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

That makes sense but what about when disability is ending? Like if I'm cleared for light duty but my employer doesn't have light duty work available?

That's a different situation. Once disability ends and you're cleared to work but your employer can't accommodate, you might qualify for unemployment. You'd need to be fully able and available though.

Have you tried using Claimyr? It's a service that helps you get through to actual Washington ESD agents. They have this system that calls repeatedly until they connect you with someone. Check out claimyr.com - there's even a demo video at https://youtu.be/7DieNd3C7zQ showing how it works.

Never heard of that but might be worth trying. Getting through to Washington ESD is impossible otherwise.

So I should wait until my disability payments completely stop before filing for unemployment?

Yes, and make sure you have documentation that you're medically cleared to return to work. Washington ESD will want proof you're able and available.

The rules are actually pretty clear - you just can't collect both simultaneously. The confusion comes from the transition period when disability is ending.

Well it's not clear to me! And calling Washington ESD is useless.

How much does something like that cost? I'm already tight on money with disability ending.

I don't remember the exact amount but it was reasonable considering how much time it saved me. Way better than losing hours trying to get through myself.

Good point. My doctor cleared me for light duty only, so I'd need to find jobs that match that restriction.

Exactly. And you'll need to document those job searches in WorkSourceWA just like any other unemployment claimant.

You're thinking of different programs. Regular disability and unemployment are still mutually exclusive in Washington state.

OK thanks for clarifying. I wasn't sure about the specifics.

Should I file immediately when disability ends or wait a bit?

File as soon as you're able and available for work. There's a waiting week anyway so don't delay if you meet the requirements.

What kind of documentation did they want?

Medical clearance letter from my doctor and the final L&I closure paperwork showing disability benefits had ended.

That makes sense. I'll need to focus on office jobs or other light duty positions.

Right, and document everything in your job search log. Washington ESD will want to see you're making genuine efforts.

It's complicated because they're different programs with different purposes. Disability is for when you can't work, unemployment is for when you can work but can't find a job.

I guess that makes sense when you put it that way

I only been on disability for 3 months, so I should be ok on work history I think.

Yeah, 3 months shouldn't be a problem. They look at your work history over the past 18 months.

I keep hearing about this service. Might be worth trying since I can't get through on my own.

It really is. So much better than sitting on hold for hours or getting disconnected.

So even if I can't do my old construction job, as long as I can do some type of work I might qualify?

Exactly. If you're cleared for light duty work, you're considered able and available for employment purposes.

Did you have any problems with your unemployment application?

No problems once I had all the documentation. They processed it normally after that.

3 per week? That seems like a lot when I have restrictions on what I can do.

It's the standard requirement for everyone. But you can focus your search on jobs that match your abilities.

Definitely don't want to get in trouble. I'll wait until disability officially ends and I have medical clearance.

That's the smart approach. Better to wait a few extra days than risk benefit fraud charges.

Thanks everyone for all the advice. This thread has been really helpful in understanding what I need to do.

Happy to help. Just remember - wait for disability to end, get medical clearance, then apply for unemployment if you meet all the other requirements.