washington ESD will review your work search log.

The bottom line is you need to be completely transparent with both agencies. Don't try to hide your disability from Washington ESD or hide your work availability from the disability office. Honesty is the only way to avoid problems down the road.

Thanks for asking this question OP. I've been wondering the same thing but was too nervous to ask. This thread has been really helpful!