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

So if I apply for SSDI I would have to stop filing my weekly claims with Washington ESD?

Yes, that's correct. You'd need to choose one or the other since the eligibility requirements contradict each other.

I'm not sure yet - the injury just happened last week. How do I know which type I might qualify for?

Temporary disability is usually through your employer or private insurance for short-term injuries. SSDI is through Social Security for long-term/permanent disabilities that prevent you from working entirely.

Really? I've been trying to call for days with no luck. What exactly is Claimyr?

It's a service that helps you get through to Washington ESD agents. You don't have to sit on hold or keep redialing. They handle the calling part and connect you when an agent is available.

Sounds too good to be true... how much does something like that cost?

That's what I was worried about. Did you have to pay back any unemployment money?

no because i stopped filing my weekly claims as soon as i applied for ssdi. but if you keep collecting both they'll make you pay it back

What about if you're getting disability but can still do some types of work? Like if you can't do physical labor but could do desk work?

That's called being able and available for work with restrictions. You can potentially receive unemployment benefits if you're actively seeking work within your limitations and report this correctly on your weekly claims.

If you were laid off before the injury prevented you from working, you might still be eligible for unemployment benefits. But you'll need to be able and available for suitable work.

The workers comp doctor says I can do light duty. Would that count as able and available?

Good point. Where do I report other benefits on the weekly claim form?

There's a section that asks about other income or benefits received during the week. Always answer truthfully even if you're not sure if it affects your benefits.

I've been trying to call but can never get through. The phone system is terrible.

Same here, I tried calling about this issue for two weeks straight. Finally gave up and used that Claimyr service someone mentioned earlier. Got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes and got my question answered. Worth it just to avoid the endless calling.

Short-term disability from employer insurance is different from SSDI. You might be able to receive both, but you must report the disability payments on your weekly claim and they may reduce your unemployment benefits.

How much would they reduce it by? Is it dollar for dollar?

It depends on the total amount and Washington ESD's calculation. They have specific formulas for how other income affects your weekly benefit amount.

I feel your pain. The rules are complicated and Washington ESD doesn't make it easy to get clarification.

That's exactly why services like Claimyr exist. Sometimes you just need to talk to an actual person who knows the rules instead of trying to interpret everything yourself.

This is really helpful, thank you. I think I need to talk to someone at Washington ESD before I do anything.

Definitely the smart move. Better to ask first than have to deal with overpayment issues later.

That's scary. What are people supposed to do for money while waiting?

thats the problem with the system. you're stuck between a rock and a hard place. some people try to stretch out their unemployment as long as possible before applying for ssdi

That makes sense when you put it that way. How did you finally get clarity on the rules?

We eventually got through to an agent who walked us through the different scenarios. Took forever to reach someone though.

That's a good way to think about it. I guess I need to be honest about whether I can actually work or not.

Exactly. And if your situation changes, you need to report it immediately. Don't wait until your next weekly claim.

Good luck! Hope you get the answers you need.

If you can't get through the regular way, remember that Claimyr option that was mentioned. Sometimes you just need to talk to a real person to sort these things out.